However, there are players who are taller or shorter than average and play excellently. This is because there are some advantages at all heights. The most important thing is to recognize those strengths to take advantage of the strengths. Carolina Marín measures 1.72 meters, being a height higher than the average.
Being tall favors better coverage
Having more height than the opponent can favor in the psychological impact. The opponent may become more nervous and more susceptible to mistakes. Let’s imagine having a taller player in front of you with a greater vision of the court.
Furthermore, tall badminton players have the ability to generate steeper angles. That is, it is more common to see them jump in the air and create attacks that are more difficult to defend. In addition, they can give the wheel much more overhead, reducing the time that the opponent has to see you arrive.
Also, the tallest players they can cover the court better badminton, as they will have to take fewer steps and use less energy. This is also defined as better reach. Shorter players will need to run more to regain the wheel.
However, not everything is positive. Until recently, serving was more advantageous in badminton for tall players, as they could serve at the same height as the net. But a new rule has made that advantage slightly diminish. Now, players have to serve at a distance of 1.5 meters from the net to prevent the shuttle from traveling over the net and there is any chance that it will fall before it crosses it. This makes it more difficult to attack in doubles.
Short players have better defense
Not everything was going to be negative for the shorter badminton players. Although not everyone has a better defense for being shorter, they usually do so because they have an easier time squatting or hitting the wheel overhead. What’s more, the center of gravity is lower. This makes it easier to move faster and helps maintain balance when taking shots.
When it comes to doubles, it may be more beneficial to be a little lower on the net. The racket sits at the right height to intercept the fastest shots and the body is protected by the net. Instead, tall players have to squat more to be effective in this position.
One last point in favor of shorter badminton players is that they can recover better. This is because the center of gravity is lower. If tall players are given quick turning movements, they may not be able to react as quickly to those shots.
