Former Guyana off-spinner Garvin Nedd is on a mission to help the country’s young, upcoming slow bowlers to improve their trade and to technically correct their skills as he embarks on a journey to rescue the art of off-spin bowling.
Nedd, a former Guyana senior and junior off-spinner told Stabroek Sports yesterday during an interview he wants to work with the spinners locally while his current objective is to become a spin bowling consultant at a regional franchise level, including the Hero Caribbean Premier league (HCPL) or with the West Indies team.
The level 1 coach said his current mission is about upgrading to a Level 2 status where he will then begin his journey to possibly play a role in the development of spinners both locally and regionally. He also said while his goals are outlined, he still wants to coach a Guyana U17 team to their first title before he moves forward.
“Looking at the standard of off-spin, the trade is lost in the West Indies but through the Guyana Cricket Board’s help, I want to work and help our youngsters become better spin bowlers. Through the board I think they should have a special coach to help them to be more biomechanically stronger”.
“I think this is one of my specialties, as a former national cricketer that encourages me to want to work with the trade of off-spin which I want see continue”. When asked whether he plans to work with players now if approached, Nedd said “I have my venue at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) so players can come down and we work something out,” adding he plans to approach the GCB with an official proposal for his venture.
He said once his dream becomes a reality, he plans to work with spinners of all ages at the same time so as to better help the youngsters to feed off their senior comrades. Guyana finished fourth in the regional U17 tournament and Nedd offered some justification regarding the performance of his team in competition.
“It’s always difficult with the U17 team because of the exam period and in our cricket structure where we have no cricket compared to other countries who have cricket playing in school and cricket on the syllabus for CXC as well, but if given the opportunity I could work with U17 again because that’s the only title we never won and I think we’re getting close.”
“We had missed chances in the tournament but that’s cricket and at this level, coaching to me is more about developing players. It’s definitely [also] about winning. I want to win and I’m glad that people want me to win but I think it’s always about developing players, especially at [this] age in their careers.”
“I’m happy because I think a lot of players who [have] been playing under my wings have been progressing so I’m happy to see that and I’m glad to be playing a part in that.” The DCC head coach also said while his overall aim is to help spinners here in Guyana and around the region once allowed, he is currently willing to work with any spin bowler who feels that they might have issues with their techniques.
Nedd said he’s aiming to complete and acquire his level 2 coaching degree by 2016 after which, he will then make himself available to assist spinners in franchise cricket to better help them understand bowling in various conditions and surfaces. (Clifton Ross)
