| DERBYSHIRE COUNTY SQUAD TAKE HOLISTIC APPROACH The Derbyshire County men’s squad have started to introduce a holistic approach to their coaching programme in a bid to improve their recent performances. A recent training camp held at Erewash Valley Golf Club saw 10 of the counties leading players undergo a series of assessments delivered by the team at Performance Golf aimed at improving the scoring end of their games. The training camp presented the players with the opportunity to work with some of the experts at Performance Golf in the areas of technical, physiological, psychological coaching plus support in performance measurement, goal and target setting and lifestyle management and planning. The technical sessions which focused on putting allowed the players to take advantage of leading technology and some cutting edge putting aids. Keith Williams, the former England National Coach assessed all the squads putting strokes using a Science & Motion Putt Lab analyser. The technology which uses laser sensors is able to measure club face alignment and the loft of the club at address and impact, plus the path of the putter head throughout the stroke. The computer software has the capability to produce numerous reports, all which can be extremely valuable to both player and coach in assessing skill levels and developing the putting stroke. Leading Physiotherapist, Bob Wood, who advises England Golf on the physical development of young players, put the squad through their paces. Each player undertook a detailed physical assessment and was presented with a report outlining golf specific physical work for the player to work on which are designed to improve their range of motion in the golf swing. Sports Psychologist Rebecca Wood spent time with each player investigating areas where they could improve and introduce new mental skills. In particular identifying strengths and weaknesses and focussing on pre shot routines. Former EGU Performance Director Nigel Furniss introduced the squad to the PERFORMANCE GOLF TRAINING DIARY which saw each player exposed to the processes of self evaluation, setting goals and targets, investigating performance measurement and understanding the importance of planning and managing their training and competitive programmes. Also present was Ian Melville of Swingrite UK Ltd with his new innovative putting aid the “Centre Cup” ,which caused quite a stir with the players, all who thought it was a great training aid and could see the benefit from using it on a regular basis to train and develop a consistent and effective putting stroke. Derbyshire captain Sam Humpston said: “This was an important day for Derbyshire golf, introducing the players to a multi disciplined, holistic approach to training is a new and innovative approach for us. The feedback from the players was extremely positive, with all of the players requesting a follow up session to build on the good work carried out on the day. I am sure this investment will show through with improved performances from the players, and ultimately of the County team.”  DERBYHIRE COUNTY SQUAD WITH THE TEAM AT PERFORMANCE GOLF |