The Emerging Players and Coaches (EPAC) Programme officially launched with an enthusiastic first session, bringing together a small but dedicated group of players eager to sharpen their skills.

Led by Kevin Hooper, the session focused on the vital skill of drawing to the centre line. The training began with a fun warm-up game where players tried to knock each other’s bowls off a mat without losing their own—a challenge that ended with all bowls eliminated, much to everyone’s amusement.

Players then moved into a structured skill session, working through drills designed to improve accuracy. Scores were recorded for analysis and to track future progress. To simulate the pressures of actual match play, participants competed in teams, aiming at a numbered target mat with the first team to reach 200 points declared the winner. The debrief revealed a valuable insight: under pressure, players tended to rush their shots, often falling short. Discussions highlighted the importance of pre-shot routines and taking time to compose, especially when fatigued or under pressure.

The session wrapped up with a Q&A and a video demonstration of warm-up stretching exercises for players to use before matches.

A big thank you to Bowls Papatoetoe for hosting and providing refreshments, and to coaches Linda Fenton, Dean Edge, and Trevor Kent for their invaluable support. Special congratulations to Kevin Hooper, who successfully completed his assessment and is now a qualified Development Coach.

The next EPAC session will be held on 19 November at New Lynn Bowling Club, focusing on weight control, led by Dean Edge.