The BSF has once again asked GB Slowpitch Team Manager Sara Vertigan to assemble a team of coaches from the GB squad to help B-grade and C-grade teams seeking to ‘up their game’ in 2014.
This initiative was first run by the BSF and the GB Slowpitch Team in 2013, and was well-received, with eight different teams receiving a coaching clinic from a GB Slowpitch Team player or coach and then game management assistance during competition. The BSF hopes to run an equally successful scheme this year.
Applications
Individual teams or slowpitch leagues can apply for expert assistance under this scheme, with the coaching costs covered by the BSF. However, financial constraints will limit the number of teams that can take part, so the scheme will be first-come, first-served.
A team might apply for a coach to spend a day during the pre-season or early-season period to work with them on batting techniques, baserunning, infield and outfield drills, base coaching and line-up management, then follow up by joining the team on the bench for one or more league games or games at an early-season tournament, consolidating the learning in the reality of competitive play.
Alternatively, a league might want the coach to conduct a clinic for a group of coaches from league teams, who can take back what they have learned so that all teams can benefit.
Sara Vertigan will work with applicants to clarify their needs, then put them in touch with GB Team coaches to arrange sessions.
But the first step is for teams or leagues to contact GBRslowpitchcoaches@britishsoftball.org so the needs and timings of applicant clubs or leagues can be matched with the skills and availability of the coaches selected to deliver the scheme.
Feedback from 2013
Here is some feedback from the GB coaches who ran sessions in 2013:
“The coaching session was well received, though a little tricky as they had some players who were obviously pretty good and then a handful of complete beginners. After discussion with the club's Chair I chose to split them infield / outfield and cover the basics, then end with a couple of game innings.”
“We worked on some basic skills and drills relevant to areas they wanted to improve, then we carried the drills forward into game situations, and during their tournament I spent two games at the start of the day with them. We worked on players having an offensive and defensive plan at all times and the ability to regain control when things start to go wrong. We also made a couple of tweaks to the line-up and found positions for a few of the players that suited their natural physicality and skills better. The team went all the way to the final and were unlucky to lose but they had a very good tournament and have many quality players.”
“The teams combined for a four-hour coaching session. We covered basic skills and did a lot of work on baserunning and base coaching. They took to sliding particularly brilliantly and all seemed to grow in confidence throughout the day. It was a question of putting themselves in control: they have great potential.”