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THE COURT — Look, we’ve all done it — we’ve all discounted badminton as a sport.
In fact, I would hazard a guess that nearly all of us have even made fun of badminton with its light, whimpy rackets and a feathered vollying object called a “shuttlecock.” After all, how can you get the speed and action of many other sports when all the tools of the game weigh mere ounces?
This video from the 2016 BWF Dubai World Superseries might change your mind entirely.
The men’s double finals match is between Denmark and Japan, and the MVP of this particular volley in the game is Denmark’s Mads Conrad-Pete.
The first thing you’ll notice is the surprising speed of each volley. The players are quick and agile with movements that look like a mix between tennis and volleyball. Personally, I had difficulty following the shuttlecock on screen.
Then, oh then, Conrad-Pete makes his move. There’s an athletic dive with a lightning-quick recovery, a nearly blind backhand that makes it over the net and a series of returned volleys as Conrad-Pete sits on the floor. Stay tuned for the slow-motion replay to further your amazement.
Even if the video doesn’t convince you badminton is an exciting and action-packed sport, you will not be able to deny this video is incredibly exciting in and of itself.
Because we’re talking about badminton, I feel it’s my public duty to remind you of this video, which includes Mary Carillo’s hilarious 2004 rant about the frustrating backyard version of badminton.
