Relax, Holloway has new way to bring out the best in bowlers
National bowling coach Holloway Cheah used to be a taskmaster at the alley but not anymore.
And that’s good news for the bowlers.
The 77-year-old is more relaxed now with his approach – not because of his age – but because he does not want to rush any of the bowlers into competitive mode just yet as it could lead to injuries.
The elite team have been training for almost three weeks at the Mega Lanes after sitting out for four months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Holloway said he told his charges not to push themselves over the one and half hour session.
“Some of them are suffering from muscle and finger sores but that’s expected.
“I’ll tell the bowlers to rest if they feel sore. The sessions are relaxed because my focus is to just get them to have the feeling of bowling first,” said Holloway, who took charge of the team in 2001.
We’re building their strength in stages. For now, they do it at their own pace to avoid injuries.”
The elite bowlers who have returned to training are Rafiq Ismail, Timmy Tan, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, Adrian Ang, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, Shalin Zulkifli, Natasha Roslan, Sin Li Jane, Esther Cheah, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Syaidatul Afifah
Badrul Hamidi.
Once satisfied with the quality of training, Holloway said he would hold the internal roll-offs at the end of August or beginning of September.
“I expect the bowlers to be at their best shape by end of August.
“The good thing about our bowlers is that they are always eager to get better. I believe in them,” said Holloway.
The back-up bowlers are expected to join the elite team next week.