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As beginners, our coaches will typically teach us to move our opponents around by trying to hit to the corners.
The higher level you get, however, you need to learn that hitting to the corners isn’t always the best strategy.
It may sound counterintuitive, but blocking in the middle is a shot that you should often play. Here’s why.
First, we need to understand that badminton isn’t just about putting your opponents out of position, but also playing shots that keep us in position.
Whenever you play any shot, you need to think about what your opponent can play back and be in position to cover the most dangerous options.
Blocking middle is a great shot because it significantly reduces the danger of any shot that your opponent can play. This has to do with the angle of a shot that gets played coming from the middle.
Because the angle of the shot is reduced, this also reduces your opponent’s shot speed and makes it easy for you to retrieve the shuttle.
Blocking middle isn’t limited to men’s singles either, it’s a shot that can be used in all events.
Now compare what you just watched to situations where players are blocking to the side.
Blocking to the side means your opponents have significantly sharper angles to work with, which allows them to play faster shots. This is a no no if your opponent is in position and even worse if you’re out of position.
Of course, there are times where blocking to the side is effective and it is something you should do. But it’s pretty much only done if your opponent is out of position and you’re in position.
If your opponent is in position and you’re not, blocking to the middle should be your standard play.
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Additionally, another benefit of blocking to the middle is that it’s an easy to play shot.
When you’re competing in big tournaments and matches, you’re undoubtedly going to feel nervous. You’re probably also playing in different conditions than you’re used to.
So you need to find your touch before you start going for riskier shots. Playing more to the middle of the court and rallying longer will help you find your feeling.
In these few clips you’re seeing here, you can really tell that Chen Long is nervous and not playing his best. As such, he’s blocking middle a ton to settle his nerves and get into the groove of his game.
With the same idea in mind, blocking in the middle is also what you should generally do when the score is close at the end. One mistake could decide the game and you don’t want to be the one making the mistakes by hitting a random shot out on the sides.
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I hope you enjoyed this video on why you should block in the middle. To recap, there are two main reasons why you should block in the middle in badminton.
First, it restricts your opponent’s shot options to shots that are easier for you to retrieve. Second, blocking in the middle is an easy to play shot that can help you keep the rally going longer and find your touch when you’re nervous.
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