Merlin Masimela, the Youth Cricket Coordinator at SWD Cricket, recently successfully completed the Cricket South Africa Level III coaching certificate. Masimela, who is involved in coaching for more than 10 years is also a former SWD First Class player.
A CSA Level 3 Accredited Coach will have a clear understanding and be able to describe in detail, the CSA Brand, Playing and Coaching Philosophies, as well as the relevant (current period) CSA Strategic Plan. A coach can develop his or her own effective Player-Centred Coaching Philosophy.
o Be able to differentiate between a Collaborative/Facilitative approach and one of an Instructional approach
o Have a clear understanding of the Principles of Learning and their application in coaching
Have a sound knowledge and understanding (theory and practical) of the 4 disciplines technical skills, and be able to effectively observe, analyse, evaluate and coach the skills to an elite cricketer.
Have a sound understanding of basic biomechanics and its application to the 4 disciplines.
Display an in-depth knowledge, understanding and application of tactics required at a representative and competitive level, over the 4 disciplines.
Display a clear understanding of the key differences between the 3 formats of the game, the effects thereof on roles, tactics and approaches, linked to the CSA Brand and Playing Philosophy.
Have an effective ‘skills armoury’, with sound knowledge, understanding and application of the Soft Skills required to coach at a representative and competitive level (Train to Compete and Win), including:
o Emotional Intelligence
o Team Culture Development
o Communication Skills
Effective communication
Questioning & Listening
Feedback
o Observing & Analysing
o Data management:
Collecting, storing, analysing and using data on conditions, own players and opposition in coaching
Understanding and reading data
Workload monitoring
o Strategic and General Planning
Periodisation
o Leadership skills
Managing support staff
Organisational Skills
Administration Skills
Competent in the use of technology for:
o Videoing players
o Use of analysis software
o Managing Cricket Clinic
o Drawing up and monitoring of a players PDP
Be able to plan and implement effective Performance Coaching sessions across the four disciplines (Game Sense or Constraint Led)
Have an understanding of the Common Cricket Injuries, their prevention and management
Be able to identify, develop and train visual skills in elite cricketers
Clearly understand and apply the implications for a coach at the LTPD: Train to Compete Stage, as well as action the Roles and Responsibilities
Be competent in working out and managing various Workload Management Ratio’s in CricketClinic and understand the basic fundamentals for each skill set
Understand the importance of and be able to give advice and guidance on Nutrition and Hydration
The Cricket Services Manager, Mr Gary Moos, congratulated Mr Masimela with this qualification. “His commitment and dedication must be complimented and we are glad for this addition to his qualifications and skills set”, he concluded.