Gary Kirsten Cricket recently completed another High Performance Camp in the Netherlands. This is the third year running that GKC has been hosted by the Flamingo’s and the KNCB. As always it was an enjoyable week spent with cricketers and coaches sharing knowledge in the name of progress and improvement.
The first 2 days saw 30 players attending a High Performance camp in the Hague based at HCC. Players in attendance were from various clubs and were treated to skills and middle based training delivered by Gary Kirsten, Ryan Van Niekerk and Garreth Von Hoesslin. The sessions, which were attended by both boys and girls, involved drills and match scenarios as well as energetic fielding games. “The players were like sponges for information and it was great to connect with those attending”, said Ryan Van Niekerk, Head Coach of GKC India.
A short trip down the highway and the following 3 days were based in Amstelveen at VRA in Amsterdam. The camp started with the Dutch U17 team consisting ofmany players that have worked with the GKC coaches on previous trips. “It was a brilliant opportunity to see how the players and the system have progressed over the years.” Ryan said, he continued, “The continuity of the players’ training programs and habits could be noticed immediately.”
In the afternoon, the Dutch National Team, who are preparing for a T20 International tournament in the UK later this month gained the services of Gary and the team to assist with their training. Thorough conversations were had regarding game strategy, modern trends in the T20 game and ways in which to practice them. Ryan Campbell, the Dutch National Coach and Gary facilitated a squad middle session using live scenarios which added great insight into the teams’ plans moving forward. A remainder of the players also upgraded their skill sets one on one in pressurized net drills which extracted valuable learning for the players.
The following two days were once again spent with the U17 team and their enthusiasm and energy shone through as they spent the days honing their craft in preparation for a white ball tour in the UK. Match strategies were developed with each player and attention was given to each individual through various interventions including skills, drills and match play.
Gary had heaps of praise and well wishes for the team, “Having worked with these players for a few years it is great to see their growth and we look forward to working with them again moving forward and wish them all the best for their upcoming tour”. He continued, “GKC has a strong relationship with the Flamingos and the KNCB, we love coming to Holland and we look forward to welcoming more Dutch players to the shores of Cape Town once again for the start of our High Performance Academy”.
Four of the current Dutch National team selected for the T20 tournament have trained with GKC during the HPA in Cape Town over the past 2 years. Stay posted for updates on www.garykirsten.com
