My wife and I sometimes play badminton when we have some free time. As we play on the road for about 15 to 20 minutes, there are numerous interruptions by vehicles that pass by. Because the time we have is less, we resist from smashing the shuttle and try to play longer rallies instead.
Whenever I see a professional badminton match, I am amazed at how players actually return what look like unplayable smashes. While a smash is exciting, it’s rallies that excite me even more.
Let me explain.
Be it tennis or badminton, a rally allows the game to continue while the smash has the potential to end a passage of play. If given a choice would you like to see a game which has more smashes, or one which has more rallies?
When you draw a parallel to life, a smash is when you try and get something very fast, play the short game, bully and intimidate to get your way and use one-upmanship to make a point. It doesn’t allow for discussion or dialogue, doesn’t allow for people to be treated equally and leaves behind a trail of frustration and anger.
On the other hand, a rally is when knowledge is freely shared and people are treated with courtesy and given a chance to shine. A rally allows for the game to move forward as everyone is interested in progress and not winning or losing. In a rally, everyone involved wants the game to continue as they realise that it is in the best interest of everyone.
Of course, smashes have their place but they can’t be the norm.
Any organisation or person can thrive in the long run if they play more rallies than smashes.
