Hawks badminton want ‘fit’ players

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Holy Cross Collegiate Hawks badminton team is hopeful that their players will compete hard in their upcoming tournament matches, but knows there will be a lot of developing to do with the new players.
“This year we’ve split it up into three categories, Grades 7-8, 9 and senior high. Basically we’re doing max volume in numbers,” said head coach Daniel Patterson. “Basically in Grades 7-8, we’re working on fundamental skill, just so they know how to hit the bird properly and how to play defense, easy coordination so they can get the hang of it.”
As the players reach Grade 9, they begin to learn strategies.
“We work on more basic strategy, they usually have a good foundation of where the lines already are, and we don’t have to spend too much time on that,” said Patterson. “Then we get to senior high where we do our 1-on-1 training, where we do a lot of footwork and basically specialization to see what they’re really good at.”
Patterson stresses a lot of fitness on the players so that the drills are practiced with more stability.
“Each grade has a whole bunch of fitness and strength conditioning at the beginning of the season because we want to get their fitness up so that they can do the drills that we’re doing and making sure they’re physically fit to play badminton,” said Patterson.
There are some high expectations for the senior high level.
“For our senior highs, especially because they’ve played the most, is provincials – at least getting to zones would be beneficial,” said Patterson. “Last year we had a pretty decent showing, unfortunately we came up a little bit short with our goals.
“With regards to our junior high, Grades 7 through 9, the thing is to have fun is the main goal right now. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, but just appreciating the game and what it is.”
The teams will also be in the counties on April 22 as hosts and at Strathmore High School.