Raul Must and Laura Vana from Estonia have completed their first week practising at the Badminton Europe Certificated Training Centre in Malmo, Sweden.
Raul and Laura applied for a scholarship to train outside of their own country. They both received a scholarship from Badminton Europe to practise at the Swedish National Training Centre.
Jens Grill, Badminton Sweden’s Performance Director, is responsible for this training centre. He has helped to arrange the practical things like accommodation and transport. Both players stay in the hostel that is only 5 minutes walking distance from the hall. There they have the possibility to prepare their own food. Raul said “The hostel where we are staying is nearby and rooms are comfortable.”
In Malmo they have 2 x 2.5 hours training sessions per day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The only day off is Sunday except when there are league matches or tournaments. From the 12 sessions per week two involve weight training and running.
Training sessions are always from 8.00-10.30 and from 14.30-17.00. Male and female players have separate training sessions but at the same time. So Raul is training with Swedish national players Henri Hurskainen, Magnus Sahlberg and Mathias Wigardt under Per-Henrik Croona. Laura is training with Sophia Hansson under Per-Henrik Croona and Tom Reidy.
Laura’s first week of her scholarship training in Malmo started on Monday working with speed. Tuesday’s training was focusing on speed, power and technique. The main topic for Wednesday’s training was multi feeding. Power and fun games were on the schedule for Thursday. Friday’s exercises focused on technique and tactics. And Saturday the emphasis of the training was on technical, power and duration.
Laura was very positive about this first week in Malmo saying “All training sessions are effective.”
Raul’s first training week started on Monday with block jumps and net play followed by basic exercises limiting errors and fewer mistakes. On Tuesday there was a lot of individual practice with net games and footwork. The tactical training focus was on the attacking game. Wednesday’s was a hard practice day with shots at the back court and basic tactical exercises. Thursday’s training included speed practice as well as speed tactics. Friday was another hard training day with defence practice and playing different matches. On the schedule for Saturday was cross defence.
After the conclusion for their first week in Malmo the players told us;
Raul: ” Good matches, a lot of practice, individual work. No bad things.”
Laura: “Hard practice, good sparring, nice atmosphere. There wasn’t any negative thing.”
For further information on how to apply for a scholarship like Raul Must and Laura Vana plus more information on the five Badminton Europe Certificated Training Centre’s -
click here!