Badminton has been an integral part of my physical activity for nearly more than a year and a half, and continuing with HDP PS Badminton as my CAS experience allowed me to refine my skills in a more disciplined manner. While I had already developed a foundational understanding of the sport last year in school and outside the school premises , my goal this year was to enhance my power, improve my variations of shots, and address my weaknesses to become a more well-rounded player.
LO1: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth
Through regular yet limited training sessions in school, I became increasingly aware of my strengths and areas that required improvement as I tried to understand other players. One of my key strengths was my ability to execute strong punches and maintain high power in my shots. I often had correct contact with the shuttle, allowing me to make precise and controlled hits. However, I struggled with reaching all four corners of the court in time and found it challenging to coordinate my power with my leg movements. I also struggled with my temper as I would get really competitive, and I would not be able to coordinate with my partner during doubles. Now, I sought where I’ve made my mistakes and also made my partner know his/her strengths and weaknesses to amplify the experience of playing a match in discipline and coordination. Recognizing these areas for growth enabled me to approach each practice session with specific objectives in mind, focusing on agility, movement coordination, and controlled shot execution.
LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Every sport demands commitment and skill to improve, but my commitment was constantly challenged. Juggling training alongside academics and other extracurricular activities often felt overwhelming. Being someone who struggles with migraine, there were times when exhaustion made me question whether I should continue as I would easily get lightheaded, especially as the drills and exercises became more intense. In these moments, I embodied the learner profile attribute of being principled, staying true to my integrity by completing every set of drills and exercises despite the difficulty. There were times when I would have a hard time running for just 4-5 minutes which made me realise that my stamina is really low however, I worked on my breathing and my coordination with breathing and movement which lead to improve my stamina and now I can run for 8 minutes without break.Over time, this perseverance not only reinforced my self-discipline but also contributed to noticeable progress in my performance.
LO2: Undertaking Challenges and Developing New Skills
Improving my footwork and shot coordination proved to be one of the most demanding aspects of my training. While I had strong shots, my inability to move swiftly across the court often put me at a disadvantage during fast-paced rallies. Additionally, balancing my power with proper foot placement was another challenge that required consistent practice. To overcome these difficulties, I engaged in targeted drills designed to enhance my mobility and control. I also played with more experienced players outside the school campus to learn new techniques and strategies. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance in skill development.
Participating in HDP PS Badminton over the past several months has been a journey of continuous growth and self-improvement. Beyond technical enhancements, I have developed qualities such as patience, discipline, and determination. I have learned that refining a skill requires not just physical effort but also a strategic and mindful approach to overcoming challenges. Looking back, I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I have pushed beyond my initial limitations, improved both my technical and mental game, and gained a deeper appreciation for the sport. This CAS experience has not only strengthened my abilities in badminton but has also induce in me a mindset of continuous learning and resilience.
