Dent helps Glos Women develop batting skills
14 March 2016
Gloucestershire batsman Chris Dent has been helping the county’s women’s team develop their batting skills this winter.
The Royal London One-Day Cup winner’s main focus has been to improve their ability to hit more boundaries.
And Chris says he has been impressed with how quickly the players have been able to put his advice into practice.
He said: “I’ve been impressed with their work ethic and hunger to learn. I've enjoyed seeing them improve over a relatively short period of time”
The squad were relegated from their T20 division last season but hope to bounce back with a number of exciting youngsters stepping up from the age group teams to join a core group of senior players.
Chris has focused on helping the players apply some of the basics of power-hitting he has picked up from working with specialist coach Julian Wood.
He said: “We have encouraged them to get into a strong base, making sure their feet are wider when they make contact.
“We have also got them using their hips to create power and improving their hand speed to develop their ability to hit distance.
“They are already hitting the ball more cleanly, with more confidence and are consistently hitting the back wall of the sports hall with a lot of power.”
Chris – who made 268 in Gloucestershire’s final County Championship match of last season - has also helped the girls develop their ability to face spin.
And he has the backing of his players, who say they have really benefited from being able to tap into his experience.
Gloucestershire Women’s player Chloe Davis said: “Chris has been a brilliant help. He's kept things simple and then we have had time to go and try it. If he notices something he's pointed it out - but not negatively - and the impact on my game has been great.
Her team mate Maria Fowler added: “He is very good at appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of players and adjusting techniques accordingly. This means that you can play to your strengths and develop your individual style.”
