Leisure

Shuttlecock is popular among the elderly. However, its unique attributes do attract some youngsters.

Unlike badminton, in which the shuttlecock is hit with a racket, in the game of shuttlecock the shuttlecock is hit with the feet.

According to Mr. Kwok Siu Tim of the Hong Kong Shuttlecock Association Head Committee, there are four basic kinds of footwork in playing shuttlecock.

They are using the lateral side of the foot, the medial side of the foot, the instep and the knee.

Mr. Kwok said, "Learning how to play shuttlecock is easy, but mastering it is difficult.

"One needs long term training to upgrade the techniques and accumulate experience.

"If a player wants to play it well, he should always pay full attention when playing shuttlecock so that he can take aim at it.

"Playing shuttlecock is a good way to train one's reactions. It requires quick responses. So, the player's alertness can be trained," he said.

Mr. Kwok said that shuttlecock is suitable for Asians to play, especially Hong Kong people.

"Only a small space is required to play shuttlecock. This is especially feasible in Hong Kong, which is small in size.

"Also, there is no specific requirement for the size of the player. The players need not to be very tall like basketball players."

Mr. Michael Leung Chin Yu, a 20-year-old student studying for a higher diploma of Electronic Engineering at Haking Wong Technical Institute, started playing shuttlecock when he was in primary school.

He is an active shuttlecock player. He also joins competitions with his friends.

Said he: "I think it is not easy to learn how to play shuttlecock in the beginning. Also, training is time-consuming.

"But when one can play it well, the sense of satisfaction will keep the player going.

"I become more confident in the competitions after training," he added.

Many players are attracted by the variations in shuttlecock. They can create different kinds of footwork by themselves.

"I like playing shuttlecock using different footwork. It is really elegant and attractive," said Mr. Dennis Tang Chun Pong, a 20-year-old student studying for a higher diploma in Building Service at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

He is one of Mr. Leung's companions.

"During competitions, different strategic footwork, like treading the shuttlecock, impresses me much and makes me feel incredible.

"Through playing shuttlecock, I become more nimble," he said.

Even the beginners find shuttlecock fascinating.

Mr. Raymond Ng Wai Man and Mr. Wilfread Lam Wing Chau are Form 3 students at Kei Chi Secondary School.

They have been playing shuttlecock for two months.

Said Mr. Ng: "Playing shuttlecock is amusing. It gives me a sense of freshness which is different from other sports."

Mr. Lam thinks that, though playing shuttlecock is challenging, it is fun.

Said he: "Shuttlecock is a creative activity, as I can create different patterns of footwork by myself."

Each kind of sport benefits the players in different aspects, shuttlecock is no exception.

Players benefit both mentally and physically.

Mr. Cheung Chun Ming, a Year 3 student of Radio and Electronic Engineering at the Tsing Yi Technical Institute, said: "Through competitions, I become more determined. Besides, I have chances to make more new friends."