By Piers Newbery

Childs will be playing singles at Wimbledon for the third time

Lee Childs heads to Wimbledon in a positive frame of mind having achieved a career-high ranking of 252 in May.

It may not have made many headlines but the British number six insists the new regime at the Lawn Tennis Association has been instrumental in pushing him up the world order.

Tim Henman's former coach David Felgate took over as LTA performance director last year with the immediate aim of seeing all his players make steady improvements.

With Mark Petchey responsible for men's national training, a tougher environment has been created where players must constantly prove their commitment to the sport.

"I think the change in the way of doing things has been good," said Childs. "It has kicked people up the backside a little bit.

"The tennis schedule is just constant. Someone like Tim has to peak for Masters Series events and Grand Slams but the rest of us need to play well throughout the year.

"The actual tournaments may change from year to year but I plan it all with David and Petch.

"If I'm away they'll keep in contact by text and when we're back they're in touch with us nearly all the time.

"There is a good group of us and a healthy rivalry. David's helped us to help each other and we need other players around us to push us on."

The wildcard play-off is really nerve-wracking but when you win you feel like you deserve it Lee Childs

The nation may be concentrating largely on Henman at Wimbledon but this time of year is also the one chance for Britain's lower ranked players to make an impact.

"It can be a little bit daunting at first because it's a big thing for the Brits," said Childs.

"The sudden amount of attention can be hard for us to handle but once you're there you get used to it."

Childs is a big server at his happiest playing from the baseline, but he insists grass holds no fears for him.

He had a superb win over 33rd seed Nikolay Davydenko at last year's Wimbledon before succumbing to Spanish prodigy Rafael Nadal.

And he is confident teaming up with Swedish coach Martin Bohm, who has previously worked with the likes of Magnus Norman, Thomas Enqvist and Thomas Johansson, will see him better prepared this time around.

"I do feel comfortable on grass and I'm trying to come in a bit more. Returning on grass is big and obviously serving is massive," Childs added.

"The ball comes through lower so there's a bit more bending needed. It's slightly different but not a million miles away."

"And working with Martin has helped me big time, we've done a lot of work and it's been really good.

"We've been focusing on my movement, my serve and return, trying to tighten up all areas really."

And Childs is at least guaranteed avoiding the nightmare of the wildcard play-offs this year.

He came through the inaugural play-off last year against his fellow Brits but this year has a high enough ranking to claim a wildcard directly.

"The best thing is definitely to get in without a wildcard," said Childs. "It's really nerve-wracking but when you win you feel like you deserve it."