GUEST BLOG
DIPANKAR BHATTACHARJEE
(Olympian, 3 time National Badminton Champion)
A quick introduction to the science of choosing the perfect badminton racket.
(Reading time ~3 mins)
Before we get into the technicalities of choosing a badminton racket, it is important to realize two points:
Playing style technique, experience, physique and muscular strength are different for different players. So no one can accurately advice you which racket will suit you best. With practice, experience and some technical guidance, you yourself will be the best judge.
A racket replacement cannot cure poor technique. So don’t let marketers trap you into believing that the new racket is what will ‘transform’ your game. A good coach has better chances at improving your game than a particular racket.
However, in case you are a beginner at the game and need guidance, here are the most important factors that you must consider when choosing a badminton racket.
Light rackets are
Rackets of 85-90 gms are considered as light weight and recommended for beginners.
Head or Handle heavy?
Racket with a heavier head provides higher power in the smashes. However it also is difficult to maneuver due to the torque created by the additional weight. In contrast handle heavy rackets or even balanced rackets are easier on the wrists and recommended for beginners. Players can choose Head heavy rackets gradually as they progress and build the required muscular strength.
DIPANKAR BHATTACHARJEE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dipankar Bhattacharjee
represented India in 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, was Senior National Champion thrice and was also nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award twice for his contributions in Badminton. He now coaches in Ramsheth Thakur International Sports Complex, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.
The quicker your wrist arm speed (or swing speed) is, the more you will benefit from a stiffer shaft. A stiffer shaft bends and unbends very quickly and gives maximum power and control to players with fast swings. However the swing speed of beginners is most likely not as swift and hence a more flexible shaft is advisable.
There are various racket shapes, stringing patterns and materials available. But the basic principle remains:
Higher tension = More control, smaller sweet spot
Lower tension = More power, bigger sweet spot
Why? The strings work like a slingshot which expands (ever so slightly) when the shuttle meets the string and then contracts back in a swift manner. Lower tensions allow more expansion and higher power. On the other hand, tighter strings remain flatter – the shuttle swiftly rebounding off the racket and reacting to the swing instantly. It is easier to control the direction of the shuttle. Playing conditions (temperature) may affect the ideal tension as higher temperatures tend to expand the string resulting in reduced racket tension. Lower tensions also afford bigger sweet spots (area where the shuttle sinks and then propels forward) . As beginners do not have a consistent swing and need to develop their hand-eye co-ordination, a bigger sweet spot is particularly helpful.
Using plastic shuttles?
Plastic shuttles do not travel as swiftly as the feather ones. It means you have to put in more effort to get them to the back court or smash effectively. To counter this, players keep the tension 2-3 lbs lower than what they would otherwise need.
Here is what I suggest:
To summarize, beginners can start with a light balanced racket with flexible shaft and lower tension. As you progress, you can choose head heavy, stiffer rackets with higher tension as per your game and strengths.
Good luck!
Since you have a good idea of how to buy a racket, here is a racket type recommendation based on your level and type of game. This guide will also give you some of the options available in the market that might suit you.
Do you have any badminton racket dilemmas? Leave a comment below.
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