BANGALORE: With coaching expert Gunther Huber being invited by the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA), coaching received a major boost in the state with the genial German getting right down to the task of coaching the coaches. In a joint venture, Sports Education Agency Tenvic and PPBA have taken up the meaningful responsibility to educate the coaches so that they transfer that knowledge to players. A development and performance director of the World Badminton Federation, Huber told TNIE that If coaches know the finer points they can help their players improve faster. Excerpts from an interview...
On the technical details of the training programme
Well, we use a camera which can capture 1,000 images per second. A DVD will be prepared to explain the basic techniques of badminton for beginners and senior players. A detailed training programme for coaches will also be undertaken. We will be making a detailed digital manual of basics and advanced techniques that coaches can use in their training programmes. Players at the PPBA will be filmed and the curriculum for coaches will soon be finalised.
On its use in other nations
How to make use of all that will be produced has not been decided as yet. Tenvic and PPBA will have to sit together and sort that out. My job is to help them produce something that will be of use to all sections of players and coaches.
On his basic approach to coaching
Well, my aim is to teach a player how to control his strokes. If you can control your shot-making you can control your opponent, you can control the court. And control can come only by being fit physically and mentally.
On the game’s exposure on television
It wasn’t the case sometime back. But now the game is getting a lot of television coverage.
On the game at top level
Oh, it has changed immensely. It is now a lot more faster. Players are always improving and improvising. Fitness is the key now. Rallies are longer now and a player who does not make mistakes will triumph. Racquet technology has changed. You can hit harder and faster now.
On the domination by China, South Korea and Malaysia
Well, they are always changing their methods, adopting new ones and moving forward. By the time you catch up, they are doing something new. Now China has a culture or tradition. So success breeds success. One champion inspires another and the movement goes on.
On Indian badminton
India has produced some fine players over the years. Prakash, Vimal, Gopi, Chetan. Now you have Saina Nehwal who is making waves. I think the interest level is tremendous here. Probably, you need more infrastructure and more good coaches in all cities to keep up the tradition of producing fine players.