Train smarter. Play better. Win more.

Realise and achieve
your potential.
Up your game.

Based in Liverpool, UK, we coach players at all levels, from social through to competitive players who share our passion for badminton and are looking to improve their game.

Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world with wide ranging physical and mental benefits. At 'UP Your Game', we want to support you in getting as much out of badminton as we have!!

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20+Years Coaching
Individual and GroupTraining Sessions
International LevelPlaying Background
James Paybody, coach
About Your Head Coach

Coaching built on real competitive experience

James Paybody has been playing badminton since the age of 8 and now works with players at all levels — from first-time juniors to national level players competing on the tournament circuit.

James first got into badminton playing in the garden with family before taking group lessons at the local leisure centre (as a reward for reluctantly going to swimming classes!!!).

Since taking up the sport, James has competed at all levels of the game, from being a UK county men's singles champion to becoming a world ranked men's singles, doubles, and mixed player, representing Australia on the BWF World Tour and more recently, England in the European and World Senior Championships in singles and doubles.

  • 1
    UKCC Level 2 Badminton Coach2005
  • 2
    DBS Approved2024
  • 3
    World ranked badminton playerHaving competed on the BWF World Tour across all disciplines
  • 4
    20+ Years CoachingCoaching juniors and adults from beginner to international level
Programs

Training that fits how you want to improve

Whether you want focused one-on-one attention or the energy of training alongside other players, there's a path here for you.

1-on-1

Private Coaching

Fully personalised sessions tailored to your requirements, be it technical, tactical, or just a good workout!!

Juniors & Beginners

Starter Program

New to badminton or coaching your child's first steps in the sport? This program covers the fundamentals — grips, techniques, footwork, and the rules of play in a fun and inclusive environment.

Small Group

Group Classes

Training with multiple players of a similar level. Great for drills, match play, and building consistency in an inclusive environment. Sessions designed around common needs of the players.

Club & Team

Club and Team Sessions

Sessions covering tactical and technical elements, aimed at helping club players develop their games and teams winning more matches. These can be arranged on a 'block' basis or ad hoc and designed to meet the needs of the players.

LOOKING TO PLAY AGAIN?

RUSTY RACKETS

You've played in the past, but its been a while! This program is designed to re-introduce you to the game and blow off the cobwebs! Can be arranged on a personal or group basis to get you back up to speed!

ACE YOUR GRADES

GCSE P.E. SUPPORT PROGRAM

Group coaching sessions offered to local schools in support of the badminton practical performance component included in the GCSE Syllabus.

FITNESS CIRCUIT

SHUTTLE HIIT

A new, high intensity circuit based group session combining badminton specific exercises, designed to improve speed, agility and overall endurance on court.

Online

UP Your Game Online - Coming Soon

Upload your playing video to the UP Your Game Member Zone and receive a written analysis report with proposed focus areas from one of our qualified badminton coaches.

Player Feedback

What players are saying

"Excellent coach! In all my years of being coached, I've found James to be the best by far. He has helped me vastly improve not just my physical game with techniques and drills etc.. but my mental game too. He has all the attributes you need in a coach."

T
TomPrivate and group coaching client

"Sessions are well structured and cover everything from technique and individual skills to movement and positioning around the court. The coaching is clear, practical and easy to understand with plenty of useful feedback to help players make real progress. A fantastic coach who genuinely cares about helping each player develop and get the best out of their game."

L
LyndaPrivate and group coaching client

"My children have been attending James's group badminton sessions regularly, and we have been very happy with progress they have made.

One thing I particularly value is how involved James and the other coaches are throughout the session. James is constantly observing and making small corrections, and will often join in doubles games himself, giving immediate feedback on positioning, decision-making and shot selection while the children are actually playing.

No two sessions feel exactly the same, but there is always a clear purpose and progression from week to week.

The children are challenged without losing the enjoyment of the game, and over time I have seen noticeable improvements in their technique, tactical awareness, confidence and overall understanding of badminton. Most importantly, they genuinely enjoy James's sessions and remain motivated to keep improving.

I would happily recommend James to any young player looking for thoughtful, engaging and well-structured coaching that helps them develop while still enjoying the game."

L
LouiseParent of two group session players
Partnerships

Crosby Badminton Club

UP Your Game Badminton is proud to work in partnership with Crosby Badminton Club. As lead coach, James coaches the club's junior section, delivers coaching sessions for club players, and provides structured training for the club's three competitive teams.

Crosby Badminton Club logo In Partnership With Crosby Badminton Club
Partnerships

Wolfenden Badminton Academy

UP Your Game Badminton work in close partnership with The Wolfenden Badminton Academy — a fantastic hub for players looking to develop their game in an ability based, structured, and supportive environment.

James coaches group sessions at the Academy, with head coach, Tom Wolfenden, bringing the same high-energy, player-focused approach that underpins everything at UP Your Game. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, the Academy offers a great development pathway across both junior and adult groups.

Visit Wolfenden Badminton Academy
Wolfenden Badminton Academy logo In Partnership With Wolfenden Badminton Academy wolfendenbadmintonacademy.co.uk →
Partnerships

Crosby Leisure Centre

Crosby Leisure Centre is the home of UP Your Game Badminton. The leisure centre features a fantastic selection of high-quality fitness and leisure facilities with other amenities also including a gym, 25m and 12m swimming pools, squash courts, cycle studio, and a dedicated group exercise studio.

Visit Crosby Leisure Centre
Crosby Leisure Centre logo In Partnership With Crosby Leisure Centre leisurecentre.com/crosby →
Where to Find Us

Location

We are based at the thriving Crosby Leisure Centre with its fantastic facilities, located next to the beach with 4 sprung wooden floor badminton courts. There is plenty of parking available on site.

📍
Crosby Leisure Centre Mariners Road Crosby Liverpool L23 6SX

Ready to up your game?

Get in touch to ask about availability, pricing, or which program is right for your level.

Email James Paybodyjpbadminton@gmail.com Call / Text07305 732919