A change of emphasis towards professional development rather than the more traditional skills enhancement in Level III coaching courses this year was a big success.

New Zealand Cricket's director of coaching development John Howell said the different approach this year seemed to have been appreciated by the coaches who attended the six seminars held at each major association over the last six weeks.

"I'm pleased with the reaction we have had," he said.

"The coaches were given cutting edge information and they were taken to another level in their development. It was aimed to stimulate coaching and coaches and we had a terrific response."

It was the first time a professional development approach had been taken as opposed to the technical aspect and Howell said it was so successful he would like to see it done annually.

He would also like to see individual associations take the same sort of approach with their coaches, probably at Level II ranking.

Among material dealt with during the courses were: David Trist and Ashley Ross talking about the vision, team culture and one day game plan of the New Zealand team, Christchurch college of education lecturer Lynn Kidman discussing decision-making and empowerment, Ross talking on game sense, Ross and Howell duscussing a case study of Craig McMillan's game plan to face Muttiah Muralitharan and Saqlain Mushtaq last summer, Ross on changing, or not changing, a player's action; Howell discussing Australian and England women's coach John Harmer's Digi-Cricket and Bruce Blair on the mental skills and courage of elite cricketers.

All coaches who attended had their Level III accreditation extended for another four years.

Next it is the turn of Association first-class coaches, men and women, to take part in a three-day workshop early next month. Also invited were Sarah Hellmore and Sarah Kelly, Bruce Blair, Alan Hunt and Mark Greatbatch.

In September, three coaches conferences for schools and club coaches will be held. The first conference will be in Dunedin from September 14-16, with Tauranga September 21-23 and Wellington September 28-30 to follow.

Former Australian spin bowlers Peter Philpott and Terry Jenner will be involved in the conferences, Philpott in the North Island and Jenner in the South Island. Also taking part will be Sir Richard Hadlee, Tony Blain, Lee Germon and Kaushik Patel.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd