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As India's fortunes in the game continue to dip, new coaching techniques are the need of the hour, says Pradhyum Reddy
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Photo: K. Gopinathan
Kickstart Coach Pradhyum Reddy (centre) feels a systematic overhaul is needed to save football in India
Football is undoubtedly the world's most popular sport. However, the game that has entralled millions over the decades has stagnated in our country. The main reason for this decline could be attributed to the coaching and training system .
Many coaches, of international fame and national repute have taken charge, but failed to deliver up to expectations, often owing to the curbs placed by the bodies running the sport.
A 34-year-old Bangalorean, Pradhyum Reddy, with a UEFA ‘A' License under his belt hopes to correct this anomaly.
“There are a lot of issues that are ailing the training system. One cannot train for football with a regime for a marathon runner,” says Reddy.
He explains, “In a normal training session, a footballer attending a camp is first told to take five or 10 rounds of the stadium before going through the skills and game sessions. Will any teenager have the energy and enthusiasm to go through this gruelling regimen and then play even a friendly game?”
Pradhyum is the football coach, under the Leapstart brand, that in partnership with US-based Spark Organisation is setting up base in Bangalore.
While Pradhyum is looking after the footballing aspects, Ashish Ballal for hockey, Nisha Millet for swimming and J. Arun Kumar for cricket are some of the other coaches that have been roped in by Leapstart.
Pradhyum has conducted three five-day camps at the Sree Kanteerava stadium. “As far as technique is concerned, nearly 25 to 30 children in the 12 to 14 years make the mark. However, training for these youngsters must start at a younger age, like in countries across the world.” feels the coach.
Pradhyum is in search of a base to ensure that his training styles reaches as many children as possible.
“Currently, I am concentrating on coaches and trainers and conducting workshops to enable them learn the intricacies of the game and who in turn can reach out to the children from the rural areas.”
He adds, “Training coaches will enable me reach further. The classes and workshops conducted for nearly 20 to 22 coaches free of cost was a big hit. I hope to conduct such events at regular intervals and help the coaching fraternity grow,” comments Pradhyum.
AVINASH NAIR
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