New Zealand Coaching convention targeting growth in the game
August 3, 2006
Wellington, NZ
Wellington, NZ
Coaching convention targeting growth in the game
Thursday August 3rd 2006
Softball coaches of all levels from across New Zealand will be convergingon Wellington this weekend for a two day convention.
New Zealand Softball National Coaching Director Naomi Shaw has beenoverwhelmed by the response to the convention with 60 coaches registeredto attend.
Shaw says all the coaches registered have a desire to improve theirknowledge with the focus of the two days on growing the game of softball.
The importance of a coach can not be under estimated believes Shaw butthere is more to the role than knowing the game and skills required.Another key factor is managing the athlete.
“If you have a confident and skilled coach in front of a team the chancesof that team staying in the game are much higher,” said Shaw.
The convention has two strands one aimed at the entry level grass rootscoach and the other targeting the sports elite coaches.
Included in the weekend will be a range of workshops covering all aspectsof the game from the basics of pitching, hitting and catching through tothe more advanced technical side of the game and planning andpreparation.
Those taking the workshops will be a relative whos’ who of New Zealandsoftball legends from past NZCT Black Sox coach Don Tricker through tohis successor Eddie Kohlhase. NZCT Black Sox catching legend MarkSorenson will lead a session on the art of catching while NZCT Black Soxinfielder Dion Nukunuku will offer advice and ideas on hitting andfielding.
There will also be workshops from current and past international playersand coaches such as Nardi Leonard, Lynda O’Cain, Kiri Shaw and NaomiShaw.
Shaw says the presentation from Tricker will focus on the approach tocoaching and not what to coach but how to coach.
Softball New Zealand in conjunction with SPARC are running a pilotprogramme developing coaches with a focus on meeting the needs ofathletes along with learning all the necessary skills.
“In the past we have taught coaches through levels and exams but the factthat someone has passed an exam does not necessarily mean they are a goodcoach. It comes down to practical skills and understanding how to putwhat has been learnt into practice,” said Shaw.
The coaching convention will also see presentations from SNZ NationalPitching Director Debbie Mygind, SNZ Regional Coaching Co-ordinatorsGraeme Gollan and Ian Saunders.
Shaw says along with the learning to be had during the workshops over thetwo days another key will be a chance for all the coaches to network,share ideas and make new contacts.
The convention will be held at the Brentwood Hotel, Wellington from theevening of Friday August 4th through to the afternoon of Sunday August6th.
By SNZ Media Liaison: Kelly Mitchell
* mailto:kelly.mitchell@xtra.co.nz
http://www.softball.org.nz/
*mailto:snz@softball.org.nz
Cheers Vance
Softball New Zealand web master.
* mailto:vanf@ihug.co.nz
