UK�s Navin returns to drill netball coaches
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 1, 2016 15:31
Navin was in Botswana this week on the International Netball Federation’s (INF) assignment to mentor netball coaches.
She told Mmegi Sport that her role in the INF is to develop coaches in Africa. She revealed that this was her third visit to Botswana after earlier visits in 2010 and 2012. She also works with coaches in Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania.
Navin said she was here to assist coaches to get the Africa Level One qualification, which is accredited by INF.
“We should have more qualified coaches and they should pass on the knowledge to other members of the community.
I have realised that most coaches knew more about the technical aspects of the game than tactics. These are the people who have been working with the Botswana national netball team. I wanted to change that approach,” she said. Navin said as Botswana readies to host the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017, coaches should not be left behind. She said coaches should develop players to become better decision makers.
Navin said players should think for themselves when inside the court.
She believes coaches should teach players to put opponents under pressure all the time.
She said coaches should also be upgraded because netball keeps changing all the time through new rules and style of play.
She urged Botswana to make short and long term preparations for the Under-21 team. She said netball should become part of the system like football for it to attract sponsors.
Navin said INF is always interested in assisting associations wherever possible.
Brief biography of Navin:
Her research involves practice and over the last four years, she had supported a range of national governing bodies in their development of a coaching and leadership strategy.
Accreditation:
* UK Coaching Certificate Level 3
* Accredited UK Coaching Tutor,
Assessor and Internal Verifier
* Reviewer for Sports Coach UK
and the UKCC Level 4
Professional positions:
* Editor of Sports Coaching and
Netball Series
* Reviewer for the Journal of Sport Sciences
Ambassador for the INF. Working with Government Ministers in Africa and the INF to validate an education programme and qualification structure for sports coaches in Africa.