TIM HENMAN would be an even better tennis player had he taken part in more different sports when he was a child.

That's the opinion of Paul Bickerton, who is the recently-appointed Coach Development Officer for Hampshire.

The 26-year-old is charged with creating a better support network for coaches in all sports throughout the county.

And one of the key parts of his remit will be to make sure that school children are exposed to as many different sports as possible in a bid to mould them into better adult athletes.

Ensuring that coaches are properly trained and monitored is an integtral part of that experience.

"The government are keen to get children aged around five, six and seven taking part in more sports rather than concentrating on just one," Bickerton, who is based at Winchester, explained.

"It's something that happens in other countries.

"In America kids play sport all year round - they play baseball, basketball and football.

"It's not until they go to High School at 14 or 15 that they start to specialise.

"By then they have learnt all the basics well - and that makes them better rounded athletes.

"Look at Tim Henman. He is a great tennis player but watching him you can see that his movement isn't the greatest.

"He would be a better allround athlete if he had played more different sports in his early years.

"It's only when a child gets to 11 or 12 that that's a good age for them to learn key skills like backhand or forehand."

Bickerton, who was previously a sports development officer for Hampshire County Council, is one of 30 newlyappointed CDOs throughout Britain - created by £4m of funding to Sports Coach Glasgowborn Bickerton, who used to work in America before moving to Hampshire, will be liaising closely with governing bodies in a bid to identify areas of coaching concern - such as the Hampshire RFU or the Hampshire FA.

"I want to ensure all coaches get access to the best training they can, and to ensure new coaches coming into sport are closely mentored.

"A coach is such a key position in a person's sporting development.

"And good coaches help create a higher overall standard - anybody experiencing a poorlytaken coaching session isn't going to want to stay in the sport too long."

Anyone wanting further information can contact Bickerton on 01962 845019.