You probably know that it is over 60 years since Martin Luther King made his famous speech,” I have a dream”. This reminded me when I was about 16 and started playing Badminton at my local Youth Club. I loved the game and soon was playing for the team in the local leagues. Well, I had a dream; it was to be a Professional Badminton Player or Coach, working in a dedicated Badminton Club or Leisure Centre. None of these facilities existed then.
Over the years I had many jobs and moved around a bit, but always had this Dream. About 20 years ago I had an offer I could not resist (I had been Head Hunted), it was to become The Badminton Professional at The Wearside Health and Racquets Club in Sunderland. A few years later I was offered a position as Coach at the University of Sunderland and am pleased to say, I have moved on from the Racquets Club, but, I am still enjoying my time at the University. So it proves dreams, can come true.
Racket basics:-
Badminton is a very fast sport, and as such the rackets used are a lot lighter than in other sports such as tennis and squash.
They generally consist of a handle, a shaft and a head. The whole length of the racket can be no greater than 68cm, and the width no greater than 23cm.
The head of the racket is made up of a frame and the strings, which are usually made from nylon (though can actually be made from sheep or cow gut).
Racket head
The Head can be no longer than 29cm, with the strings no more than 28cm long and 22cm wide.
The shaft and head frame are made of metal; anything from aluminum or steel to graphite or titanium on lighter rackets.
Racket grip
Making holding the racket easier, a grip is added which makes the handle less slippery and easier to control. The thickness of the handle is to the player’s preference.
Rackets vary depending on the type of player. For example, some rackets suit a more attacking player and others a more defensive player. Also, whether the racket is to be used for Singles or doubles has an effect.
Some rackets are designed for all-round use and tend to be more popular.
Generally a defensive player would want a lighter racket (for accuracy), and an attacking player would want more weight in the head, for power.
String tension
Important to any player is the ‘tension’ of the strings. If the strings are too tight, they will break more easily, but if they are too loose, there will be a loss of power on shots.
The average tension is around 23-28 lbs, although rackets can be strung much higher (28-30lbs).
A Badminton UKCC Level 3 Coach and Head Coach at The University of Sunderlandand, see more Farringdon Badminton Academy, PL4S Coach, former International Umpire, Head Coach with several Local Authorities,Colleges and Schools. A former World Class Start Coach,Durham Junior Squad coach, Educational Sports Programme Development Coach and a promoter for several local tournaments.
Peter Walton is also a qualified City & Guilds Tutor/Assessor (NVQ 7306), has a Diploma in Sports Psychology, Tutor for Young Officials Award,Coach for No Strings Essentials, a former Regional Co-ordinator for Inflight Sports Ltd & a former Badminton England Coach Tutor/Assessor. Peter has won coach of the year awards and attended various World Coaches’ Seminars, the game is truly his passion and his knowledge is often sought after.
“I have been involved in badminton all my life as a player, coach and international umpire.”
Peter has had the privilege of working with the best coaches in the world including, Asgar Masden, Morton Frost, Dan Travers, Le Jae Bock, Park Jae Bong, Paul Whetnall, Steve Butler and many more.
Players who are interested in coaching sessions will receive a discount on any rackets or equipment purchased from Racket Sports. www.racketsportsdurham.co.uk
Peter is also the owner of Racket Sports. For more information please visit the website by clicking the links below.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by another former Mayor, Lee Vasey, went to a 78-year-old who has dedicated 46 years of his life to badminton.
Peter Walton, head coach of Dolphin Premier Badminton Club, was honoured for guiding countless young badminton players during an illustrious career.
Peter said: “It’s hard to find someone to take over, so as long as I’ve got arms and legs, I’ll just carry on because I just love the sport.”
Contribution to Sport Winner
Peter Walton
Best of Darlington Awards 2019
Sponsored by the Move More Team, Darlington Borough Council
The judges are looking for groups or individuals who have made a major contribution to sport in Darlington through commitment to organising activities, volunteering or by being role models to others in their attitude to sport.
2019 Finalists:
Alan Rusk for 50 years of contribution to football in Darlington.
Andy Musgrave for the excellent support he has given to developing women’s football in Darlington.
Peter Walton for the support he has given to badminton in Darlington.
2019 Winner: Peter Walton
Peter has dedicated 46 years of service to his chosen sport. Aged 78 you will still find him every Saturday afternoon at the Dolphin Centre coaching for Dolphin Premier Badminton Club. He is a Badminton Level 3 Coach and Head Coach at The University of Sunderland and Farringdon Badminton Academy.
The game is truly his passion and his knowledge is often sought after. He has had the privilege to work alongside many elite coaches from all around the world to help fine tune his skills.
Peter has put in countless hours to Badminton and recently managed to help achieve a Premier Club status for Dolphin Badminton Club. He has helped develop many players throughout the town and has acted as a mentor and tutor for many budding coaches.
