Softball: High-tech eye on Black Sox

By JULIE ASH

Helen Townsend can probably lay claim to knowing the Black Sox better than most.

As the team's video analyst, it is her job to scrutinise their playing form, technique and tactics as well as that of their opposition, using a computer programme developed by the Academy of Sport.

"We video the Black Sox and other teams, analyse it and feed it back to the coaching staff and to the players," she said.

"The programme is perfect for our kind of sport. It is very beneficial in that it helps our players improve their game and gives them an indication of what to expect from the opposition."

All of which will be essential when the Black Sox line up in Christchurch this month to defend their world title.

Townsend performed a similar role with the New Zealand women's team, the White Sox, last year before approaching Black Sox coach Don Tricker and asking for a job.

"It is cool. They are a really good group of guys and are really good to work with.

"Don has a good understanding of the programme itself which is really good. He has a computer background and understands the whole lot so we can get quite a lot out of it."

Born in Christchurch, Townsend represented Canterbury in every grade possible in the sport, and spent a decade in the New Zealand team as a catcher from 1990 through to 2000.

She attended the junior world championships in 1987 before going on to play in the senior world championships in 1994 and 1998 and then the 2000 Olympics.

"I started playing softball when I was about 14 at school," she said.

"I played a bit of netball but then softball seemed to take over a bit. In the off-season we used to go over the States a lot so you couldn't really play a winter sport."

She also played in Italy for a season in the mid 1990s.

"At that stage you earned enough to have a nice lifestyle. There are a lot of players that do go over to Italy now. I think it is a nice change for them and the money is reasonable."

Townsend retired from the game after the Sydney Olympics, the high point of her career. New Zealand finished fifth.

"There were lots of little highlights over the 10 years. Qualifying for the Olympics was amazing. We missed out in 1996 so to go back and qualify for the 2000 Games was awesome, especially because it was a pretty tough road.

"The absolute highlight of my career was going to the Olympics.

"The team played well, so that was a good way to finish, I thought."

A trained physical education teacher, Townsend accompanies the Black Sox on all of their tours and travelled with them to South Africa last year.

"That is when I do most of my work, actually, when we go away and on tours.

"Video analysis is almost a must for any elite team now. I think it will just get better and better in terms of what we can produce for the coach and the players."

During this month's world championships, Townsend's main job will be spying on the opposition.

"We have got a lot of information on most of them already.

"Some of the teams are coming over and playing games before the tournament so I'll be videoing them then. By the time the world champs come, hopefully, we will have completed most of the stuff on our guys so it will be more sussing out the opposition."

As for New Zealand's chances in Christchurch - where several players, including Mark Sorenson, Marty Grant, Jarrad Martin, Bevin Martin and Dion Nukunuku are hoping to claim their third consecutive world title - Townsend is feeling pretty confident.

"They are ready to play that is for sure.

"I have no doubt that they are going to play awesomely. I can't wait."