How Australia's 2005 Ashes squad helped to launch a global coaching sensation

Former Scotland international Colin Smith celebrates 20 years in business by recalling how Katchet caught on

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The summer of 2005 will live long in the memory for cricket fans who experienced the amazing Ashes series between England and Australia.

But the Australian tourists also played their part in launching a coaching phenomenon which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary the year.

That season, Scotland international Colin Smith was worried about whether his investment in a new product he had launched, based on a prototype built in his father’s garage, would take off. 

That product was Katchet, the catching aid now endorsed around the world by international stars and newcomers to cricket alike.

Colin and his international teammate Neil MacRae had been nervous about taking the product to market, but were given confidence when using it at the ICC Intercontinental Cup in Dubai by former England Test player Bob Woolmer, who was working at the tournament in his role as the governing body’s high performance manager.

Woolmer recalled to Smith how his former colleague, Kent and England wicketkeeper Alan Knott, would use an upturned bath mat as a catching aid to enhance his skills behind the stumps.

“It gave me the confidence that the principle for this kind of product was there, so we invested and got it made,” says Smith.

“We were in a lot of debt and a bit scared about whether it would work and were trying to sell it out the back of the car.”

^{The Katchet has become a global sensation}

Despite these early fears, Smith was able to get the word around about Katchet while playing for Scotland in National League games against English counties that summer.

The big breakthrough, though, came when Australia visited Edinburgh for a washed out tour game.

Despite the lack of play, Australian coach John Buchanan was enthused by seeing the Katchet in action.

“He loved it straight away and could see the benefits of it,” remembers Smith.

“He bought 10 straight off the bat and was an advocate for us for the next 10 years.

“From there, it just grew and grew. When the ECB adopted it for England coaching in 2008, it really kicked on.

“We got that immediate kudos and endorsement, which made it a lot easier for parents, kids and coaches to see it and accept it.

“It’s a product that has benefits for everyone, even for small kids starting out with a softball, because it teaches hand-eye coordination, foot movement, deflection reaction and so on.

“But then you use a hardball and it becomes challenging even for the best in the world.

“With all of our products, we’ve tried to come in with that top-down approach to help professionals, but which is still something that will benefit everyone at any level of ability.”

^{The RapidArm has two models aimed at differing levels of ability}

Other products brought to market by Katchet since include the Fusion Multi-Stump, which helps bowlers and keepers alike, and the RapidArm+ ball throwing device.

The RapidArm Ezy is set to be brought out this summer, which aims to provide the same quality as its sister model with a soft cup providing greater ease of use for those who have slower arm speeds, such as parents and children.

A new model of the Katchet aid is also in the offing.

This philosophy of helping all cricketers to enjoy the game more drives Smith forwards, as Katchet celebrates 20 years in business. 

Recalling those early days, Smith concludes: “I was bricking it because I wasn’t going to be able to pay my credit card bill, but once things always looked in the right direction I always wanted to make more products and not just be a one trick pony.

“We’re a small company run by cricketers for cricketers.

“We understand the game and what it takes as a coach and player to succeed and importantly enjoy yourself.

“Our whole ethos is making life easier, improving coaches, coaching and ultimately the players.

“And I can only thank everyone who has bought into that for the last 20 years and perhaps will continue to use our products for the next 20 years.”

Click here to find out more about Katchet’s wide range of products for cricketers of all abilities.