Why Altitude Badminton Exists: My Journey Through the Sport

Altitude Badminton wasn’t created by accident.It’s the result of years spent learning badminton the hard way — through late starts, long journeys, setbacks, and persistence.

My own journey in the sport is the foundation of how Altitude Badminton coaches, supports, and develops players today.

Where It Started

Like many players, badminton began informally — playing in the back garden from a young age, enjoying the rally more than worrying about technique or results.

When I started high school, that enjoyment continued through an after-school badminton club. At that stage, badminton was something I enjoyed, not something I expected to take seriously.

That changed in 2013.

Committing to Improvement (2013)

In 2013, I decided to properly commit to my development as a player.

This meant:

• Weekly county squad training in Norwich

• Finding a local coach in Ely/Littleport

• Entering 6 tournaments

• Training regularly with my brother and parents

• Introducing structured fitness training

I wasn’t the strongest player in the room — but I was learning how improvement actually works.

This philosophy still sits at the heart of Altitude Badminton:progress comes from consistency, not shortcuts.

Early County Experience (2014)

In 2014, I played my first Shires League county matches, competing across:

• 2nd Singles

• 1st Doubles

• 2nd Mixed

I finished the season with a 57% win rate and played 10 tournaments. It was an important year — not because of results alone, but because it showed what structured training and commitment could achieve.

Learning Through Setbacks (2015–2016)

Not every year moves forward.

In 2015, illness forced me to step away from badminton for a large part of the season. There were no Shires League matches and only 8 tournaments played. Progress paused — but the long-term journey didn’t stop.

In 2016, I returned but picked up an injury mid-season. I played limited county matches, finishing with a 30% win rate and 7 tournaments.

These experiences now directly influence how Altitude Badminton manages players:

• Long-term development over short-term results

• Player welfare over pushing through injury

• Understanding when to progress and when to pause

Reaching Senior County Level (2017–2019)

In 2017, I reached a major milestone: my first appearance for senior county, including my only Inter-County Tournament (ICT). I played 3 tournaments that year.

2018 was the first year I was properly selected as part of the senior county team, followed by 3 tournaments.

2019 continued this progression with another 3 tournaments, reinforcing the importance of sustained commitment rather than chasing quick success.

The Pause & Reset (2020–2021)

Like many athletes, competition paused entirely in 2020 and 2021.

While courts were closed, it became a time for reflection — on training methods, coaching philosophy, and how players can be better supported when the game stops as well as when it’s in full flow.

Building With Purpose (2022–2025)

Returning to competition brought a new perspective:

• 2022: 5 tournaments

• 2023: 6 tournaments

• 2024: 8 tournaments

• 2025: 4 tournaments (to date)

By this stage, badminton wasn’t just about performance. It was about:

• Enjoyment

• Longevity

• Confidence

• Helping others navigate the same challenges

The Altitude Badminton Philosophy

Altitude Badminton exists because:

• Not every player starts early

• Not every journey is smooth

• Setbacks don’t define potential

My experience as a player shapes how we coach:

• Clear structure

• Inclusive environments

• Technical development matched to the individual

• Confidence built over time

Progress isn’t instant.Development isn’t linear.And every player deserves the chance to rise — at their own pace.

That’s Altitude Badminton.