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Imagine getting your Badminton World Federation (BWF) Level 1 Coaching Certificate. Being Level 1-certified, you’ve taught players the basics of badminton and some drills on how to get better. However, what if you wanted to take your badminton coaching a notch higher? That’s where the Level 2 Coaching Course comes in!
Established in 2013, the BWF Coaching Framework Level 2 Course includes more advanced concepts and skills beyond the basic coaching principles covered in Level 1. The Level 2 Course consists of 11 modules that cover training materials for coaches and advanced coaching methodologies. Unique to the Level 2 course is how to deliver and plan a one-year program. The Level 2 course also contains specific content on shot tactics, speed and agility drills, and other skills beyond the foundational ones covered in the Level 1 course.
If you’re serious about coaching badminton, the Level 2 Course is a must-take, especially if you’ve already got the Level 1 certification under your belt. What’s in the course? What do you need to qualify for it? Also, how do you get the Level 2 manual? Join me as I answer these questions and more!
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An Introduction to the Level 2 Course
The Level 2 course is essential for all coaches looking for long-term coaching opportunities. Here’s an overview of what the Level 2 Course is and what it consists of.
The BWF’s Level 2 Coaching Framework is a comprehensive pathway for coaches seeking to elevate their expertise and guide players to excellence in badminton. Designed for Level 1 coaches, this advanced program spans a minimum of six days of tutored activities.
The course seamlessly integrates theory and practice through guided coaching sessions and strategic planning exercises. By doing so, the course cultivates a profound understanding of coaching principles and Level 2 techniques. The curriculum also extensively covers how to devise comprehensive annual training and competition programs.
Lastly, the course teaches coaches how to craft individualized training plans fortified by sports science principles.
In a nutshell, the Level 2 Course empowers coaches to manage and lead groups of players, instill a passion for badminton, and hone badminton skills to competitive performance levels. Evaluation is conducted by the course tutor who ensures a rigorous assessment of the acquired expertise.
Embarking on this transformative journey, coaches become equipped to construct holistic training plans, fire up athletes’ potential, and steer them toward unprecedented achievements on the badminton court.
What Are the Contents of the Level 2 Coaching Framework Course?
Earlier, I mentioned something about Level 2 techniques — and I think these are worth going into since these (besides the part on annual training program planning and implementation) distinguish the Level 2 Course from the Level 1 Course. Without further ado, here’s what the Level 2 Course offers in terms of techniques and skills.
The Level 2 Course contains the skills necessary to become competitive in badminton. These skills include various types of shots like backhand and forehand shots. There are also video demonstrations of various types of defensive shots, blocks, drives, clears, and other badminton shots. Aside from shots, technical movement skills are also part of the course’s coverage. Because competitive badminton development is the focus of Level 2, the course also contains discussions and demonstrations of conditioning exercises to keep players in shape and ready for action year-round.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the course’s contents. Let’s get into the specifics by starting with the first skill: technical hitting.
Technical Hitting Introduction
The technical hitting portion is the first demonstration in the skills module and covers the different types of shots your players can make on the front, middle, and back parts of the court.
Spin net shots and cross-court net shots are some of the skills included in front-net play. In the middle, you’ll learn the blocks, drives, and lifts you should show your students.
Lastly, slices, reverse slices, and powerful stick smashes are the skills covered for back-court play.
In short, technical hitting is all about teaching your future students to enhance control and technique with the racket to become a better badminton player. These skills build on Level 1 movement cycles, meaning revisiting them is always a good idea.
Level 2 Skill: Backhand Spin Net Shots
Backhand spin net shots are a key component of the coaching course’s curriculum. The demonstrations on the in-to-out and out-to-in versions of the shots aim to enhance a coach’s understanding and ability to teach this advanced badminton technique.
This shot involves using the backhand grip to delicately place the shuttle over the net with a spinning motion, making it challenging for the opponent to anticipate and return the shot effectively.
