The Dutch high-performance coach John Fikenscher was recently in Malta conducting a nine-day Training Camp; sponsored by the Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC), this Camp was aimed at the better senior and junior players as well as at the coaches of Badminton Malta.

David Azzopardi, MOC’s Director of Finance, inaugurated the Camp; it was held at the sports halls of St Martin’s College (Swatar) and of St. Aloysius College (B’Kara) as well as at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Practical training on court was supported by theoretical instruction and discussion in a classroom.

This provided Maltese players and coaches with valuable insights into the latest playing and coaching techniques.

The overall training camp tackled such topics as Physical and Psychological Preparation for Competition; Footwork routines; Strength and Pressure Training; Strokes, with particular emphasis on deception; Nutrition; Tactics in Singles, Doubles and Mixed play; Prevention and Recovery from Sports Injuries.

This was Fikenscher’s second visit to Malta; he had conducted his first local Training Camp in May 2006, after having been specifically chosen by Badminton Europe for this project.

In addition to the Training Camp, Fikenscher also visited several local schools and colleges in order to promote Badminton among the students as well as to collaborate closely with the respective PE teachers.

A spokesman for Badminton Malta stated that the regular organisation of such Training Camps clearly evidences Badminton Malta’s firm commitment to the continued development of its players and coaches.

He also thanked Badminton Europe as well as the Maltese Olympic Committee for their cooperation and support.