"Too much wrist," Ramirez said, tossing another shuttle. "Use your arm, not just your hand. Keep it smooth."
Nova tried again, this time focusing on his arm's extension. The shuttle flew straighter, landing just inside the court. Ramirez nodded. "Better. Again."
For the next twenty minutes, Nova drilled forehand strokes, each shot growing more consistent. The kittens watched from the bench, occasionally meowing as if cheering him on. Ramirez kept the pace steady, correcting Nova's form with quick, precise instructions: "Loosen your elbow," "Don't lean forward," "Eyes on the shuttle, not the net."
Next, they moved to backhand strokes. Ramirez demonstrated the motion, his racket slicing through the air with a fluid twist of his wrist. "Backhand's trickier. Your thumb's doing the work here. Keep your grip firm but not tight."
