Participants learn the basics of batting spin at Malteenoes Sports Club Summer Clinic

Participants at the Malteenoes Sport Club (MSC) Summer Clinic were on Wednesday taught the fundamentals of how to bat spin bowling under the watchful eyes of facilitator and former national player and coach Mark Harper.

Each player in the over 13 category was guided through the step by step process of playing spin bowling before they were permitted several minutes to execute what they have learnt.

As a young player there are usually challenges that come with batting spin, whether it is the inability to use the feet or read the various deliveries or simply the inability to bat the turning deliveries or otherwise. Fortunately, for the crop of youngsters attending the MSC clinic the ability to bat spin should no longer be a major issue in their development as they were offered a firsthand opportunity to learn such on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, former under-19 player Kelon Carmichael, who is an assistant coach at the camp, was engaged with the u-13 players as he taught them how to execute the perfect straight drive. From a few yards away Carmichael under armed the ball to the batsmen, who were faced with the task of driving the ball along the ground and into gaps. In another part of the venue former West Indies fast bowler, Reon King took the fast bowlers through fast bowling drills. While in the club’s pavilion assistant coach Darian Best, taught the smallest group at the clinic the theoretical basics of the game.

Today is the penultimate day of the camp which is being facilitated by former national player and coach, Mark Harper; along with other established coaches. The objectives of the programme are: to provide a variety of fun and enjoyable activities which are expected to provide immense pleasure and satisfaction, while teaching the basic skills of the game; to develop hand-eye co-ordination, sharpen reflexes, agility and flexibility, balance and speed; to teach the rules of the game by step-by-step instructions; to develop life skills, such as self-confidence and self-discipline; to build and improve skills and athletic capabilities.The aspiring cricketers are also being taught the basics of the game through playing a variety of games that cover all facets of cricket. Games will be designed for small groups to ensure that all of the children have a go, and that they can test, learn and practice skills as they go. There will also be matches during the programme to test the skills, confidence and mental capabilities of players. Apart from the coaches several national players and prominent individuals have lectured to the group of young men on their social development.