JSP gives junior cricketers a head start

Narrabri District Junior Cricket Association hosted a junior clinic run by JSP Sport Development at Cooma Oval on Friday morning.

The clinic was designed to allow young cricketers to brush up on their skills ahead of the 2019-20 junior season which started on Saturday.

JSP Sports Development’s Jake Packer said the day ran smoothly and all the young cricket enthusiasts enjoyed the day.

“It went really well, it was a very good roll up with about 40 kids turning up,” he said.

“The kids had a really good time and it was good launch for the junior cricket season ahead.”

Jacob Sampson, Max Vogel, Gabe O’Connor, Nick Ford, Beau Laws and Jonothan Anderson. Jacob Sampson, Max Vogel, Gabe O’Connor, Nick Ford, Beau Laws and Jonothan Anderson.

JSP’s Jake Packer shows the juniors how it’s done. JSP’s Jake Packer shows the juniors how it’s done.

Stella Laws lines up a shot. Stella Laws lines up a shot.

JSP’s Jake Packer watches on as Bernard O’Connor bowls. JSP’s Jake Packer watches on as Bernard O’Connor bowls.

Jackson Dowdell launches into a powerful cover drive. Jackson Dowdell launches into a powerful cover drive.

Spin bowler Assan Asad in action. Spin bowler Assan Asad in action.

Sanchit Jagadeesan pulls a short ball. Sanchit Jagadeesan pulls a short ball.

George Barton rips one in. George Barton rips one in.

Packer said the structure allowed the kids to improve their skills in batting, bowling and fielding.

“We split it up into two groups with the older kids, from 10 years and above, and the younger kids, between five and 10 years old,” he said.

“We had a fielding session which was made up from fielding games not boring drills. They worked on building hand-eye coordination, catching, fielding, movement and anticipation.

“After that we did a bit of batting and bowling which for the younger kids we focused on techniques and working with game based activities for them.

“For the older kids they did some bowling and batting in the nets as well as working in key areas which they wanted to work on individually.”

Packer said he was impressed by the ability of the kids as well as the group’s willingness to listen to instructions.

“Cricket is a tough sport, it does require a lot of skill and attention,” he said.

“The skills that were shown on the day were really good to see.

“I was really happy with what the kids were doing and how they were batting and bowling.”