‘Coaching kids a great learning experience’
GURGAON: Anjali Soni, a talented teenage squash player from Chandigarh, played the agegroup nationals the last two years with not-so happy results. She is determined to overcome her firstround jinx and make an impression in the nationals in Ajmer.
Soni’s plans, or rather her game, has got an edge this time around, thanks to a former world champion. She was one of the ten young squash players from humble backgrounds who attended a week-long camp under former World No 1, Australian David Palmer. The camp, an initiative by Renew Power, a Gurgaonbased firm, involved fine-tuning the basics of the players, arming them with strokes that would supplement their natural talent.
The week-long camp concluded on Tuesday with the players gaining some valuable insights and tips from Palmer. “Six days is too less a time, but the idea was to spot technical flaws and prepare different goals for each individual so that they could follow them and improve their game,” Palmer said.
The Australian, currently the head coach of squash at Cornell University in the US, said technique is one of the most important aspects of game, and was sad that it is overlooked by youngsters. That’s one reason why, in the camp, he conducted drills to make the students understand the importance of ball control. “To be a successful player, right opportunity isn’t enough. There has to be a good blend of coaching too,” he added.
Palmer was happy with the feedback from the players as well as local coach, former India international, Ravi Dixit. “All of them have taken note of the drills and have assured they will work hard,” said Palmer.
Palmer has been involved in fund raising and community service that involves coaching underprivileged kids in the US.
He said working with kids is a great opportunity to learn. “With some kids one has to be more firm while others are shy and need a different approach,” said Palmer, adding that each day throws up a new challenge. “Some learn faster from videos. The goal varies from individual to individual. The challenge is there and that’s the best part of coaching.”
In the recent past, Palmer has guided some of the top Indian players including Joshna Chinappa and Harinder Pal Sandhu, and is familiar with the Indian sports system. “There is lot of potential but there is no magic to reach the top. It all boils downs to hard work and getting the right kind of opportunity,” he added.
According to Palmer, mental training is an important aspect of training and should be incorporated from a young age. “Mental side of the game is generally overlooked. It is 25 percent of training. Drills have to be done in training and cross-checked in competition,” said Palmer.