Under 14 Squad

WSBA's U14 squad is open to players who are under 14 years of age as at 31st of the December following the end of season.  WSBA seasons run from June to May each year.  Players for the squad are selected through County trials held in May, for entry in to the Squad for the season starting June.

Age Group Coaches plan and organise weekly training sessions based on the range of skills within the Squad.  However, U14 players are expected to be familiar with essential movement and a range of technical shots in order to join the Squad.  Training sessions are geared to improving core movement and technical skills, and introducing players to tactical and match play approaches for competitive events.  Routines and drills are relevant to singles, level doubles and mixed doubles, although sparring opportunities are usually focused on doubles.  As the season progresses, training sessions will increasingly focus on developing eligible players so that they are ready for consideration (through annual trials) for entry into the U16 squad. 

Many players join the U14 Squad having already been a member of the U12 Squad, and successfully passing the County Trials in May.  However, players who are new to WSBA can enter the initial trial to see whether they are sufficiently competent to go forward to the main County Trial. Players may also be admitted during a season who haven't previously been a WSBA member, following success in one of our Restricted Tournaments, at the discretion of the Age Group Coaches.

To be successful at this age group in junior badminton, players need to be playing on other occasions during a week in addition to their County session.  WSBA training sessions focus on skills and tactics, and we encourage squad members to do fitness exercises and play through non-county junior clubs and competitively at tournaments (3 BE tournaments).

WSBA expects all players to attend training sessions regularly, wearing County kit, and with a committed, positive mental attitude, ready and wiling to create ongoing development and progression in their badminton skills.  WSBA enters U14 teams in national inter-county leagues and events, and targets a top four position in the national Shires League Final and medal positions in the NMBL.  Age Group Coaches will select the strongest possible team for these events to successfully achieve these objectives, taking into account training attendance and attitude, and well as performance attained. 

Age Group Coaches regularly assess player performance, development and attitude, during training sessions and at County fixtures.  Feedback is provided to players on strengths and areas for improvement, who are expected to work on the identified areas and to show progress.  Throughout the season, players are encouraged to discuss their development and performance with their Age Group Coach, as part of the necessary preparation for those wishing to move into the U16 Squad.

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