In this part of the skills demonstration, coaches learn the intricacies of executing backhand spin net shots, including grip positioning, wrist action, and body posture. They delve into the tactical aspects, particularly when and how to use this shot strategically during a game to surprise opponents and gain an advantage.
By learning the subtleties of these shots, coaches like yourself can give players one more shot in the shot toolkit to dominate opponents.
Level 2: Skill: Backhand Cross Court Net Shots
Backhand cross-court net shots are also among the first skills covered in the course. These involve using a backhand grip to skillfully direct the shuttle diagonally across the net. By hitting these shots at an angle, players can catch opponents off guard and create a strategic advantage.
By coaching backhand cross-court net shots, coaches empower players with a potent skill that not only enriches their playing style but also enhances their strategic thinking. It’s a game-changer that coaches can introduce to help players thrive and develop a well-rounded arsenal of tricky shots.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Spin Net Shots
These shots come in out-and-in and in-and-out variations and involve using a forehand grip to spin the shuttlecock. The spin with a forehand grip creates a deceptive trajectory that can deceive opponents.
The grip and wrist movements are key areas of attention for the shot, hence their inclusion in the demonstration. As a student of the Level 2 course, you’ll learn how to cue the motions of the forehand spin shots and their uses on the court.
Besides giving your future students a well-rounded shot library, teaching the forehand spin shot gives your students a cool and clever way to trick opponents. By knowing these shots by heart, you’ll not only wow your future students but give them a competitive advantage too.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Cross Court Net Shots
Forehand cross-court net shots are intricate maneuvers that enable players to guide the shuttlecock diagonally over the net. These shots — like the forehand spin net shots — create a deceptive flight path that can force opponents into odd positions. This path makes the forehand cross-court net shot an essential part of a competitive badminton player’s arsenal.
The section on the forehand cross-court net shot includes demonstrations and discussions of several details that go into the shot. Everything from the grip to the wrist-flicking motion of the shot is discussed.
As a coach, knowing this shot is a must if you want to broaden your future students’ shot repertoire. It can make your students deadlier on the court and enable them to become unpredictable to opponents.
Level 2 Skill: Backhand Drive Defense
The backhand drive defense is a shot that returns the shuttlecock aggressively across the court. Players execute it by using a backhand grip, sending the shuttlecock flying to the opponent’s side of the court. Because of its speed and power, it requires high reactivity and a keen awareness of posture and wrist mechanics.
The shot is part of the Level 2 coaching curriculum for two reasons. First, it’s a must-have shot you need to teach players if they wish to develop a counter-attacking style. Second, this shot is a defensive maneuver that your future players and students can use to turn the tide of a game.
Level 2 Skill: Backhand Long Defense
The backhand long defense shot utilizes a backhand grip to execute a controlled and precise defensive shot. Like the drive defense, this shot propels the shuttle to the back of the court with accuracy and strategic intent.
In this part of the Level 2 skills course, coaches will cover grip adjustment, wrist finesse, and body positioning — all of which are pivotal to executing this technique effectively.
Beyond the mechanics, students of the course will gain invaluable insights into the strategic deployment of the backhand long defense shot. By mastering this shot, coaches will be able to help future players employ the techniques skillfully to counter opponents’ aggressive plays and turn the tables in their favor.
Level 2 Singles Defensive Shots
Under singles skills, the Level 2 course covers the backhand cross-court block and the backhand straight block.
The backhand cross-court block is a skillful move that players learn to execute using a backhand grip. This shot deflects the shuttle diagonally across the court, preventing opponents from exploiting open spaces. Coaches must guide players through the mechanics, focusing on grip precision, wrist control, and body positioning.
On the other hand, the backhand straight block is equally crucial. This defensive maneuver employs a backhand grip to guide the shuttle straight back down the court. Players hone their precision in grip, wrist movement, and body alignment under the watchful eye of coaches. The backhand straight block proves invaluable for responding to fast-paced smashes and maintaining a strong defensive position.
