Movement economy — efficient, not frantic

Experienced players often seem effortless, while less practiced ones run hectically for the same balls. The difference is movement economy: getting to where you need to go with as little effort as possible. Whoever plays economically stays fresh longer and is still there at the end of the match.

Economy begins with leaving out superfluous movement. Every unnecessary step, every backswing that's too wide, every hectic correction costs strength. The expert moves in clear, direct paths to the ball and back, without fidgeting, without detours. Calm in movement is a sign of efficiency, not of slowness.

A second part is the good starting position. Whoever returns briskly to a central, balanced position after every stroke has shorter paths to the next ball. Economy also comes from not having to run far in the first place, because you stand cleverly.

And it's closely connected to reactive strength: whoever uses the springy energy of their tendons moves with less muscular effort. Efficient movement feels light because it also uses the free elastic energy, instead of getting everything from pure muscle power.

An experienced runner glides over the course, a beginner stomps. Both arrive, but one still has reserves at the end, the other is empty. In Crossminton this reserve often decides the third set.

Watch yourself in your next training: where do you waste movement — through unnecessary steps, hectic fidgeting, paths that are too long because you don't return to position? Pick a single point: for example, returning calmly and briskly to a central position after every stroke. Watch whether you feel fresher at the end of a match when your movement becomes calmer and more direct.