Hi, I am a decent player in badminton, I am tired of using my college's badminton rackets, I do not want to buy a very expensive racket, but I would like some advice on how I can pick the best racket for myself, and not something heavy. Thanks.
218073
I'm a player as well and i'm using yonex carbonex 21 sp. you don't really need an expensive racquet to play good badminton. this is what i noticed from many good players, they can play very well with just an average racquet. if you don't want anyhing heavy, you can go for yonex carbonex. like mine, it is very light and it helps me to be fast in front of the net. it is good for tapping and you can reflex better with it. but it doesn't give me mush power in smashing because it doesn't have a heavy racquet head. i'd promote G5 to you. it is the smallest grip for yonex racquet. for me personally, it gives better control.
625037
Without having seen you play, it's a bit hard to suggest. Obviously you'll want to play to your strengths. Also, try a variety of shots in warm-up to see how he responds. I usually hit very heavy topspin...but if my opponent can't handle low slices as well then I'll hit those all day. \n\nA few things to check:\n\n1. Footwork. This is the first thing I ever watch. I'm sorry, you can hit like a cannon but I'm gonna pound winners on you all day if your feet are cemented down. If he doesn't move (and some people will disagree with me on this) then I suggest a few deep topsin balls and then a dropshot if you can do it. Basically, make him run!!! And on that note, make sure you are moving. Solid footwork can save you when you're tired. The more tired you are, the better your footwork has to be!!!\n\n2. Stroke. Of course you'll want to check which side is weaker for them.\n\n2.Serve. You'll want to decide how far back or forward to stand. If has has a very fast serve and you need time, then move back. If it's somewhat slow or has a huge kick, catch the ball early. But you always want to be moving into it on the return.\n\n2. Rally ability. Obviously if he can't hit more then 2 balls back in a row, you don't need to do anything fancy. You should figure this out early.\n\n3. Spin. Figure out how he hits!!! If he slices alot does the ball sit up? Does it skid low? What about topspin? Does he use alot or hit flat? \n\n4. Volley ability. How is he at net? If he's bad, purposely hit some short balls if you can to draw him up. I love playing people who are horrible at net.  A drop volley up close, then an easy topspin ball at their feet.\n\n\nAlso remember to go crosscourt when you can. I'm a big believer in changing the direction of the ball, but sometimes you just can't beat good low error tennis across the middle.\n\nI kinda wrote this in a rush if anyone has any additions or feels I said something wrong, I really won't be offended. Always fun to hear different viewpoints.\n\nHope this helps!
143550
the poor can play tennis for fun an there are plenty of programs alover the world that can help any jounor or youth get in to the game it just takes reseacrh. when i started playing at a young age of 15 i did not even have a racquet to play with. my school let me hold one for a few weeks until i got one.But even when i got one it was not the best but it was made just for me at my playing level. it costed 20 dollars us(WALMART). an it was a head racquet which i still have till this day. the best way to get in whould be to go through your school an see what they got if not alot of racquet makers have programs all over the world that will help to get u started. all u might need is a parents permission. good luck
138532
Good models start at 150 $.\nWilson is a good brand. So is Head. Some Yonex and Prince are quite good as well.\nBut the brand is not the main concern. Racket stifness, weight and balance are what make them a good one one for each individual according to your style of play, your power and so on.\nGet some guidance from a professional coach who knows your game and strengths and weaknesses.
142378
A good tennis racquet can cost anywhere between $60 to $300, depending upon what you want out of it. Since you are just starting, I would not spend money on the most expensive racquet. I would recommend hitting with several different types to see which one fits you best. As funny as it sounds, I would recommend going with a more traditional frame. This will improve your sense of touch, so you don't depend upon the racquet. A traditional frame is thinner than all these wide body monsters. In addition, it flexs, so you can understand shot control and spins. Head makes a decent model in the iRadical. Once you develop some touch, then you can choose a different racquet for more power or stiffness. However, you will lose other aspects during this shift. Once you get comfortable with a certain racquet design, it will be difficult to switch to other types. Most pros still prefer the traditional flex design, i.e. Agassi and Federer. Others like Nadal and Roddick embrace the stiffness of Babolot wide bodies.
