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Who ever thought that we would be forced away from the badminton courts for so long due to a global pandemic. Not in our wildest dreams did we think this could happen.
In Melbourne, where Jeff and I are based, we have been locked down since the end of March 2020, and at time of writing, we are still in a very similar position - some say the most strict restrictions in the world.
There is absolutely no denial that there are some families and individuals who are struggling because of the effects of COVID-19 financially, emotionally, physically and mentally. And put into perspective, we are doing just fine, even though many of us tend to complain about the restrictions that have been put on us.
So in this article, we want to take a bit of a lighter view of things and list the many things that we miss about badminton, and can't wait to experience again.
1. Getting fit, burning calories and exercising without the "effort"
To us, even if we are training hard, when we're on the badminton court, it never feels like a chore. Compared to running around the lake, lifting weights in the gym or doing a circuit class, playing badminton feels so easy. And we don't mean that it's not a great physical workout - it definitely is.
The reason it feels so easy is because we love playing so much that it's easy and effortless to exert ourselves, push our bodies and play until exhaustion. How easy it is to play badminton for 2 hours straight compared to just go running for 30 minutes straight? It's just so much easier and so much more enjoyable!
We'd even go to say that we'd prefer to do footwork non-stop than mindlessly run for a set period of time or distance to get our calories burnt.
2. Seeing our badminton crew
We've always talked about the badminton community being a huge part of why we love playing and why we keep playing. So there's no doubt that we can't wait to see our friends again and no doubt, jokingly mock them about how you're going to beat them, how much weight they've put on during lockdown or how their smash is unbelievably easy to return - which will be even easier now seeing that they haven't hit a shuttle for many months!
There's nothing better than some friendly competition, then when that's done, settling down afterwards for a late night supper or drink to round off the night, while having interesting conversations that may or may not be badminton-related.
3. Watching international badminton
Do you get YouTube notifications on your phone? We used to get them when there was a live stream starting so that we could tune into some of the premier tournaments being playing around the world. But with COVID-19 stopping international tournaments from running, we've had to live with replays and highlights to satisfy our badminton cravings.
It will be so good to be able to watch some live matches and will be particularly interesting to see if there are notable changes to anyone's performances because we all know that the COVID-19 lockdowns have affected different countries in different ways.
Additionally, it will be great to see players from all countries return to the circuit so that the full strength of the professional badminton scene is back and running at full capacity.
4. Testing badminton products & creating reviews
Jeff and I planned 2020 to be a year that we would increase the number of badminton products & equipment that we test and review, so that there is more information for those who are looking to buy such products.
Unfortunately that hasn't been possible because of the closing of the badminton stores and the government rules which don't allow us to do exercise within a closed building.
But stay tuned - we are hoping that as soon as we are able to, we'll be able to test and give honest reviews about many other products and continue to answer all of the questions that you have about them.
If you haven't seen our reviews yet, have a look HERE or visit our YouTube channel by clicking HERE or checking out our latest review below:
5. Hitting a 'cracking' smash winner
There's not much out there that feels and sounds as good as hammering down a perfectly-timed smash onto the floor that leaves your opponent absolutely stranded.
And to put the cherry on top, doing it with a freshly, high tension-strung racket!
This, of course could be substituted with the feeling of doing your favourite trick shot and having your opponent move completely the wrong way - just like this one time that I did it to Jeff when we were filming our trick shots video. It doesn't happen very often, and I probably lose many more points than I win when I do it - but it still feels all worth the while!
Check out these brutal smashes! This could be you very soon!!!
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Are these the things that you miss about being on court too?
Comment below to let us know what you're excited about when you are able to play badminton again!
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Body video 1: YouTube Channel: Volant Wear
Body video 2: YouTube Channel: Shuttle Flash
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