Pro(file)

Update 05/03/2014

My profile:

I am a French Badminton Player for 4 years now, I am over 30 years old for 72kg (158.7pounds) and 1m82 (6foot) tall. I had the opportunity to play in the UK/France/Réunion and now Japan.

I am playing around 14 hours per week in men and mix double. I am not a single player because I probably don’t have the stamina for 3 sets and found it less fun^^.

Regarding my level, I judge myself as Intermediate/Good player. In Japan for the Chiba Prefecture, my club is ranked on the sixth position and I am at the twelfth place in men double for Chiba.

This is a list of my qualities and flaws in game:
                + Service (short, lift or drive, for the 4 corners)
                + Return of Serve (close to the net, high guard)
                + Drop shot (front court or rear court)
                + Drive and Interception
                + Offensive and Defensive Clear

                - Hairpin drop shot (counter drop shot??)
                - Smash (power and vertical accuracy are uneven but correct horizontal accuracy)
                - Backhand Cross-Court Clear
                - Backhand Straight Smash
                - Overall defence (average)

To finish, I position myself as an accurate player for service, aggressive on net play, average in defense/smash, versatile in the back of the court.

Rackets:

I started with a Yonex Muscle Power 22 (3U) classed as an All-Around racket by Yonex for 8 months. Then I changed for the excellent Yonex NanoSpeed 8000 (3U), a head light racket but also very stiff for a beginner.

I used it over 2 years and a half before my first experience with the Victor BRS-12 (1^er generation) in 4U, it gave me so much speed in double that I bought it right away.

At the same time, I have decided to replace my NS8000 by the new model from Yonex: the NanoRay 800. Another stiff racket but with good overall qualities (on the paper). But this time I wanted to try the Yonex one in 4U.

Unfortunately, 5 months ago, after a clash with my partner, I broke my BRS-12. Been satisfied by this racket, I obviously went for the new model: the BRS-12N (4U again). The transition was quick and simple despite the new head aerodynamic design.

I also bought the Victor BRS-LHI still in 4U to add more power in my mix double game without losing the swing speed of the BraveSword.

Early 2014, I decide to buy my first head heavy racket with the APACS Vituoso Performence 4U. Just because it had excellent reviews and for a small price (>60€ shipping cost included). I use this racket for single games, but will give it a chance in doubles as well.

Finally, I recently during a tournament won a Yonex VT-ZForce II 3U (I would have prefer 4U but hey ^^ got it free). It is also a head heavy racket, with a stiff shaft and so very demanding regarding the racket I used to play. I will give it a try also, but won't be sad to sell it if needed. But it is the most beautiful racket I have ever seen.