150478
i'm not very good at underhand serving so i could offer a little tips on the overhand serve.  r u a male or female? \n \n1) don't use ur fist to overhand serve.  that might seem easier to give the power but that's not good cuz u can't control ur serve.\n\n2) a good friend of mine who plays very well always says to keep ur fingers close when serving.  that gives a good floater (a ball that has no spins causing a floating action that could drift off the direction sometimes) if done correctly.  but for me, i like it w/ my hand wide open.  if u get used to and good at it, u can also serve floaters w/ hand wide opened.  so that i guess it's up to u, whichever u feel more comfortable with.\n\n3) toss the ball in front of u, not rite above ur head or behind.  tossing is very important actually.  no need to toss too high.  grab the ball w/ ur serving hand and extend up, just slightly in front of u, but parallel to ur serving shoulder, that should be that point where u hit the ball.\n\n4) do not bend ur elbow.  at the point where u contact with the ball, ur arm should be straight, reaching for it. (pretty much the highest point of ur swing)  u r not hitting it rite by ur ears.\n\n5) follow thru ur arm swing.  some ppl stop rite after hitting the ball w/o following thru.  that might work, but follow thru will give more power.\n\n6) snap ur wrist.  that doesn't mean to hit the ball down.  ur wrist should be snapping down along w/ ur follow thru, that will give the ball a nice projectile.  some ppl snap it hard enough to give a lot of spin on the ball.  but please, don't break ur wrist!\n\nif u r male, u should hav enough arm strength the serve the ball over, so what u need to concentrate on is how ur palm contact the ball. also depend on ur height.  if u r really tall, u don't wanna hit too bottom of the ball to give a high serve.  (unless u mean to do it.)  if u r shorter, then hit it more bottom.  i'm guess between the horizon line to it's 45 degree down is good.  (bottom doesn't mean right under.)\n\nlook at where u r serving to, imagine the line of how u want ur ball goes.  then look at where ur hand is when making contact to the ball.\n\nthat works for female too, but a lot of female when they start overhand serve, they don't hav enough strength.  one of the things they r missing is, using their body to help.  this is how i started learning overhand serve in junior high (i served sideway and round house b4 that):  1st, say if u serve w/ ur right hand, the ready position will be, ur right leg in the back, left leg front, put the weight on ur right leg.  as u toss and hit the ball, u r also changing ur weight from ur right leg to ur left, so u r like walking forward.  u r actually throwing ur right side body to the front, ur right hand is only use to hit the ball, where the power is actually coming from ur body.\n\nHIT the ball, not pushing it.\n\nlastly, of cuz, a lot of practise!  =P\n\noh yeah, as u r serving, think of it: "SMACK IT LIKE IT JUST SMACKED U!!"\n\nthis is only my 2 cents, and everyone is different.  to be correct is important, but to be good at what u've got is even better.  i'm not very good in explaining in words, but i hope this will help.
153437
goto play it again sports and get the ultimate old man racket:\n\nwilson profile hammer OS 2.7 (circa 1992?)\n\nit has a huge sweet spot.
529031
just reading the rules and scoring of the game will not help cos the scoring is pretty confusing for a total outsider to tennis.i personally suggest that before u start playing,watch the tennis matches on television.they teach u more than any book or website can provide.once u start watching matches,u will start understanding the scoring and rules urself, and in a fun and interesting way.
21519
Virtually every racket company "brand" makes frames for all levels of tennis.  The most lucrative segment of the market is oddly enough the beginner/elderly market.  Most beginners associate price with performance and the elderly are looking for "game improvement" frames which adds power to their shots and are arm friendly.  Everything else is just straight marketing.  The best brand for advanced players has recently been babolat since they have gained a significant segment of the market.  However the best in terms of quality control by making a consistent product is either volkl or yonex.  Having said that, every company makes a quality line of rackets that are appealing to every level of player.  The strings play just as important part as the frame does as far as performance.
