We are all intermediate players. 2 of the better players I sometimes play against are better at singles and they play doubles like singles.

Basically they only really clear and drop because their smashes aren't good, extremely flat and not that fast. But they both really enjoy returning smashes. So playing against them is really slow.

I started to play the same way as them, I stopped smashing, just did clears and drops. And we did well because then it's a game of who makes mistakes. This also removed their advantage of their good defense. But it's soo boring. Badminton becomes a slow game.

Any tips on how to play against players who just do lifts and drops but thrive on counter attacking your smashes? (When your smash won't win you points and instead get you into trouble).

Lu Guangzu officially announced his retirement on his 30th birthday, yesterday.

Shi Yuqi has applied for ranking protection, this probably means his injury is more serious that we thought.

Jia Yifan/Zhang Shuxian, no official announcement yet, but their bwf ranking has been removed, this mean one of them or both of them is probably retiring (or just splitting but splits normally don't apply for ranking removal), rumours on Chinese social media is ZSX is the one retiring, which is surprising, but no announcement is made yet. But looks like Jia Yifan will be partnering Zhang Chi for Hong Kong.

Thoughts?

Was thinking about the above shot in doubles play... that basically it's not necessary to master (or even to learn) for non professional play.

And even then, how often do you see the pros play it on TV? Maybe only once in a blue moon, in a hail Mary kinda situation when taking it late when pushed to rear BH corner. And more often than not, the opposition front player will pounce on it easily I reckon.

For context, I'm a low intermediate male player, playing for past 15 years, and hardly even play singles at all.

Thank you.