How many of these 9 common issues in amateur doubles do you relate to?
•5 min read
In badminton, doubles offer a more inclusive appeal—requiring relatively lower levels of physical exertion and intensity, while also allowing for the most efficient use of court space. Moreover, doubles typically don’t demand exceptionally high individual technical skills or physical fitness; as long as partners adhere to basic coordination principles and develop a solid understanding of each other’s playing styles, they can often achieve strong performance in real-game situations.A roundup of common issues in amateur doubles—see if you’ve fallen into any of these traps! 1No habit of raising the camera Holding the racket seems to be the hardest habit for amateur players to develop. The importance of holding your racket high goes without saying—besides quickly sealing the net, it also protects you from being caught off guard by aggressive attacks or getting hit in the head. In doubles play, there are plenty of opportunities for flat exchanges. When faced with an opponent’s attacking shot, players often instinctively return the ball. However, once you develop the habit of keeping your racket up, returning those powerful, pressured shots becomes significantly easier.
2Too many feints What’s most frustrating in doubles? Probably watching a seemingly golden opportunity get blown away by your partner’s “fake move.” Maybe it’s just a habit formed during singles practice—most players start their training with one-on-one matches, where hesitation and feints are used frequently to trick opponents into second-guessing their next move. As a result, even when they reach the peak of their swing at the right moment, they instinctively pause for a split second. But in doubles, this tiny delay can be downright deadly. After all, doubles demand speed, precision, and power—but a well-timed fake isn’t always enough to throw off your opponent. Worse yet, it often ends up wasting precious time, turning what should have been an easy winner into a rushed, forced shot that leaves you scrambling defensively. 3Lack of awareness about protecting the backhand Amateur players often struggle with handling the backhand in the backcourt. Without consciously protecting their backhand, they tend to repeatedly allow opponents to score from the same shot placement. That’s precisely why it’s crucial to use your footwork strategically—move around purposefully to shield that vulnerable area. And don’t hesitate to throw in a quick "Malaysian step" now and then, just to nip in the bud any thoughts your opponent might have about targeting your backhand.
4Coherence awareness is lacking. Coherent awareness is the fusion of thought, action, and speed. Multiple shots are the defining rhythm of doubles play, making coherent awareness especially crucial in this format. Players must promptly assist their partner by covering the next shot based on where the ball is hit. It requires synchronized footwork—your mind, hands, and steps must all move in perfect harmony. Finally, it’s about coordinating seamlessly with your partner’s movements and positioning, patiently waiting for the next return. 5Doubles serve-and-volley with a flat high ball When you attempt a drop shot to your opponent’s backcourt, do you feel nervous—your face tightens, your hands tremble, and your footing becomes unsteady? Many amateur players struggle with their flat high shots: either they sail out of bounds or land right in the net, leading to some pretty serious consequences. So, unless you’re absolutely confident, don’t risk hitting an unforced flat high shot lightly. 6Body faces the net, not the ball. When the opponent attacks, should our defensive positioning face the net or the incoming ball? The answer is: face the incoming ball.Most players with poor defense simply aren’t prepared enough. Lowering your center of gravity, raising your racket, and positioning yourself directly in front of the incoming shot are the right techniques for handling a powerful smash. 7No one at the netPlayers with outstanding individual skills all share one thing in common: a strong presence in the backcourt. It’s all too common on amateur courts for two players, confident in their backcourt abilities, to hesitate or refuse to contribute at the net during rallies. But remember, doubles is a partnership between two players—so when your partner is charging aggressively from the backcourt, it’s absolutely the right move to step up and defend the net yourself. 8When the opponent sets up the net, they don't know how to handle it. Across the net stands a setup—will you choose to lift the ball defensively, or will you bravely step into the net to create opportunities for your teammates? While lifting the ball when opponents set up at the net is common, few players dare to master that delicate art of using minimal effort to control the match right at the front of the court. 9The midfield and net play feature monotonous ball trajectories. There’s a general rule: Whether it’s attacking or defending in the middle or front court, or engaging in quick, steady rallies at the net, the player who changes direction first usually scores the point. On the other hand, repeatedly hitting flat shots or powerful smashes without variation often leads to prolonged exchanges—only for the ball eventually going out of bounds or landing softly into the net.