605485
I am clapping my hands!IIt is so fun to play AND watch! I prefer watching women's tennis to men's because after 2 hours or so, it gets tedious. My favorite women's player is Martina Hingis and men's is Roger Federer. I don't play at a club, but I am starting next month with lessons. (I still play for fun though)
629245
Tennis is a GREAT sport! I love playing. I love the fact that you can be at any level and still really have a great time. When I played high school tennis, we had several players who were able to make the team without prior experience. We also had players who had never played before who made the JV and freshman teams. Is that an option for you?\n\nIf you really want to make the team, this is what I suggest: find a place that offers lessons in your area--this could be a local club or a your city's park and rec department--and spend a few months getting the basics down. Also, find someone to hit with regularly. Growing up, my best friend was a guy who I hit with every day after school. We were able to progress as players because we spent so much time on the court. If you're able to find someone to hit with and spend a lot of time on the court before try-outs next spring, then you'll find that you're more than likely in a good position to make the team. \n\nAnyway, I'll give you a link to help you track down places to play, to learn the game, and to find players to hit with. I hope that helps. Good luck!
579854
if you want to "slam" the birdie on the opponent, then raise the racket up, put it back like almost like you're scratching your back, then you give it all your might, and slam. it might get a few tries at first, but once you get it, it will make a sound! and to tell you this, i'm not even in middle school yet!!!
589555
I like badminton. It's a popular sports in Singapore. I play badminton every Wednesday 8-10pm @ Yio Chu Kang Communnity Club. Most of the players are beginner level.
374594
Yeah, you could learn to play at any age  smiley\n\nThere are a lot of racquets out there that would fit you and your budget. A local sports store would probably be the best bet.\n\nAnd just look around for people that can teach you. You don't need to be taught by a really good pro right away. Just someone that knows how to play and is willing to teach you.
38715
maybe you could go to a sports doctor they are usualy helpfull and can give good advice ,you could go to a regular shop specialize in sports (better if specialize in tennis but those one are hard to find in the USA).\nMake sure the racket you have is not too long,that might sound silly but try to put the bottom of the racket under your armpit and make sure your fingers can reach the very end of the top of the racket.you said your racket has a oversized handle can your grabb the handle goes all the way around? i mean like if there is a big space between your thumb and the other finger you might have a harder time for a good grip.\nabout brand there almost all the same now days just,if you wanna good quality you have to put the price and anything under 75 dollars is not going to be that good.
53843
I usually always start with my racket somewhat high on most every backswing.  IF I am playing a driving slice shot that I want to stay low, I have a more level swing.  If I want a sharp bite to the side with more angled spin I have a little more of a high to low swing.  To me its about getting more of the racket face through the stroke than it is about swing path.  I like to keep the racket face more level providing a more solid feel to the shot, rather than a more open face where the ball tends to float and sit up.
639905
Hey TopSpin, it really depends on what kind of foot you have. With that in mind I'll include a link to a similar question that was asked. You'll be able to find my answer and that might help a bit. But when it all comes down to it, the best shoes are the ones that you feel the best in. I play a lot and at one point I was going through a pair of shoes every month or two. I decided to give Wilson shoes a whirl because they have guarantees on most of their shoes. I wasn't a big fan because they were too heavy for my taste. For my foot I really like Nike--and especially their Air Zooms. I don't know if you remember the old Sampras shoes, but those were the greatest. It was like playing in my socks.\n\nIf you want shoes that aren't too expensive, then you can find good shoes in the Nike, Adidas and Wilson lines that aren't too pricey--and they all have shoes with guarantees, although the Nikes and Adidas with guarantees are a bit pricier.\n\nHere's an alternative that I use: I buy two pair of shoes. I buy a really nice pair and then I keep my eyes open for sales or a good less expensive, more durable pair. I then switch them off. I usually go to Tennis Warehouse and look for shoes on liquidation. Here's an example for you:\nI'd get a pair of the older Air Resolve (on liquidation; I'll add the link below) for $60 and then I'd keep my eyes open for other good deals on the liquidation list (you could also check out sites like Holibird Sports; I'll include a link to their close-out page). I have a pair of these Resolves. They've got a six-month guarantee on the outsole and they're pretty comfortable. Plus they've got a solid toe--you mentioned toe-dragging.\n\nGood luck. I know how hard it is to find a shoe that fits well.