PETALING JAYA: More minds, better solutions.
A three-pronged coaching team has been assembled to help former Asian champion Lee Zii Jia rediscover his best form ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
Zii Jia, who resumes training with the national squad at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara today, will work closely with singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and men’s singles head coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock, with input from his personal coach Liew Daren.
Over the next five weeks, the coaches will first assess his physical condition before fine-tuning a training approach tailored to his needs.
“It is true he will join our training. We have some specific days where he will join our practice here in terms of match play.
“And I’m looking forward to welcoming him tomorrow (today) for match play and to be part of the training group for these weeks,” said Jonassen.
Zii Jia has endured a dip in form in recent months, possibly linked to injuries and a loss of confidence, but Jonassen is confident the world-class shuttler understands what is required to bounce back.
The programme, however, is not solely centred on Zii Jia, with emphasis also placed on maintaining balance within the squad as preparations for the Thomas Cup intensify.
“We’re communicating really well.
“For a player of his experience, he knows what he needs. Our role is to integrate that into the team environment so everyone benefits,” added Jonassen.
“We have many players that can help with the sparring here, so I think it’s a very positive working relationship and now we take it step by step.
“It starts tomorrow, we’ll learn from it and then make it better each time,” he added.
Earlier, another professional player, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, had already reported for training with the national squad last week.
