Hello badminton lovers! It's been awhile and I must say that I'm having fun being back on the courts and in singles games again. I've found a few new friends with the same interests (and age group), and we're meeting pretty often to get the games on.  Feeling my game improving (reaction and footwork) and getting to know a few of my (many) remaining rackets is a mighty fine feeling.  But with age comes the realization that I don't really have enough time to try and master all the rackets I have. So I guess it's finally time for me to seek out one and stick to it for the rest of ..read more

To me, there are two very basic things that separate an intermediate player from a beginner. I remember when I was starting out I was amazed how much of a difference it made when I attained an understanding of footwork and a proper stroke.  I wrote a previous article about footwork that I think would be helpful for the beginner, so do take a read here. Now, this lesson focuses on using a proper arm swing technique to get the most out of your shots. Like I say to some of the players I meet, you have to pretend like you're using your arm to throw the shuttle; that way you will notice that ..read more

I started this blog at a time when a badminton enthusiast was spoilt for choice when he wanted to buy a new racket.  There were so many brands, and each had their own take on how best to twist a turn sheets of graphite into a shuttlecock beating wand. With the competition they all had to ensure that their products were great - that meant no cheap material or design; rackets were made in countries like Japan or Taiwan with high grade graphite and some form of technology ingrained into the design.  I remember Karakal, now best known for their replacement grips (they're really tacky), a ..read more

When Kento Momota first took to the circuit I knew there was something about him. I remember telling my buddy at that time that this young Japanese player will be the next World Number 1. True to his performance, he started winning - his brand of stable gameplay and consistent rallies letting his scalp one opponent after the other.  Before Momota, I also had my eye on another Japanese singles played. Kenichi Tago has an explosive edge to him that made his games very nice to watch. The young player also favoured the backhand over an overhead forehand swing - something I tend to do a lot as ..read more

This is a series inspired by the time I spent with a pal of mine, teaching him how to become a better player. I put together all my knowledge from the years in the sport, hoping that it'll work. Instead of forgetting that it ever happened, I figured I make a series out of it and impart some more knowledge to visitors to the blog who want to know a little about how to become a better player. Before we start, the obligatory copyright statement. Those who copy, shame on you. Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http ..read more

Now this has been in my bag for quite some time, as much a victim of COVID-19 as I am. The green color theme really shone out to me and with a pretty nice touch on the swing I decided to spend a bit on this guy and take it home to join the rest of my collection. Adidas badminton rackets don't get a lot of love from shuttlers, mainly due to their short stint in the professional circuit (good choice to go Yonex, Axelsen!) and also their generally being everywhere else. Nevertheless, the price was decent and the quality great. The racket was soon to get it's time on the court.  It wasn't un ..read more

 Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg  ### So I had typically given up on badminton racket reviews, what with Yonex taking over most of the domestic market and basically ruining the diversity of rackets available here.  Add my recent injury bout to the mix, and also this world-changer called COVID-19 - basically that left me with very little interest in rackets in general.  But then a visit to the local racket shop for supplies saw this guy in my hand ..read more

Having the right stroke for your shots can mean a big difference between a good game and a great one. I've been working on my forehand for the last three sessions and I can really feel the difference when I consciously carry out a proper forehand. The key is pronation, coming in with your shoulder and leading with the elbow before the wrist comes in to do the trick. For each shot, you'll want to minimize the swing of the whole arm, and instead concentrate on having each of the three joints being used in quick succession to add more power and control to the shot. And instead of talking my fa ..read more

Hey guys, found out some other site's been taking my article wholesale, so be a sport and bookmark the original site - http://everythinggoeshere.blogspot.sg   ### First Impressions here. I first caught sight of the Yonex Astrox 99 when Kento Momota used it to dominate the World Championship - a bright orange racket that seems to add a new dimension to his game. There was a certain poise to his movement on the court, and a brightly colored racket sure helped the illusion! I didn't know what it was at that time, but that racket in his hand checks all my boxes. So I rang up ..read more

A few years ago, a young Japanese player came out of nowhere and rattled the international badminton scene. He displayed the cockiness of someone who didn't need to try hard to win, and took to the court with an explosive attitude. Then, Tago Gate hit and he was sentenced to obscurity for two years. By the way he hit back, I can only imagine the regret and torment that Kento Momota experienced. He missed an All England. He missed a World Championship. He missed the freakin' Olympics. And boy did he repent. No one knew what hit em as he claimed scalp after scalp upon his return - with a more ..read more