How did you get into badminton?

My parents played socially and I took a keen interest in all the racket sports.

My dad encouraged me to try a variety of sports, resulting in me playing tennis 

and squash for my county (Bucks) before concentrating on badminton when I was

about 14. Local coaches Derek Skiddy and then Jim Mannwere instrumental in my 
progression from the Milton Keynes Junior BC to the Bucks county teams and then

 onto the National junior teams.

Where, how and when do you train?

My training base is the Bath University High Performance Centre run by Peter Bush. 

I train 4-5 hours per day, six days a week. The training is a mixture of on court 

badminton squad sessions with the other men’s singles players based in the area, 

on court physical training (shadow and multi shuttle routines) and strength and 

conditioning exercises in the gym.

Who are your best friends on the circuit?

I have become friends with many players since I started playing badminton, 

especially those I competed with as a junior. Simon Hardcastle and Kristian Roebuck 

are two such friends while Robert Blair and Rajiv Ouseph are players who have become

friends in recent years.

Who is the toughest opponent you have played?

The toughest would have to be Sony Dwi Kuncoro from Indonesia. I played him just 

after he won his Olympic medal in the first round of the Indonesian Open and although

I was playing some of my best ever badminton I only scored five points! 

I had felt I was going to do well when leading 5-0 in the first game. His defence and 

fitness showed me I needed to be a far better athlete to compete with the top players

in the world.

What do you do in your spare time?

When relaxing I enjoy watching films, listening to music and reading. I also coach in 

the evenings as it is something I enjoy learning about and requires very different skills 

from training and competing. If there’s time I’ll drag Pete or Anthony Bush out for a 

game of tennis!

Future Aspirations?

I would like to become National Mens Singles Champion and also add to the 2 senior

European international titles that I have already! I am also looking forward to the day 

that I represent England and to competing in the major international competitions 

(World, European, Commonwealth and Olympic Games).

Any advice for younger players? 

Perhaps of crucial importance is to find a good technical coach when you are young so you don’t grow up with any major technical weaknesses. In my case I was lucky to work with a former All-England Champion, Roger Mills, for a number of years who is the best technical coach I have come across. Of course you then have to develop your athletic ability as you mature but badminton skills remain the most important element. Having someone whom you trust to guide your badminton career with your best interests at heart (rather than the interests of any club, county association or coach) is essential for a young player to achieve his/her full potential.

Nathan Rice
England No. 3  World No. 69,
Sponsored by Ashaway.

2006-2007 Season’s Achievements

Winner of the Sussex Elite Open

Beat Eric Pang (Netherlands) world ranked 12 

Final of Welsh (International) Open

Final of Elite Open Circuit

Final of the National Championships