Coaching convention targeting growth in the game - NZ

[Al's Fastball News]

Received: 8/3/06 4:22:06 AM 
From:  Vance <vanf(at)ihug.co.nz> 


   
Subject:  Coaching convention targeting growth in the game  
   

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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 at xtra.co.nz 

http://www.softball.org.nz/
*mailto:snz at softball.org.nz 


Cheers Vance 
Softball New Zealand web master.
* mailto:vanf at ihug.co.nz 

 

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