1 Year in!!

Well I’ve been at Singapore Badminton for just over a year now and what a year it has been!!

Lots of challenges and new things to learn – there’s a lot different here! I’ve observed, analysed and reviewed the Performance system and started to make some notable changes what are right for the future of the players here and also for the Association. Some difficult decisions and some where there will be an increased focus, but all in all some very interesting times all aimed at gaining stronger performances and world class players.

In November we had such a highlight!! Following on from some impressive performances which started in patches at the Tokyo Olympics (August 2021), Loh Kean Yew surprised the badminton world with his performances in a number of October and November 2021 World Tour Tournaments. Then in early December he stunned the Olympic Champion in the first round of the World Championships, then performed at such a high level for his remaining 5 rounds of matches to become WORLD CHAMPION!

An amazing period for such a good player, personality and charismatic guy! So happy for him and the small part I played in it …… Kean Yew hit the shuttles, followed the strategy and performed at such a high level!

Singapore Badminton Association Technical Director

It is with great pleasure that I start in my new role this week. I have been waiting for this time to come around and I can’t wait!

It seems to have taken so long to get to this point, the pandemic has made things difficult but finally myself and family are in Singapore, we’ve completed 13 days of quarantine (1 day to go) which hasn’t been too bad. Prior to this we had to spend 14 days outside of the UK before we could enter Singapore, that time was spent in Dubai where we stayed at a very good Swissotel. In Singapore for our quarantine we have been at the lovely Shangri-La Hotel, a great hotel with really nice rooms – we had two adjoined rooms which made things so much easier. The food has been good and the service when needed has been first class.

So the new role starts, I’m very excited at the prospect and look forward to seeing what progress we can make here for the betterment of badminton in Singapore at all levels. Clearly my knowledge is based towards performance, but the quality of structures that underpin performance are vital. Talent development, player pathways, coach development and education, these need to be a major focus as we move forwards.

SBA ….. I look forward to every moment!

Badminton Asia – Coach Adoption Programme

On Saturday 28th November 2020 I have an exciting opportunity to work with Badminton Asia 1 again. Myself and Wong Choong Hann (former World No1 and current Malaysia Director of Coaching) are the speakers for the session. Working with them in an open seminar format on the various Asian Countries discussing their coach development plans and pathways.

I’m looking forward to this one!

PanAm Presentation – Anticipation: Do you think you coach it?

Today I have delivered another topic on the Pan Am Confederation Coach Corner Programme. On an interesting topic of Anticipation.

Another great experience and many interested coaches from 25 Countries in Pan America, Europe and Asia. Wow! Tough topic to deliver on but really positive!

PanAm Confederation Presentation

On Friday 29th May I delivered a presentation for the PanAm Confederation. Coaches from about 36 countries joined the hour long session.

“Do I develop players effectively? ….. Can I do it better?”

A really great experience! Thank you to the staff of the PanAm Confederation, a great bunch of people!

Have a watch!

Interview with Badminton Pan America – from November 2019

Have a click on the link below. The interview took place during the BWF Level 3 pilot course in Lima, Peru during November 2019. Such an interesting experience delivering in English to a mostly Spanish speaking group of coaches – through an interpreter!

http://www.badmintonpanam.org/coach-education-martin-andrew-eng/?fbclid=IwAR0F_dscF-b6ySMREvFGmE2x1z7bP4rSze77yk_X63ei6sh5VSVihoz-RTI

I must admit I really look forward to the next time we can deliver a BWF Level 3 course, it really ignited the minds of the coaches and creates such interesting discussions and thoughts. Challenges, creativity, considerations, reflection and questions …… it’s all about doing our jobs better!

Coaching and life changes!

Wow! So much has changed since my last post in January. I had just finished a BWF Level 1 tutor training course in Asia, a few more courses were lined up and then the Covid-19 virus hits the world. Everyone has changes in their lives now and so many people have been sick or sadly passed away. Home lockdown here in the UK, no travel, no courses!

but coach development can still take place. I have delivered some webinars on specific subjects with the OGQ coaches in India and other groups around the world, it’s interesting to have these discussions and Realise that we can all become better each and every day – even in testing times!

Everyone, please stay safe and well. Until we meet again!

Martin. 👍🏻🙂

Badminton Asia BWF Level 1 Tutor Refresher

It’s always a great experience to be back in Malaysia!  Delivering a refresher course for Badminton Asia’s BWF Level 1 Tutors, plus 3 Trainee Tutors.  Day 3 complete as we look to standardise delivery and assessment with Tutors from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Lebanon, Cambodia, Iran, Brunei and Kazakhstan.  

BWF Badminton, Badminton Asia.

BWF Level 3 Course, Badminton Pan America

Badminton World Federation Level 3 final pilot courses completed in Lima, Peru for the Pan America Region.  It’s always interesting to meet and work with coaches, this time with the added language consideration!  Topics including: Talent Development, Learning and Communication Theories, Anticipation. An interesting group of coaches who responded to challenges set every day.

Thank you Badminton PanAmerica for your hospitality.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

BWF Level 3 Coaching Course – PanAmerica, Lima Nov 2019

Arrived in Lima yesterday – 8th November – to deliver a 6 day BWF Level 3 Coaching Course to identified coaches from Pan America. 16 coaches on the course with either English or Spanish as their main language.

this course is also the first where we will be training 2 tutor candidates which will assist in further delivery of the course, with another observing for the first time – at present it is just myself and Kenneth Larsen (DEN), along with Sharon Springer from the BWF..

looking forward to starting tomorrow!