Badminton is one of the most entertaining sports in Switch Sports.
Two players face each other by sending a shuttlecock back and forth with two rackets. In this case, the shuttlecock must go over a net every time you hit it, and it must land within a defined area – just like tennis.
While this sport may look a bit silly and very simple to play, this is still a competitive game, and winning still gives you extra points for getting new stuff in Switch Sports.
So if you are looking for Switch Sport Badminton tips to win more often, you have found the right guide.
How to play badminton
In general, this sport is straightforward to play. This is one of the reasons I think it’s a lot of fun.
Characters move toward the center of the court every time you hit the shuttlecock, so you just have to worry about the timing, where you swing your racket, and how you do it.
If you swing Joy-Con to the left, you send the shuttlecock to the left. If you turn it to the right, you send it to the right.
By swinging from down to up, you send the shuttlecock at the back of the court in a really high arc. It can be dangerous as it gives your opponent some time to react, but it can be helpful to set up timing traps and make them go completely backwards.
If you hold the ZR, you will perform a low power swing that causes the shuttlecock to land just after it crosses the net.
Finally, if you swing the racket when the shuttlecock is at the highest reachable point after a wide arc, you can nail it to make it go so fast that your opponent does not have a chance to react.
Change things up
Change the way and direction you hit the shuttlecock to bring your opponent out of balance. Take more risks than usual and try things you are not normally comfortable with.
For example, if you normally swing sideways without thinking about it – never from down to up and never hold down the ZR button – you might try sending the shuttlecock high up in the air or just returning it while holding the ZR a few times.
Also tip the shuttlecock when possible to surprise the enemy, then switch with a slow return to ruin their timing.
This will serve as a distraction that can make your opponent even more out of balance as they try to recover.
When it comes to badminton, strategy is crucial if you want to win. Just swinging left and right will make your movements predictable and easy to return. If you keep playing your opponents at their level and comfort zone, they will always be better than you.
The key to beating your opponents is to find a way to force them to move – like forcing an opponent who likes to serve from one side of the court to your favorite. This puts them at a disadvantage.
It’s about figuring out where you can change things and using strategy to move things to your advantage. If there is no change, it will be easy for the one playing against you; then challenge yourself to challenge your opponents.
Beware of spikes
You usually have the option to point the shuttlecock when it is at the highest point where your character can reach it.
When this happens, the shuttlecock will leave a purple trail, which usually means it traveled high before going over the net.
Spiking is the best way to bring your opponent out of balance. It will be really hard to react to such a quick a return, so you might want to force them to return the shuttlecock in a way that allows you to spike it.
I usually start by swinging Joy-Con while holding ZR, then I swing it upwards to send the shuttlecock to the back of the court.
Note that your opponent may want to do the same with you, so you better be aware of when you will be set up.
Returning a tip can be even more effective than performing one, so you may be able to get a free point if you know what’s coming.
Note that it may take a long time for you to get to a point where you may notice that you are being set up and it may take longer to start hitting the quick returns.
Exercise, however, makes it perfect. You will see it coming at some point and then you will be able to do something about it.
Brain games
No matter how much you read about it, you will not be proficient at Switch Sports Badminton without putting in a bit of work.
One of the reasons is that your brain needs to become familiar with new movements and commands. It’s like learning a new language: You have to hear and see words over and over again until they become a different nature to you.
Fortunately, it does not take too long. Over time, it will not be about execution or remembering to change things, but about mind games. You and your opponent will keep forcing the other out of a comfortable area and guessing what you plan to do next and how to throw yourself off.
I know it sounds complex for such a simple game with light moves, but the simpler the game, the less it’s about playing the game, and the more it’s about playing the opponent.
Being competitive can help you win more often, but don’t let that get into your head. Playing sports, especially Switch Sports, is all about having fun, so do not forget to relax.
Also, many of the strategies in this game are transferred to Tennis, so you might want to give it a try. But you better learn to earn fast to gain a competitive edge there.
