Reaction time is the time it takes from the presentation of the stimulus to your very first movement in response to the stimuli. Reaction times of badminton players are often exceedingly fast as it is crucial for a top level player to be able to react to fast shots by their opponents. This is particularly true for the return of the smash as the shuttle can go up to speeds way over 100miles per hour during a smash and therefore there is very little time to adjust to a smash from your opponent.
As well as having an overall good reaction time a high quality badminton player will have a good choice reaction time. This relates to the time it takes to choose which stimuli to respond to (from several stimulus) and how to respond, and is important in badminton when responding to a smash as the badminton player has to respond to both the shuttle and the movement of his opponents in order to decide a suitable shoot in return to the smash.
Coordination and balance
These are also important for a quality player in order to maintain high speeds round the badminton court and in order to move the body into the correct position for the shot. Dynamic balance is important so that the player can successfully move round without injuring himself where Static balance help specifically when doing the serve, as the performer needs to balance on their toes in order to get closer to the net (height wise).
Power
Power is the application of strength and speed. Although a badminton player must have some power the power produced relates to mainly technique and not natural strength. A player often creates power by flicking the wrist at the end of a shot and also by shifting their body weight during a shot from the back foot to the front foot.
Agility
Agility is the combination of speed and coordination and is important for a badminton player, as they need to move round the court quickly with the correct foot movement so that they stay on balance for the shot and the recovery for the shot.
Strength
Static strength isn’t necessary for a badminton player as no force is applied to an immovable object. Similarly dynamic strength isn’t that important. However in order to add sufficient power to the shuttlecock it is important that the performer has a good explosive strength. For example during a smash the player the performer should have sufficient explosive strength to apply a reasonable amount of force on the shuttle during the short movement.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a key component of a badminton player’s physical fitness, as the performer will often have to stretch in order to return the shuttle. For example good flexibility is needed to get to a drop shot at the net, when you are forced inwards from the back of the court.
