When I picked up my first badminton racket in 1987, I remember it well. It was my mum's old wooden Slazenger, warped from it's time in a damp loft. It was quite awkward compared to the modern rackets and, in an effort to get the most from the bent shape, I would turn it concave side forwards for downward hitting and then spin it round to use the reverse side for high shots!
Well, it didn't put me off. I had such a great time that I quickly invested in a lighter graphite model. The combination of fun, shot variety, team involvement (this was all doubles) and a sport which you could play all year round without interference from the weather had me hooked.
Badminton is a great game to play at any level from a relaxed hit about to some serious, calorie-burning action. I was quickly falling into the serious category and playing a sport like this had an effect on many aspects of my life. Firstly it gave me fitness. During my school years I played for the team and, in addition to the 2 school practices per week, we played against other schools. I also played for a club outside of school. Sometimes, badminton would be the discipline during games so it was not unusual to play 5 times a week.
This gave me direction and discipline. However good I got, there were always older and stronger people to play against so it was never a case of resting on my laurels and it wasn't until the 6th form that I became school singles champion.
Badminton also gives you a sense of belonging. Most matches were and still are doubles games. This means you strike up a partnership and, to get the most from this, one must gel with that partner and understand their strengths and weaknesses (as well as your own). Team matches are played by 3 pairs usually so, when you are off court you will typically be watching and cheering for your other pairs.
As I moved forwards in life, all the things I had gained from badminton continued to benefit me. I had my fitness and reason to stay fit, I had self-discipline, a skill and an ability to work with others and understand their strengths and weaknesses, not to mention the ability to spot those of our opponents!
On arriving at University, joining the badminton team was a continuation of this. I was joining a group of like-minded people and, once again, this provided and new set of benefits and challenges with many new (and better) people to play against. We travelled the country each Wednesday playing other Universities and having a thoroughly good time.
As I type this today, I can confidently say that I have more friends and acquaintances made through badminton than from any other aspect of life and I have gained as much from playing a sport that I love than from any of my academic subjects.
When you learn to play badminton you will pick up a whole lot more than the racket!
