Jonassen finds Asian methods a better fit for national shuttlers [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has reverted to an Asian training methodology after shuttlers struggled to adapt to the European philosophy he initially introduced.

The Dane said the European method focuses on challenging the mindset of players, requiring them to set their own goals and drive their own progress.

However, the approach hit a roadblock as shuttlers, including world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, found the transition difficult.

"Quite early on, I made changes to a few things. People may think we are still following the European training style, but actually we are not," Jonassen said at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Friday.

"In fact, we went back to a very Asia-based training approach four to five months ago because we felt it was not beneficial and the players were not ready to do those kinds of sessions.

"So I changed quite fast as I started to understand how players here think and react." Jonassen said the European approach also extends beyond the court, where players are challenged to confront "inner demons" to become all-round performers.

"My European style is that I push players' inner demons by challenging their mindset and way of thinking to overcome obstacles that are difficult to solve through exercises," Jonassen said.

"The Asian approach is actually not very different, and now I understand that we will eventually reach the same goal, just in a slightly different manner."

Jonassen said he might combine Asian and European styles in the future to bring out the best in his shuttlers.

"Eventually, we are going to try again with a combination of different elements, as we now have a better mutual understanding.

"I think it will be more ideal to combine more elements moving forward."

With the Asian training approach back in place, Jun Hao will look to produce better results during the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena on Jan 6-11.