Biomechanics for better coaching
Could Biomechanics be used as a science for better, more efficient coaching?

Badminton is a complex sport with different types of movements, strokes, jumps, landings, change of direction, you name it. 

Many coaches will say that sports biomechanics could be useful, yet very few use it regularly. 

The question that pops up: Could biomechanics be used for better, more efficient coaching and how? 

Many books will identify two main applications of Sport Biomechanics:

  • improve sports performance by adapting and optimising technique

  • prevent injuries

To do any of those, there is a need for substantial data and understanding of the application in each specific moment. Like example, understanding how to land properly when jumping is quite important especially after a knee operation. Normally, sports scientist or physiotherapist will test the athlete to ensure that is ready to perform again. However, testing off the court and on the court is something different. 

We can argue that the main reasons for not using it are: 
  • It is quite hard to relate it to technical competencies as there are a very limited amount of studies observing different badminton techniques. 

  • there are limited tools for this. Very few performance centres would have a biomechanical Lab.

  • the understanding and knowledge of the coaches is limited

Probably, there are more reasons but those 3 are quite serious ones. 

If we do not have enough information around the biomechanics for all specific technical movements we could still apply the basic principles to the way we observe the technical and physical skills. 

At we believe that joining the right people with a passion for the sport and strong scientific background could be the first step towards more relevant courses and materials. 

We are pleased, to announce that we are starting working on a course for Badminton Biomechanics with focus over coaches and the practical application of the science on the daily basis. 

This will for sure take time, however, we will periodically update the information around it.

Here is a small teaser for how biomechanics could be very helpful for better understanding in a specific stroke - the badminton smash. Enjoy! 


Performance and Injury preventions in other Sports.
What could we learn and transfer to Badminton?