Badminton Banter
I know my last post was a bit dismissive of the sunshine, well not the sunshine really, just the things that go on in my garden when the day is hot. This post is about something that occurred only yesterday, a revelation in fact, which came about when my son popped upstairs and dug out his skipping rope.
He challenged me to skip for 10 seconds, which I did; after I watched him skip for 50. Not the kind of step over skipping, the jump over sort, real quick, like boxers do. I came to the realisation pretty early on, after I’d increased it to 20, that this was a great form of exercise which I could certainly get used to, and a good support bra is paramount. Today, I increased it to 217 rapid skips, with 2 minute intervals, completing the required amount in around 10 minutes, and I was very pleased with myself. Whether I’ll do this form of exercise when it gets cold again I can’t really say, but the sun and the heat definitely had something to do with it.
My son then suggested that we dig out (notice how we have to dig out, because we are lazy) the badminton rackets from the shed.
These are the ingredients for a good hours exercise and entertainment in the garden:
1 skipping rope
2 chairs
2 badminton rackets
5 to 6 shuttlecocks ( this depends on the wind direction, the force of the wind, and the height of your neighbours fence)
2 cats ( for audience participation and keeping score, a little notepad may be necessary. Second cat can look after next shuttlecock)
2 glasses of coke
2 mini milk ice creams for the 5 minute interval
Method:
For the bespoke badminton net. Put two chairs at a distance of around 3 metres apart, and lay the skipping rope taut (mine is not exactly 3 metres,and a bit loose) and through the back of the chairs. You just have to use your imagination. Position yourselves apart and belt the shuttlecock like hell at your opponent. My son is very good so he is accustomed to a good thwack back.
Don’t forget the most important part, the badminton banter. Comments such as “I’m going to thrash the living daylights out of you”, “Let the wind drop; because if that goes over again I’m not buying anymore, they cost Ā£4.99, “, “If you aim for the cat again I’m going in”. You know the sort of thing š
Use lots of encouragement, especially if it’s your child. He beat me twice.
The cat can keep score if clever enough, but if not, you will gain lots of amusement watching its head going back and forth.
Don’t forget your mini milks and coke. Also, if 3 shuttlecocks go over, resume play only when you knock on your neighbours door to get them back. The loser at the time will have this task.
I’m not one for exercise at all, but a good bit of skipping and a round of badminton on a summers day is the best way of keeping fit I feel. Do you keep fit in the garden?
Pip
I am a mother of two children, and have had many experiences in my life that I have been through and had to overcome. I feel it would be beneficial (at least to me, and perhaps you) to share my experiences. Iād love to hear your comments and suggestions. x
10 Comments
Angela
Reading this makes me want to get dig out the badminton set and play a few rounds with my husband. It’s been a long time since I’ve jumped rope. I’ll have to give that a try too and maybe incorporate it into my fitness routine. I don’t do a lot of outdoor activities in the spring because of my allergies. But when the pollen levels aren’t as bad, I love going for bike rides for my outdoor fitness.
Pip
I don’t like exercise at all, but I love badminton because it’s such good fun x
Nancy
It is pretty cool to see the progress you have made over time! I love the setup you have – who needs to spend a ton of money? hehe. Keep it up!
Nancy ā„ exquisitely.me
Pip
Thank you Nancy. The set ups not bad. It would feel more authentic with a higher net though x
Marisa
Yes! Badminton is my first sport love and reading your post just makes me wanna go and play some right away with someone.
Sarah
Haha, I’m beginning to think nobody takes badminton seriously. That’s why it’s so much fun though.
Pip
You’re correct Sarah. I’m not interested in being competitive and playing on a court. Me and the boys have perfected the technique of the badminton juggle. If it hits the wall or the shed roof, we try and keep it in the air before we wack it back!
Kane William
Badminton is good for exercise. Everyone can easily start it. It’s easy for people to get started with Badminton. The lightness of the shuttlecock and racquet compared to other sports make it easy for beginners to get started hitting the bird.
Michael Williams
I’m in love with badminton! It’s so much fun.
It also makes exercise fun, especially for someone like me who hates exercising…
Everyone should try it!
Thank you for this great post.
Pip
Thank you Michael. I haven’t played for a while and I do miss it