The “spin service” Viral challenge or evolution of badminton?

Currently the world of badminton is submerged in an intense debate spread all over the globe. Is the spin service a legitimate blow, or an unfair advantage?

The first thing is to define what the spin service is. It is a technique in which the server gives effect to the shuttle in the serve in such a way that it reaches the side of the receiver spinning in an uneven way, making the reception of the short serve very difficult.

This type of service has been around for many years, however, recently it has been on everyone’s lips thanks to the improvement of the technique to perform it. There are countless tutorials on how to run it on different social networks.

One of the techniques to carry it out is giving the effect with the racket, let’s say that it is the “traditional” way.
However, if what you want is to give the flight much more effect, what is indicated in the tutorials is to take the shuttle in the area between the cork and the feathers (usually the shuttle is held by the feathers when making the short serve) and give it a little spin before hitting it. This turn must be made in the opposite direction clockwise, which is the natural direction of rotation of the steering wheel.

It is not a simple technique, even more considering that it must be framed in the badminton laws that concern the serve. This means that the hit must be applied below 115 cm in height, in a continuous movement and must exclusively hit the cork. All this together raises the question of whether this method is really practical.

But this is not the only question that haunts the pavilions. The qualifying period for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has just begun and every detail is analyzed in depth by the athletes. Does spin service give an unfair advantage to fair play? This is the most repeated question in the forums of this sport. The debate crosses the hemispheres, leaving a trail of controversy and very interesting arguments.

On the one hand, there are those who think that it is an unfair act that tarnishes the show for the fans. They allege that it is a trickshot that does not allow the game to develop fairly, and they demand that the world federation take action on the matter. So far the BWF has not spoken, which does not mean that they are not studying the issue, analyzing all the variables and listening to all opinions.

On the other side of the net are those who see this technique as an opportunity to evolve badminton. Those people who believe that there are athletes capable of performing this service deserve the opportunity to put it into practice and earn points with it.

Evolution as a necessity

It is clear that the sport must evolve, if it was always played in the same way it would not be as exciting nor would it have become the fastest racket sport in the world.

The materials and design of all the elements have changed throughout history. From the steering wheel to the rackets or the clothes of the athletes. In turn, techniques and tactics have also evolved.

Those training sessions in which the physical part was isolated from the track part or in which the stretching was totally static already seem far away. The most purist Asian methods gave way to a new era of research, which has led trainers to discover an infinite range of possibilities. A single mode of displacement is no longer taught, with a rigid technique. Everything is adaptable, in constant movement and development. Not to mention the importance of mental training, essential in any sport.

Regarding tactics, the most striking change is the one that has been seen in the mixed double test, in which the girl no longer has her playing area so limited. Now the woman also goes down to the bottom of the court and presses with attacks from that area.

Badminton has been evolving. The last 10 years perhaps more rapidly thanks to social media. But, as with life, the question arises as to whether this demand for novelties does not make this sport fall into “anything goes”.

An opportunity for reflection

Returning to the spin service debate, it may be thought that it is an evolution, it is possible, but what is the badminton spectator looking for? Would the abuse of this technique be boring? Would it deprive the fan of this sport of elaborate rallies? How does it affect the values ​​of sport? Is it a really fair game? Should the regulations be changed?

The rules have also been adapted to the requirements of the sport, seeking a balance between fair play and favoring the show. It is worth remembering the great controversy that arose with the change in the rule regarding the height of the serve. Determining that all the volantistas had to serve below 1.15 meters in height. After this change, many athletes had to adapt their game to the new Law. Will there be any kind of regulatory change with this technique?

Only time and observation will bring answers to practitioners and followers of this beautiful sport. Until then, all that remains is to wait and see where this controversy will steer.

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