Why Are You Playing Badminton Anyway?" by Robert G. Johns

 

Hmm, an interesting question.

As you and I both know of course, it is quite simply the best sport on the planet, combining a multitude of both mental and physical skills.

It keeps your body fit and your brain active, is sociable, competitive and also fun.

But the one thing that we must do before going any further is to decide which of the many good things about the sport you are actually in it for.

For example, personally...

I don't play the game because I enjoy it.

I don't play the game because I like the people.

I don't even play the game because I like to win.

The one reason that I play badminton is because I enjoy the challenge of becoming the best player I possibly can in a sport that tests me in every possible way.

When you know what it is you want from a sport, it makes it a whole lot easier to go out there and get it.

So, do you play for enjoyment?

Do you play to keep fit?

Do you play just to win?

Really ask yourself what it is that attracted you to the sport in the first place, what it is that keeps you going back, no matter what level you play at, from beginner to Olympic champion.

Because the beauty of this course is that it can be applied to whatever badminton goals you have.

Whether it's to play for your country, to win a tournament or just to go out with someone that you rather fancy in your club (!), the principles that we are going to look at can help in any area of your game.

You just have to know what it is that you want!

So your assignment this week (by the way, I set assignments all the time; simple ones that make massive differences) is as follows:

On a piece of paper somewhere, in a notebook or a journal, write and complete the following sentence:-

"I play the wonderful sport of badminton because..."

And remember there are no wrong answers!

Keep the answer safe somewhere so that you can look at it often.

Because what you have written forms the basis for everything that we do from here on in.

Maybe you started to play as a means to get fit but now really fancy beating your rivals.

Maybe you started young to please a parent and now play because you love the game.

Maybe you simply want to be the best!

If we were in one of my badminton life coaching sessions I could probe further and respond to how you answered, but as we're not, I'll leave you to really think about the answer that you gave, and what that means to your game.

And next time we'll look at how your beliefs can be used to turn you into a star player!

Until then, have a great week.

Regards,
Robert