We have the return of live badminton this weekend in Bulgaria for all fans to enjoy. However, not all players are able to make their return just yet. Centre of Excellence (CoE) player Milan Dratva shares how he is using this time to get ready.
Players at the high-level training facility in Holbæk Sportsby are currently doing a lot of general fitness and skill training, as the international calendar still holds several question marks for future planning.
The one thing that the Slovakian number one singles player misses from pre-COVID-19 times is being all together at the facility with tournaments coming thick and fast, as he says.
- I miss a little more variety in sparring, as some of the centre's men's singles players haven't been able to come back just yet.
When lockdowns were announced at varying times across Europe, the majority of CoE player travelled back to their respective countries. The CoE then adapted their working methods throughout this period, keeping regular contact with players and conducting fitness plans online. Players even made badminton fitness training tutorials from their homes for fans to follow along. See Dratva’s video here.
Calmer and more accepting
Upon re-opening the CoE, still, some players are yet to return to full training. However, Dratva has used this time for extra reflection to revaluate things about his personal life.
- I became calmer and more accepting, seeing things for what they truly are a little more.
Also, like many players, Dratva has been pleased that he can address his persistent niggling injuries that were affecting his game.
- I addressed my hip flexor that had been giving me a lot of trouble and I can happily say it's much better now.
Watch Dratva in action at the 2020 European Men's Team Championships: