The tools

Achievable goals, competitors analysis and accurate postmortems are the basic tools of any training program. Together with the correct training program (next posting) we can produce Champions. We have the raw material, the talent and yet we cannot get this together.

Good achievable goals that continuously stretch our players motivates them and gives them confidence. For every goal achieved there is a sense of well being. Goal setting is partially art and partially science. The goal cannot be too small or too big. Too small and they will get bored, too big and they will puncture.

Competitors analysis will help them measure the gap, teach them strategy and more importantly know who they are. What is their gifting, in which area. And how this compare with their opponent.

Accurate postmortems. Not the excuses that I hear. Identify the problem and we have a shot at fixing it. Allow the excuses to continue and we end up working on the wrong things.

All these tools are basic and yet after so many years and so many millions we still dont have them. I have yet to see one good postmortem in my 7 years in Malaysian chess. All I hear is mediocre people praising other even more mediocre people. They need to do that for otherwise they will not get any praise from anyone.

And the players are left languishing. They are the ones that need the praise. They are the fighters that we send out. What do we need the praise for? We are merely playing a supporting role. But where is the support? You do not send our players out till they are prepared for the risk of damage is high. You do not send a young prize fighter to meet Mike Tyson.

And what is the MCF slogan?.....Raising Malaysian chess from mediocrity.... Walk the talk. It is not that difficult. This is simple and basic. It is difficult for you simply because of your ego and simply because you are too scared to even really try. You want to live in your delusions. Wake up. You are damaging our players.