Why play deception?
- Fun to trick opponents
- On a meta-level, opponents become uncomfortable in the match, which generally delay all of their movements
Summary
| Technique | Forehand | Backhand | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin S. | Possible | Yes | - Play straight shot a few times to deceive - Serve towards non-racquet shoulder - Receive on LHS of court |
| Greg M. | No | Yes | Serve towards T |
| Anthony Ginting | Yes | Yes |
1. Kevin Sukamuljo Special
Requirements
- Do at least one straight shot (to lure opponent into expecting it)
- Receive serves from LHS of court
- Serves go towards non-racquet shoulder
- Do not turn too early (to make it hard to read)
Steps
- Look like you’re gonna play a straight shot
- Twist upper body and drop non-racquet arm shoulder (as racquet leg passes non racquet leg)
- Keep legs in same position as if it were a straight shot
- Squeeze grip to add power and hit to back court
Applicability to other situations
- Also works in singles, when opponent serves low
- Forehand is also possble
Can't take it fast enough?
Take it slower, and your opponents may also be reaching slower / overcommitting to the incorrect direction already
2. Greg’s Slice
Requirements
- Do at least one cross-court return (to lure opponent into expecting it)
- Receive serves from LHS of court
- Serves are to the T
Steps
- Look like you’re going to do a cross-court return
- Let shuttle drop and bring racquet back (while keeping body facing cross-court)
- Move racquet sideways and upwards (aiming towards target corner of the court)
- Flick wrist up to make racquet horizontal
- Squeeze grip for power, time it with when the foot lands
Applicability to other situations
Might be possible with the forehand, if I’m receiving from RHS of court
Warning
This shot can be hard to execute, so less versatile
3. Anthony Ginting Special
- Can be done with both forehand or backhand. However, different techniques are required depending on which hand you choose
Requirements
Do at least one net shot (to lure opponent into expecting it)
Steps (forehand; LHS of court)
- Look like you’re going to do a net shot
- Slight drop racquet arm shoulder
- Bring elbow close to the chest
- Turn wrist so that racquet faces upwards
Steps (backhand; RHS of court)
- Look like you’re going to do a straight net shot or straight lift
- Slightly drop wrist and bring elbow up
- Guide shuttle cross-court
Tip
- Do not over-twist the elbow, otherwise the shuttle won’t go back to the opponent’s side
- Under-twisting, on the other hand, makes it easier for your opponent to receive. So calibrate!
Two Common Mistakes
- Not using body enough
- Movement and momentum needs to be deceiving
- Stiff grip on racquet