In the ever-competitive realm of international badminton, consistent success is forged not only through individual brilliance but through alignment, synergy, and cohesion — particularly between players and their coaches. For Malaysian men’s doubles pair Muhammad Haikal Arif and Roy King Yap, 2025 marks a pivotal year in their development as they seek to fully align with the training methodologies and philosophies of Indonesia’s legendary coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi.
Herry, known globally as “Coach Herry IP,” was appointed to a special technical advisory role with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) earlier this year. Tasked with refining Malaysia’s doubles structure, Herry brings an elite pedigree, having guided Indonesia’s top pairs like Marcus Gideon/Kevin Sukamuljo and Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan to world dominance. His arrival represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Malaysia’s upcoming shuttlers. For Arif and Roy King, the journey toward synergy with Herry’s system is a process demanding humility, adaptability, and a steep learning curve.
This feature explores how the pair is adjusting to Herry’s vision, the hurdles they’ve encountered, and what aligning with a proven coaching philosophy could mean for their long-term aspirations.
A Promising Partnership on the Rise
Muhammad Haikal Arif and Roy King Yap, both under the age of 23, were officially paired by BAM in 2024 following a series of reshuffles aimed at cultivating fresh chemistry among the younger doubles ranks. Individually, both players had tasted moderate success in various domestic and international junior circuits. Roy King, in particular, was heralded for his defensive intelligence and court awareness, while Arif brought firepower and aggression from the backcourt.
Initially seen as a developmental duo, Arif and Roy King made early headlines with a quarterfinal finish at the Thailand International Series and a bronze at the 2024 Indonesia Challenge. Their on-court camaraderie and contrasting styles made them a complementary pairing with high upside. Yet, as they transitioned into tougher tiers of competition, technical inconsistencies and strategic lapses became evident.
That’s where Coach Herry IP entered the picture.
Herry IP’s Arrival A New System of Belief
When BAM announced Herry’s appointment, it signaled a shift toward incorporating international best practices, particularly in doubles play. Herry’s coaching philosophy is built on four key pillars:
- Precision in Rotation: Ensuring seamless transition between attack and defense with a focus on synchronized movement.
- Strategic Patience: Encouraging players to build rallies rather than force winners too early.
- Emotional Control: Emphasizing composure during long rallies and high-pressure situations.
- Discipline and Detail Orientation: Cultivating consistency in footwork, serve-return routines, and net plays.
“We’re not just teaching skills, we’re building mental frameworks,” Herry told Malaysian media shortly after his appointment. “Players must understand not just what to do, but why they do it.”
This structured, cerebral approach stood in contrast to the more free-flowing, instinct-driven style that many Malaysian pairs were accustomed to. For Arif and Roy King, the adjustment meant unlearning habits and embracing a higher tactical IQ.
The Adaptation Period From Resistance to Resonance
At first, the transition was rocky. Training sessions intensified under Herry’s direction, with emphasis on repetition and situational drills. One exercise, termed the “Rotation Gauntlet,” had the pair alternate defensive and attacking roles with clockwork precision against multiple sparring partners. Mistimed footwork or a missed signal led to reset drills.
“It was mentally exhausting,” admitted Roy King. “We weren’t used to breaking down rallies into such detail. At first, it felt restrictive.”
Arif echoed the sentiment, adding, “Coach Herry would stop a rally midway and ask, ‘Why did you move left instead of covering the center?’ It forced us to think, not just react.”
Over time, however, the results began to surface. During the 2025 German Open, the pair upset the world No. 18 Korean duo in a three-set thriller. Observers noted how Arif and Roy King exhibited greater control, with fluid transitions and minimized unforced errors. Even when under pressure, their composure and communication reflected Herry’s imprint.
“Their spacing and decision-making have matured,” said BAM’s coaching director Rexy Mainaky. “They are finally speaking the same language on court — and more importantly, speaking Herry’s language.”
Developing Trust and Mental Fortitude
Beyond tactics, Herry has placed strong emphasis on psychological fortitude. One of his philosophies is that the strongest pairs aren’t those with the best shots but those who handle adversity the best.
To that end, he introduced regular mental conditioning sessions. These include video reviews not of wins, but of losses. Players are made to revisit painful defeats and articulate what went wrong and how they felt at key moments.
“Coach Herry wants us to own our errors without fear,” said Arif. “It’s tough to watch your lowest moments, but it builds accountability.”
Roy King revealed that their communication off court has also improved. “We’ve learned to give each other honest feedback without taking it personally. That trust translates into better synergy during matches.”
Building a Style That Reflects Herry’s Blueprint
Herry has often described his ideal men’s doubles pair as one that combines finesse and firepower. While he acknowledges that Arif and Roy King are still in a developmental phase, he sees the potential to mold them into a tactical and dynamic pairing.
Their game style has evolved noticeably:
- Arif is no longer just a power hitter. Under Herry’s tutelage, he’s refined his shot selection and movement economy.
- Roy King has become more assertive at the net, transforming from a reactive player to a proactive playmaker.
Together, they now employ a “3-phase rally model” — setup, pressure, and kill. Each rally is approached as a sequence, not a series of isolated exchanges.
Roadmap to 2026 and Beyond
With the World Championships and 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, Herry has set performance milestones for the pair:
- Short-Term (6 months): Maintain consistency in early-round matches, target semifinal finishes in Super 300 events.
- Mid-Term (1 year): Break into the top 25 of the BWF men’s doubles rankings.
- Long-Term (2-3 years): Become regular contenders at Super 500 and above, with podium targets at the 2028 Olympics.
While these goals are ambitious, both players express confidence that Herry’s system provides a solid foundation.
“We’re not chasing shortcuts,” said Roy King. “With Coach Herry, every step has a reason. We’re building something sustainable.”
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