‘Coaching is more than a science’

A collection of coaches from nine countries. A good foreign mix with one common aim: to gain from the experience of one and all for the betterment of squash in Asia. This is the essence of the three-day ASF Coaching Conference that is on at the Indian Squash Academy.

There is a general feeling of satisfaction over the lectures heard. Some of them felt there was much to gain as Tony Choi of Hong Kong, the country that boasts of a top ten player in Annie Au, felt.

“Coaching is more than a science. It is an art. It is useful to know the art from various regions and cultures,” he said on what he was looking forward to. As a country which has a good ‘feeder system’ in terms of talent hunt, Choi is a much contended man.

“We have very good talent in the junior level and that is good for the future,” he said.

As the Course Director, Maj. S. Maniam, SRFI consultant coach and Director Coaching, ASF, put it, “the whole exercise is to prop up coaching standards. Each area of development requires expertise, including moments in a match when a player has to know or decide which stroke to play. These are key areas which help in training of the elite players,” he said, while underlying the importance of the Conference.

Good forum

The Malaysian coach Allan Soyza said this was a good forum to discuss and detail the various aspects of coaching techniques. “Utilise the knowledge gained to the best purpose and this depends on the situations in each of the Asian country. Ultimately this give and take approach will help Asian squash as a whole,” he said.

Talking of the best known of squash in his country, Nicole David, Allan said, “She is an amazing player. Mentally tough and physically strong. Speed and stamina are her plus points,” he said of the World No.1 woman player.