COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

COACHING FORUMS

Coaching forums have been set up throughout the region and each one serves a certain area due to the sheer size and distance between the major centres. Forums are currently operating in these centres: George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Riversdale, Knysna and Beaufort West. Each forum is headed up by a co-ordinator who assists the coaching department in setting up and running any forums and coach development sessions for the specific region. These forums take on the form of open group discussions on relevant, identified coaching topics, as well as practical coaching sessions where different drills, techniques and ideas are showcased to the local coaches. This information can then be taken and implemented in their own training sessions.

Should you wish to join your local forum or would like additional information please submit your details by clicking here.

CAP (COACH ACCELERATION PROGRAM) CAMPS AND CONFERENCE

CAP Camps are run on a needs basis locally for coaches working mainly in the SWD Player Pipeline. Respective Coaches are invited to various CAP Camps and spend the time in the company of senior, experienced coaches who deliver both practical and theoretical sessions to enhance their overall coaching skills. These camps focus on the improvement of both soft and technical skills, to create the kind of environment that will produce self-reliant cricketers who in turn, take responsibility for their own growth and development.

Annually the SWD Coaching Department hosts a Coaching Conference. The conference aims to bring in specialists, both local and national to transfer knowledge and skills to all coaches in the region. Various aspects of the game are covered at the conference, and this is a MUST NOT MISS EVENT for any coach in the region.

COACH SHADOWING

The coach shadowing program is another initiative that has been running for a number of years. Active coaches are able to shadow one of the senior coaches in the system during various training sessions or actual fixtures.

During training sessions, coaches are not just bystanders taking notes, but are actively included in the training session, whether it is throwing balls, running certain drills or giving feedback to players. The hands on experience here helps coaches fast track the learning process and they get to experience the inner workings of a professional training session. They are then able to scale this information and learning to their respective levels they are working with and better prepare players for the pressures of modern day cricket.

Match day shadowing includes hands on experience which may take the form of running certain drills in the warm ups, helping players prepare during the day for innings’ or bowling spells, as well as sitting in on the teams tactical and feedback discussions throughout the days play.

The opportunity of shadowing senior level three and provincial coaches, is a must for any aspiring young coach or experienced school and club coach who would like to broaden their skills and knowledge base. Shadowing opportunities are available through the season and coaches interested should contact the Coach Education Manager via the SWD Office.