26 Oct 2016

Debswana Re Ba Bona Ha Softball coaches have been encouraged to be passionate and committed to the sport code.

This was said at a softball fraternity two-day coaches’ refresher clinic at Maun Sports complex in Maun meant to sensitise coaches on various tactics pertinent on the pitch.

Junior National Team Pitching coach, Tony Moyo reminded the participants that dealing with youngsters in softball needs cautiousness while imparting the necessary skills unto them.

Moyo said to say that softball is a beautiful, fine game but also dangerous therefore required careful coaching.

He said coaching was critical as it promoted the success of a team hence the coaching course in Maun.

Furthermore, he urged the coaches to always start with warm-ups as they help to prepare the body physically and psychologically.

He however said warm-ups should not be lengthy as that would invite fatigue before starting the game.

Coaching, he said, required commitment in passionate for any sport code to succeed. “Tactics such as throwing are the most interesting part of the game therefore you should understand how the wrist and hand work for a better throw,” he said.

Moyo said pitching is the most stressful position given that all eyes are on that player and pressure from the opponents, team mates and supporters thus the need for consistency.

“As for catching, it needs a bravery athlete with good reflexes”, he said. Moreover, he said skills such as infield and outfield play, base running and sliding, hitting and bunting were also ideal but also dangerous when not done properly.

Maun Re Ba Bona Ha Softball coordinator, Kabelo Potedi decried lack of competitions in the region since the launching of the programme last year.

Potedi said that competitions gave the youngsters exposure to impart their skills. He said there were five primary schools that partook in the programme, Boyei, Matlapana, Matlola, Andrew Wellio and Shashe.

However, he said Boyei and Andrew Wellio primary schools have stopped participating in the programme.

The schools representatives also softball coaches at their respective schools complained about softball items such as kits, balls and gloves being stolen by pupils. ENDS