I was watching I think the final of men's doubles at a high level regional tournament, and was surprised that I think twice there was a lift off a short serve. I thought that was supposed to be a no no. I'm not at a very high level, but I haven't done that since the early days. I'm assuming it was felt this was a good idea, so what might have been the point?
Sure, a lift is not the best option (you gift the attack to your opponent), but maybe they know that the receiving opponent has a weak smash, or they want to break up a pattern and add some unexpected shot or it happened automatically, losing concentration...
... or the shuttle was tumbling and they wanted to hit it cleanly or they thought it was short, realized it wasn't and a lift was the only real option or.....
