BRYAN SNYDER10/23/2012

MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
ANALYTICAL PORTFOLIO

SPORT: BADMINTON
SKILL: OVERHEAD CLEAR

BENCHMARK A (20 POINTS)
Competency #1:
The clear is the most important overhead stroke. It is mainly used in singles to push the opponent to the back court and create space in the front court. By playing the clear the player has more time to recover and get to “home” base.

The clear is basically a throwing motion. A player with a good throw has the potential to hit a good clear.

Critical Elements of the Overhand Clear

  1. Stand side ways to the net with the non-racket shoulder facing the net.
  2. Keep elbow and upper arm almost parallel to the ground and racket above the head.
  3. Swing racket towards shuttle and bring elbow through high and close to head.
  4. At the same time thrust racket hip forward.
  5. Contact with the shuttle high.
  6. Follow through with the racket and racket leg.

Competency #2:

As with most things in sport, there is carry over from sport-to-sport, skill-to-skill. Badminton’s overhead clear is no exception. As mentioned in competency one, the clear is eerily similar to a baseball and/or softball throw – with the addition of a racket. An overhead/overhand volleyball serve is also similar. An understanding and proficiency in any of these movements would have a direct impact on one’s ability to perform another.

BENCHMARK B (20 POINTS)
Competency #3:

Biomechanics is defined as the study of mechanical laws/principles relating to movement. Many of these laws/principles make the overhead clear possible. Stability, maximum effort, maximum velocity, linear motion, angular motion, and Newton’s 1st law are all present in some form of the overhead clear. Stability in ones support and ability to maintain balance throughout the movement; maximum effort and velocity as the striker swings the racket violently hoping to push the shuttle cock deep into the opponents court; linear motion when pushing hard into the ground as weight transfers from back leg to front; angular motion produced by the whipping through of the arm and racket (distance from axis – hips); and finally Newton’s 1st Law in respect to the flight of the birdie. As the birdie is moving in our direction on a downward fall (gravity) we apply external force (through our racket) in the opposite direction to propel it back to the opponent’s side of the net.

Competency #4:
As I have earlier stated there are 6 key or critical elements necessary to carry out the overhand clear. Based on my previous experience in baseball, specifically pitching, I feel as though I am fluent in this skill considering the motion is very similar to throwing. I do an excellent job of reading the oncoming shuttlecock and moving my feet and body into optimal striking position. I do however believe that there is room for improvement. In performing this skill I must emphasize the twist in the core with greater force. By doing so I will accelerate racket speed and thus performance will improve.

Competency #5:
There is always room for improvement, no matter what skill you are referring to. Therefore, practice is important in developing and refining what skills we do have. A simple drill one could perform to improve their clearing skills would be throwing. It can be done individually anytime and almost anywhere, so long as you have enough room. First pick a spot on the wall, whether it is a certain block or mark - it is up to you. Grab the shuttle and throw it, trying to hit the mark or block. Remember to concentrate on performing all 6 critical elements (see competency 1). Continue to throw for several reps (25-50). By continually performing the throwing motion your body will be fluent and accustomed to the movements associated with the clear. As you become more comfortable in doing this drill it will show on the court, as your overhand clears will become more fluent and consistent. Remember the more you do something, the more comfortable you become and the better you will perform.

REFERENCES

Books:

Coaching Badminton: Level One.Version 2.7, Copyright 2004 USA Badminton.

Grice, Tony. Badminton: Steps to success. Human Kinetics, 1996.

Sweeting, Roger L. Badminton: Basic Skills & Drills. Mayfield Pub. Co., 1992.

Websites:
Critical Elements of Badminton(retrieved 10/23/21012).