I wrote about the ECB Batting Fundamentals workshop late last year. And so far this year I have attended learning workshops on spin bowling and fielding.
Lots of ideas, lots of drills.
But what stood out, for me, is how these experienced coaches and coach developers took the time to emphasise the coaching process.
After a hiatus of some ten years, during which there have been precious few CPD opportunities for coaches in England, I have recently been able to attend several Coach Development events.
On more than one occasion the coach developers echoed Roy Walker on Catchphrase — just “say what you see” — but that assumes the coach has really been looking!
Observation — where do you look?
The batting coaches recommended a systematic top-to-bottom approach for observation. Tracking down from head to feet.
Mark O’Leary, in a Spin it Up workshop, suggested scanning from release point (above the head) down to feet…although he also picked up a step-in in my run-up three steps out from the delivery stride.
Coaching OAF
Cookie Patel, in the fielding workshop, introduced the coaching OAF
- Observation
- Analysis
- Feedback
A process we (a wide selection of coaches, recent Foundation to Level 3) had all been taught during our ongoing coach education…but I wonder how many of us apply it rigorously when we coach?
The Teesra 
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