CHENNAI: No time to pick coaches’ brain during matches? Learn to deal with it, say former India coaches. In a bid to make the sport more spectator-friendly, Badminton World Federation (BWF) has proposed to table a reduction of oncourt coaching during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to be held in May. Top Indian shuttlers have credited coaches for helping them cross the finish line during crunch battles in the past.
If the proposal — 1 time-out per player for coaching plus 1 more in the fifth game — is sealed, the players might find themselves on their own on more ocassions, searching for answers on court during big rallies. But U Vimal Kumar and Mohammed Arif feel it should not be a hindrance and the players could do even better if they are left to fight on their own. “At any level, when a match is on, the players should deal with the situation accordingly.
That is where your calibre will be tested, your technical, physical, tactical aspect,” Vimal, who formerly coached Saina Nehwal , remarked. “That is why I admire tennis (men) methods, where you can’t make any contact. It is a good move by the BWF. I’m not exactly sure how it is going to work, because it is actually a move to make the sport more spectatorfriendly, attractive on TV,” he added. During Arif ’s stint as national coach (1997-2004), it was stricter so he feels the shuttlers can easily get used to the idea. “Earlier, it was stricter. Even a small gesture (between a coach and the shuttler) could lead you to punishment,” the Dronacharya awardee said.
The coaches believe the players should be more independent and learn to think on their own feet. “I don’t think so it really makes a difference (coaches being around all the time). Unless a player is really that good and he/ she is able to process every little information during that brief period, I don’t think it really matters. Also, the opponents can also change their tactics. So, the players should have the ability to analyse and deal on their own during different circumstances,” Vimal opined. At an age where loads of information can be acquired with a click of a button, Arif feels shuttlers (though no fault of theirs) are being heavily dependent — technology and coaches of course.
He said this proposed change could make them mentally stronger. “Earlier there was no videoanalysis,” Arif said. “We used to train them in such a way they were using their intelligence. Coaches being around sometimes could lead to distraction. Moreover, it could be a distraction for the opponents too. Because badminton is a fast game, the players have to make a decision in a splitsecond. I firmly believe the players have to use their brains, acquire the knowledge and experience and apply it during mat ches to become a champion.” Two other tweaks apart from on-court coaching have been put forward. The matches will be played on a best-of-five games basis of 11 points each and a service- law change to introduce a fixed height for serves has also been proposed.
anmol@newindianexpress.com