adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
HOCKEY Association of Zimbabwe vice president Humphrey Chigwedere has described the just-ended coaching clinic as a huge success.
The week-long clinic was conducted by International Hockey Federation instructor, Gjis Hardeman, at Arundel School.
It targeted graded coaches from around the country and in the last days it incorporated players of different ages.
The clinic was focusing on new rules, modern techniques, drag flick techniques, penalty corner defence strategies, taking penalty corners, formations and how to conduct practice matches.
Chigwedere said the clinic was more of a refresher course for the top coaches and attracted 23 coaches from Harare, which had the bulk of coaches, Bulawayo, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Masvingo.
“The clinic attracted 23 national graded coaches from around the country. Schools’ representatives were also amongst these coaches.
“The clinics took place at Arundel School because the school has an astro turf hockey field which provided the most suitable conditions for the teaching of modern hockey.
“The main aim of the clinic was to act as a refresher course to some of our top coaches and a start to some of the upcoming ones.
“The first three days were spent with the coaches, that is, holding class room discussions and then in the mid-morning to afternoon sessions it was on the field putting into practice what will have been learnt or discussed in the class.
“The last days incorporated players from different age groups starting with the junior players up to national team material,” said Chigwedere. Chigwedere said they were optimistic that if the coaches start to put into practice what they learnt it will go a long way in improving the sport.
“The clinic was a great success in our opinion, judging by the positive comments that came from the participants.
“This was due to its participative and practical nature.
“In the end hockey was a big winner in that the coaches were actively involved and immediately put into practice what would have been learnt and one hopes that the retention rate was raised.
“If what was learnt is put into practice the sport will surely reach the next level in the positive direction,” added Chigwedere.
The HAZ vice president said they were grateful to the international federation who facilitated the coaching clinic.
Online Reporter