‘If many players start using it, I think it should be banned because it gives you an incredible advantage’: Marcus Rindshoj

The young Dane talks here to Express about how it came about, and whether it will get banned by the BWF.

Danish doubles player Marcus Rindshoj invented the spin serve. (Instagram/marcusrindshoj)

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Denmark’s upcoming doubles shuttler Marcus Rindshoj created a literal flutter at the Polish Open when he debuted a Spin serve, struck after spinning the cork as his opponents struggled to return.

The young Dane talks here to Express about how it came about, and whether it will get banned by the BWF.

How did the idea of the spin serve occur to you?

The new spin serve

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A few years ago I saw a Japanese guy make a crazy serve with an unusual spin at Dutch Open junior. I never knew how he did it, but a couple of months ago I was doing some serve training, where one of my teammates started spinning the shuttle with his fingers. So I saw the video I had on the Japanese guy and compared it with spinning the shuttle with the finger. That was how the idea struck me.

Also Read | Should Badminton ban the controversial new spin serve that’s creating a stir?

How long did it take to employ in a match?

It only took me 2 or 3 weeks and then I used it in matches during practice and then finally did it at the Polish Open. Well you spin the shuttle with your finger and then you just try to hit the shuttle on the cork with a small movement with your racket. Like a normal serve.

What do you think of the debate over it getting banned?

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As it is not illegal when I hit the cork with my racket, I just think it is a brilliant idea, but not very nice for those who watch badminton as the rallies will be finished faster/quicker. So if many players start using it, I think it should be banned because it gives you an incredible advantage.

What did your doubles partner make of it?

He thinks it is brilliant and tries to learn it himself! But he has to be ready at the 3rd stroke of the rally because it’s difficult to see where the shuttle will come because of the spin in the serve.

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Do you think it will get banned?

Yes as I mentioned in the earlier question i think it will get banned.

How do opponents react?

Most of the players at practice in my club hate me because it is very difficult to return! The pairing from Singapore at Polish Open was very confused and didn’t understand how it was possible to serve like that.

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How tough is it to execute in a match everytime? Or do you see it as a surprise weapon?

There is of course a difference from using it during practice, and then to use in a tournament, because pressure and the eagerness to win is bigger in a tournament. If you can serve it every time I think you should do that.