This is almost a preaching to the converted thread because the players that have responded have been or are proactive in improving their game.

The difficulty is that there are a bunch of players in every club that would like to improve, like to win more games but they don't want to do something extra to achieve this. It doesn't make sense to me, although sums up a huge chunk of attitude that's prevalent in society today. Give it me now, give it me for nothing.

Personally I feel some people have lost their way and attitude which has changed due to the increasing technology in our world but that's for another time.

At the end of the day, those players that are driven will do whatever in takes within their means to achieve their goals. Depending on their aspirations they will either push to reach division one status, or reach a level they are happy with and forever be content. The sad part about this is that practice and coaching in simple areas such as serving and return of serve will generally yield amazing results instantly. Are players happy when they win more games? Of course they are! Will they practice these simple tasks? Most won't. Where's the logic?

Paul

I do find it frustrating that there is little opportunity to educate myself outside of testing, testing and testing, although I have to admit that my biggest breakthroughs have come through this method.

I have heard many good things about Pete Higman and must do my best to track him down and get in touch with him.

My coaching role model is Brian Roper. Brian was coaching even when he broke his back and was wearing a harness. I haven't seen him for years but I know he's still coaching – bless him!

It seems that BE is only interested in using ex-players as coaches as if they have all the answers. I'm not suggesting here I am better or worse than them. After all, they have international experience, I don't. They played at international level, I didn't. But does that mean they are a better coach?

Looking at football for a moment, let's take George Best as an example. We all know how good a player he was. However, do you beleive he could have coached what he did on a football pitch? I doubt it. That talent for balance, dribbling and seeing is something that can be coached to a point. The technical skill can be coached but having the vision to see opportunities, mmm that is something else.

I considered applying for Level 3 Coach Award two years ago. Whilst I could have completed it I'm really not convinced it would have made me a better coach on court. It may have made me a more organised coach in terms of administration but that's about it.

What I'm looking for are real examples of coaching practices, different ways in coaching technique which I may not have thought of as I'm never happy I deliver the perfect lesson, although I always get good results. It seems there are so few coaches available today to be able to learn from and it seems BE is so interested in keeping this knowledge in-house that it forces coaches like me to either look elsewhere (but where?) or do what I've found to work extremely well…tinker away and continually ask questions. I also borrow from other sports.

My next objective is to meet a fencing coach and see if I can learn from them in terms of how they train explosive forward movement.

I've also linked in with Jacob Hiller and he is writing a program on jumping specifically to improve jump smash in badminton.

So much to learn….love it!

Paul

Thanks Darren

It's a lot of fun to tinker away with players in resoect of testing. I'm fortunate that I only tinker with good players so generally I get to see the results very quickly.

Paul