Dust off the pads, roll out the mats…. It’s time for indoor nets again!
Indoor cricket facilities are a hive of activity at this time of year, players of all standards getting ready for a big season.
It’s refreshing to see clubs full of hope and optimism for the season ahead, although only a few are lucky enough to remain so throughout the season! The question is what can we do now to make that dream season a reality? Working as a coach at The Cricket Asylum in Sowerby Bridge, I’ve been able to observe several clubs going about their pre-season business.
Some use the PitchVison analysis system to make technical and tactical improvements, some use it to break record ball speeds and laugh at video replays! It has made for some very interesting and entertaining viewing, I’ve even seen an umpire in the lanes getting his eye back in!
Clubs such as Elland CC from the Huddersfield League have come in and really trained hard and in a professional manner. Players using the bowling machine to fine tune, keepers getting together to do some drills and even a solid warm up before they start! There is a real sense of commitment and ambition when this club fills the lanes.
In contrast to clubs like Elland, I have witnessed teams with what seems to be no real goal or commitment at all, from a coaching point of view anyway. A defensive shot will be mocked as much as a big swing and miss. No warm-up, just guys trying to break their record bowling speed and padding up ready for a good old slog! This is all well and good if a player or club is happy with that, as they certainly have a good time and plenty of laughs.
What really matters is when players and clubs that want to progress still get dragged into the same old indoor net routine year after year, slogging and having a laugh at each other’s failings. This is where some sort of plan and structure needs to be implemented. It’s not rocket science, each player can identify their strengths and one or two areas to develop in the lead up to the season.
A simple jogging up and down warm up will not only get the body going but will engage the brain and help improve the attitude towards training. Try batting in pairs and running a 3 every 6 balls to swap, or put a few cone markers down as gaps in the field, you could even introduce a ‘when you’re out you’re out’ policy!
Small changes in structure and attitude can make a big impact on a team’s preparation and performance. We could start by simply calling it Pre-Season Training rather than indoor nets….
Contact Matthew Dawson, Head Coach at The Cricket Asylum for more Pre-Season Training ideas! matt@inspiredsportscoaching.co.uk
The Cricket Asylum:
Bookings – Chris Berry- 07939 155558
Coaching – Matt Dawson- 07775 614370
www.facebook.com/THECRICKETASYLUM
Twitter – @cricketasylum
