During July, specialised cricket clinics were held in Fingal to help improve local young players. These clinics proved to be a great success with 35 players attending. Players attending had the privileged to have experienced coaches share their knowledge regarding different aspects of the game.
A 'fielding clinic' was held at The Hills Cricket Club with Andre Botha (former Irish International) acting as head coach. Players were taught the basics of throwing and finished with fielding drills and a talk about the importance of fielding in the modern game.
A 'fast bowling clinic' was run in North County Cricket Club with Andre Botha acting as head coach. Matt talked through the principals of fast bowling and discussed the skills involved to become a good fast bowler. Time was also spent on the variations of bowling (in-swing, out-swing & slower balls).
A 'spin bowling clinic' was run at The Hills Cricket Club with Pat Collins (Leinster Lightning and Railway Union) acting as head coach. Players were shown basic grips, techniques used and variations to finger spin bowling. Skill specific training drills were followed by a tactical and game awareness session.
A 'batting clinic' was run at North County Cricket Club with Andre Botha again acting as head coach. During the clinic players were taught best practice methods of building an innings. Players had the opportunity to practice a variety of shots against different styles of bowling. Players were taken through an innings on how to bat at start, middle and end of innings.
An enjoyable and informative series of coaching sessions that will benefit the players from the local Fingal cricket clubs who attended.
Reinhardt Strydom
Fingal Development Officer