ABSTRACT
The biomechanics of badminton stroke production and court movement patterns are pretty well agreed upon by most teachers and coaches. Concentration is the ability to selectively direct our attention to sensory perceptions and thought processes. Good concentration allows us to perform as effectively as possible at our given skill level. Because badminton involves alternating sequences of play (3–30 seconds) and recovery (about 8 seconds to prepare for the next rally), the player must learn to balance between external and internal concentration processes. As stroking skills increase, players learn to hit the shuttle much more quickly and more deceptively. As a result, the opponent must be prepared to move more quickly to retrieve the shuttle. Imagery is a psychological strategy designed to improve performance and refocus irrelevant thought processes. This process allows mental images of athletic performance and skills to be repeated, enhanced, and preserved by the brain.
