Mooroopna Golf Bowls Club was treated to a high-quality coaching clinic last Thursday.
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As the lead-up to the various bowls competitions continues, clubs and their players are on the hunt to advance their skills and learn as much as possible before another season of summer bowls.
The clinic was led by a coach and two bowlers from Premier bowls club Altona.
Mooroopna Golf Bowls Club president Ken Maude said the clinic gave members a significant boost heading into the season.
“We had an hour and a bit of coaching, which was great; I just hope the people listened and remember what they were told,” Maude said.
“They split us up into three groups of beginners, skips and the rest.
“We had a great turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
“We have two or three new bowlers and they were rapt with the coaching they got.”
During the approximately hour-long session, Maude said the coaches gave some excellent pointers on key bowls basics.
“They focused on how to hold the bowl properly in your hand and how to line your feet up to deliver the bowl,” he said.
“The main point they told us was that when learning bowls, you need to get your grasp and the rest will follow.
“They also said when training, get a couple of kitties and spread them out because you never get the kitty on the centre line all day, every day.
“It’s important to learn to bowl to a kitty in different spots.”
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Coach Robert Campbell from Altona Bowls Club gave some pointers. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 9
Shepparton's Bruce Morris lines up his target. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 9
Mooroopna's Mike Donnelly mid-swing. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 9
Merrigum's Shelley Hughes learns from coach Tony Mercaldi from Altona Bowls Club. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 9
Mooroopna's Lionel Blake has a relaxed bowl. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 9
Mooroopna's Norman McPhee lets it rip. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 9
Byrneside's Deb Greenwood watches coach Tony Mercaldi from Altona Bowls Club closely. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 9
Mooroopna's Sheryl Emmett puts learning into practice. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 9
Merrigum's Shelley Hughes launches a right arm rocket. Photo by Rechelle ZammitWith the bowls competitions fast approaching, clubs across the region have been busy preparing for the upcoming season.
Maude said Mooroopna Golf Bowls Club had been no different, with the club having a large turnover of players during the off-season.
“We thought initially we might be struggling, but we have got the same number of teams we had in last year,” he said.
“We lost a few players after their egos probably got the better of them and they think they are going to other clubs to play in higher divisions and it’s not going to happen.
“They could have played in a higher division with our club anyway, but you can’t do anything about it.
“If they want to go, let them go; there is no point trying to hold on to them.”
Cadet Sports Journalist