These techniques offer a strategic advantage by countering angled and powerful shots, ensuring that players can hold their ground and stay in control of the rally. Coaches who impart these skills contribute to players’ defensive prowess and overall court awareness, helping them navigate the demands of singles play with confidence.
Level 2 Doubles Shots
When it comes to doubles skills, the Level 2 course covers the trifecta of essential shots — the backhand block, forehand drive, and forehand block.
The doubles backhand block is a defensive move where players deflect an incoming shuttle with a backhand grip. Coaches teaching this move must guide players through the nuances of grip adjustment, wrist finesse, and body positioning to execute this technique effectively. The backhand block is a critical skill that allows players to swiftly respond to opponents’ shots and maintain a solid defensive stance at the net.
Next up is the forehand drive, a versatile offensive technique that players must master with a forehand grip. This move entails hitting the shuttle forcefully and diagonally across the court. To execute the technique correctly, players must aim to keep opponents on the defensive. Like in the backhand block, you as a coach must help players refine their grip, wrist action, and body coordination to generate power and accuracy. The forehand drive is a potent weapon in doubles and enables players to seize control of the rally and set up strategic plays.
The forehand block completes the trio. It’s a nimble defensive maneuver executed with a forehand grip. This technique involves subtly guiding the shuttle back over the net to counter opponents’ shots with finesse and precision. In doubles play, the forehand block is a key defensive skill, allowing players to swiftly react to opponents’ fast-paced shots and maintain a resilient stance at the net.
The Level 2 course delves into these techniques to equip coaches with the expertise to teach players the nuanced art of doubles play. By incorporating the backhand block, forehand drive, and forehand block into the coaching curriculum, coaches empower players to excel in the dynamic, fast-paced realm of doubles badminton.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Cross-Court Reverse Slice
The forehand cross-court reverse slice is a fascinating and skillful shot in badminton that adds a touch of finesse and unpredictability to a player’s arsenal. To execute this shot perfectly, players must use a panhandle grip to create a sliced shot that moves diagonally across the court in a reverse direction.
Incorporating the forehand cross-court reverse slice into a player’s repertoire adds versatility and strategic depth to their game. It requires a combination of technical skill and tactical understanding, making it a valuable tool for players looking to gain an edge on the court.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Cross-Court Slice From Forehand Corner
This shot is made from a player’s forehand corner. Players must hit the shuttlecock diagonally to the opponent’s forecourt. When done correctly, the forehand cross-court slice from the forehand corner can keep the shuttlecock in play even after a well-placed clear or lift.
The shot is critical for two reasons. It can keep opponents on the defensive and open up offensive opportunities, making it an essential shot to develop an attack-heavy style.
One reason this shot is included in the Level 2 coach’s curriculum is its potential to disrupt opponents’ expectations and control the pace of the game. The forehand cross-court slice is a shot that demands technical finesse, timing, reactivity, and tactical understanding.
Coaches must teach this shot to players to enhance their versatility, enabling them to make unexpected shots that catch opponents off guard.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Stik Smash
The forehand stik smash is one of the most powerful and dynamic shots in the Level 2 curriculum. Executed in response to a lift or clear, the shot is performed from the midcourt to the opponent’s forecourt.
To teach this maneuver, coaches must teach players the shot’s mechanics. Coaches must cover details like grip adjustment, timing, and explosive wrist and arm movement to generate maximum power and speed.
By teaching the forehand stik smash, coaches can equip players with the skills needed to respond effectively to specific game situations — like when an opponent’s lift provides an opening for a powerful offensive strike from the midcourt.
Level 2 Skill: Forehand Straight Reverse Slice
Also performed after a clear or lift, the forehand straight reverse slice is done from the forehand rear court. It’s a counter-attacking shot that requires players to hit the shuttlecock at an angle to force opponents to commit errors.
As with the other shots in the curriculum, coaches must learn and master the details of technique, shot, mechanics, and the unique intricacies of the shot. Coaches need to teach this slice variation to players to broaden their offensive games.
