Back to the classroom

The sessions were brief,but there was a clear difference in the approach. The minutest of technical skills involved more “fun,involvement and interaction”. The lessons for the Indian coaches — some senior B-licence holders — were little but subtle.

“We are here just to give them an idea of how kids are coached at our club. Most of them have a fair idea of doing things and we gave a new side to it with some ideas and skills. The coaching process for kids should involve more fun-oriented activities,otherwise they will lose interest. There’s a difference in dealing with a senior and junior bunch. With the older boys,it’s more about tactics while the juniors need technical assistance. Stress levels also keep on increasing with age,” Oriol told Sportline.

The first blip on notice was the fitness levels of the coaches and for further,the Spaniard said he needed time. “Fitness may be one of the problems here as it’s equally important for coaches. It wasn’t very clear today,maybe I can find out more problems over the next two days. Once they begin working with the children it will be easier for us,” Oriol added.

The reactions from the coach-turned-students,however,were mixed. “There’s nothing different in the things that they told us to do. I think every coach who has done his course from the NIS is aware of the skills and processes. Anyway,it’s knowledgeable for the rest and what stood out is their commitment. The session had to start at 3pm and they were here by 2:30. That’s one of the basic things Indian coaches lack. So,there are still things to learn,” said Indian Nationals official Hansraj.

The sweltering heat had already reduced the “short” sessions and then the obvious utility of such a short programme — one day for coaches and two days for children — was questioned.

“A two-three days’ programme and a few certificates have no value at all. Even if we pick 15 players in the two days how will they continue? You need at least a months’ time to groom a player. The heat is also affecting every one. They could have easily held it under floodlights. It would have encouraged the parents’ involvement as well,” said Delhi coach Tarun Roy.