Successful players are not just players; they study, work, socialise and have friends but have to find the right balance. High achievers are not just good at sport; they are good at life skills, time management and planning.

Balancing School Work and Badminton

This isn’t easily achieved but is important and can be done. High achievers are disciplined and effective when they do things. Remember there are many people that can help:

Player Tips

• Identify key dates well in advance, school coursework deadlines, exams, competitions and training camps
• Sit down with the school and your child’s coach, then plan revision and training
• Be disciplined and stick to the plan

“Combining training and education is hard if you are not willing to plan ahead and prepare for it.  There are certain times of the year where my education becomes very demanding, such as around exams or when there are several deadline dates close together.  As soon as the university timetable is released in September, I start structuring my days starting from 7am.  A normal university weekday, begins with 3 hours on court starting at 7am, then rushing for a shower to get into town for my 11am lecture. After my lecture I head back to training for a further 2-3 hours and then its dinner. 

"On an average month, I compete two out of four weekends in the UK and an entire week abroad; in the past I have missed four consecutive weeks of university due to my competition schedule. 

"If I feel I want further insight into a university topic which I have missed, I arrange tutorials with my lecturers and I often do a lot of individual study to enhance my knowledge.  I have found that it is a combination of my time management and desire to succeed that enables me to remain focused when my schedule gets busy.  To be able to combine study with training an individual needs to be prepared to take their study wherever they go, whether it be Europe or Asia. 

"To get the most out of both training and education, you have to be prepared to make sacrifices which enables the prioritisation of these aspects of your life.  When my schedule gets busy I cut out everything else and simply train, compete and study.  This is hard to sustain for a long period of time therefore I suggest limiting this to a few weeks at a time and where possible allow yourself free time for some of the day."

Sarah Milne - GB Development Programme – 4th place Youth Olympic Games 2010