Mis-hits: Why my badminton strings break so easily

Badminton Strings & Mis-hits

Badminton strings play a crucial role in the game of badminton, as they are responsible for providing the necessary tension and power for shots to be hit accurately and with force. However, one common problem that players face is mis-hits, which can easily break strings and cause frustration.

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why mis-hits in badminton can break your badminton strings and what players can do to prevent it.

Why Do Mis-Hits Occur?

A mis-hit often occurs when the shuttlecock is not hit with the sweet-spot of the badminton racquet, which is the centre of the racket head. Instead, the shuttlecock is hit close to the frame of the racquet where the strings are weaker, as there are not as many badminton strings present to support the area. This results in the strings breaking or fraying, which can be a costly and time-consuming problem for players.

Causes of Mis-Hits

There are several reasons why players may mis-hit the shuttlecock, including poor technique, incorrect timing, or using a racket that is not suitable for their skill level.

Poor technique can cause players to hit the shuttlecock with the wrong part of the racket, which can put unnecessary stress on the strings. Incorrect timing can also cause players to mis-hit the shuttlecock, as it often results in the shot being struck outside of the sweet-spot.Using a badminton racquet that is not suitable for your skill level can also lead to mis-hits, as the racket may be too heavy (or too light), causing you to have difficulty controlling it.

Mishits which cause the string to break can occur more often when:

1. The badminton string being used is a thinner gauged string:  longer-lasting badminton strings often range between 0.69-0.72mm in diameter while shorter-lasting badminton strings often range from 0.62-0.68mm in diameter.
2. The badminton stringing tension is higher - the higher the stringing tension, the more likely it is to break. Sometimes string in freshly-strung badminton racquets can break within just a few hits if the stringing tension is high, the badminton string is thin and the shot is mis-hit.

You can learn more about what badminton string tension means here.

How To Prevent Mis-Hits

To prevent mis-hits from breaking your badminton strings, players can focus on improving their technique and timing of their shots. This can be done through practice and lessons with a coach, who can help you identify any issues with your technique and teach you how to time your shots correctly.

Now, as Badminton players ourselves, we know that it is sometimes hard to prevent mis-hitting your shots. Badminton is such a high paced sport and sometimes we just physically can’t get to the shuttle on time to hit it exactly in the sweet spot of the racket. At these times, we just have to accept that mis-hits happen and it’s just part of the game. 

If you would really like to reduce the risk of it happening to you, use strings that are thicker (higher gauge) and have your racket strung at a lower tension.

Additionally, players should also consider using a racket that is suitable for their skill level, as this can help them control the racket better and reduce the likelihood of mis-hits.

Here is a guide for beginners in choosing the right badminton racquet:

And for intermediate or advanced badminton players choosing their next racquet:

If you need help in choosing the right Volant racket for you, here is a 30-second badminton racquet quiz that will help you choose the badminton racquet that best suits you!

Lastly, the timing of re-stringing your badminton racket is important in avoiding your string breaking mid-game and it also helps to maintain the racket tension properly. If you see it fraying, it will probably break soon!

Conclusion

In conclusion, mis-hits can easily break badminton strings and cause frustration for players. By improving technique and timing of shots, using a racket that is suitable for their skill level, and maintaining the racket and strings properly, players can reduce the likelihood of mis-hits and broken strings. 

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