Playing doubles
I went back to read Tony Gunawan website to check to see what’s new. I know that he was in World Championship this year, and was stopped in the quarter final, so I want to see what he has to say about it. Usually, he has some explanation on why/how he lost a game. A good player always reflect on his performance whether he win or lose a match to what he can improve upon. This time he provides some insight to the new trend in world class doubles game.
Here is a quote from his blog.
”
For me, the learning continues. Badminton games always evolve throughout the years. Certainly for men’s doubles now, one of the characteristics shared by many top pairs is the quickness in both hand and leg coordination to attack. It is not only about big smash anymore. It is the combination of fast smash, drive, defense, net, and counter-attack. From all four semifinalists this year, three are considered the new generation of men’s doubles. Only Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook have been around for more than ten years. Also, only Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook have different playing style. They depend mostly on their solid defense first and as soon as they place a great shot, then they launch their smashes.
The other three pairs (Kido/Setiawan, Lee/Jung, Ikeda/Sakamoto) - along with Koo/Tan and Cai/Fu start off each rally by attacking right away. All have quick reflexes to return the coming shots. They all play effectively and they waste no time; especially in the new rally system where all that matters is to collect as many points in the shortest amount of time possible. They rely on their fitness in jumping left and right to get to the shot right away. To defeat them, you either as fit (or fitter) than they are or you have an extremely solid defense to tired them out first.
“
There you have it. As he said, it’s not about setting up for big smash anymore. Today’s double is about fast pace all around. Whoever blink first, lose.