Level 2 Technical Movements
Technical movements in badminton encompass a range of essential skills covered in the Level 2 coach’s curriculum, including variations in forecourt, mid-court, and rearcourt movement.
Forecourt movement variations involve players mastering the art of quick, agile footwork at the front of the court. These skills are particularly important when players are engaged in net exchanges or trying to cut off opponents’ shots close to the net.
Mid-court movement variations emphasize the ability to swiftly transition and cover the mid-court area. Players learn to move fluidly between the forecourt and rearcourt, adjusting their positioning based on the situation. These movements are vital for maintaining court coverage and transitioning smoothly between offensive and defensive positions.
Lastly, rearcourt movement variations focus on players’ ability to cover the deep areas of the court, especially when responding to opponents’ clears or lifts. These movement variations require players to use their footwork and body positioning to ensure they’re in an optimal position for returning shots from the rearcourt.
Level 2 Physical Component: Balance
The first physical fitness component the Level 2 Coaching Manual covers is balance. Under this section, coaches will learn the importance of balance in badminton, as well as drills and exercises to develop balance in players.
The balance portion encompasses various exercises and drills like clock jumps, tramline hops, and various lunge exercises. These train a player’s ability to retain posture while distributing weight on one or two feet and in multiple directions.
Level 2 Physical Component: Speed and Agility
Quick reactions and feet are essential in badminton. That’s why part of the physical fitness component of the Level 2 curriculum is speed and agility.
Under this portion of the course, coaches will learn various drills to develop agility. Some of the drills covered in the section are ladder drills, footwork exercises, and various types of cone drills for lateral movement.
These drills will improve a player’s ability to react and move quickly.
Level 2 Physical Component: Strength
Lastly, we have the strength section. The strength section of the Level 2 Coaching Framework course includes exercises to improve and maintain strength, muscle tone, and stability.
This section covers a massive array of exercises. Some are sport-specific like the inline lunge. Others are more general and are meant to build a badminton player’s general physical preparedness. Among these exercises are squats, various free-weight exercises, and stability-building Swiss ball exercises.
Level 2 Fitness Testing
Fitness testing is a critical part of being a Level 2-certified coach. The section under testing covers various methods of checking your athlete’s ability to perform physical tasks like inline squats and seated trunk rotations. You’ll also learn how to assess a player’s reaction time and speed.
Requirements for Taking the Level 2 Course
Are you considering upping the ante on your coaching credentials? Just be eligible for the Level 2 Coaching Course, and you’ll be on your way!
To be eligible for enrollment in the Level 2 Coaching Course, you should either hold a Level 1 coaching certification or possess an equivalent qualification. You can also enroll in the course if you have national or international experience in the realm of badminton, meaning that you’re eligible if you were a player or a badminton official.
Why does the BWF require these qualifications? These prerequisites ensure that participants have a basic understanding of coaching principles. A foundational grasp of coaching principles and techniques is key since a lot of the things covered in the Level 2 course build on the concepts found in the Level 1 course.
How To Get the Level 2 Manual
Like the Level 1 manual, the Level 2 manual is accessible on the BWF Development site. All you have to do is follow a few steps.
To acquire the Coach Level 2 Manual, go to the BWF Development site and register your details. Once registered, you’ll get a confirmation email containing a password. The password enables you to gain access to the extensive range of coaching materials, including numerous videos and the BWF Level 2 manual.
Besides the written manual, the BWF also offers visual support by making all Level 2 videos easily accessible on their official YouTube channels. This combined approach ensures that aspiring coaches have a comprehensive and convenient means to enhance their coaching prowess and engage with valuable resources.
Level Up Your Coaching!
The BWF’s Level 2 Coaching Course enables you to build on your Level 1 certification, adding serious cred to your coaching game. By completing the Level 2 Course, you’ll be able to help aspiring players make a name for themselves nationally and internationally.
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