Cricket | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Use This Simple 3 Stage Drill to Improve Batting Decision Making

Last week I talked about the missing two thirds of batting and focused on helping batters pick up visual cues. The next phase of the batting process is to build up our decision making capacity.

One of the ways that works for me is to build up the number of resources available to the individual: That is to say which options can be used.

I then to test which ones are most effective in a variety of scenarios and match conditions. This way, the player starts to decide for themselves.

I ran a session based on this today around playing spin using the Merlyn spin bowling machine variation mode which subtly shifts lengths by 10% either way.

The session went a little bit like this:

Quick Tip: How Old Can You Spot Talent?

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Richard, a doting father, has written in with a question:

My 7 year old son trains at county level with the 7-10 group but one of the coaches have asked if he would like to train with the 11-13 year old players. He lives and breathes cricket and has been training since he was 3. At what age do you think someone has potential?

If I could answer that with any accuracy I would be a rich man!

Could This Innovation in Nets Improve Your Team and Bring Revenue to Your Cricket Club?

Cricket nets are straightforward. You string them up, you practice your batting and bowling. But what if you could do a lot more with nets than that?

That's the idea behind the new nets at Torquay Cricket Club in the UK. And you could easily follow their example.

What Fast Bowling Science Boffins Tell You About Preventing Injury

Dr. Deepak Hiwale is "The Fitness Doc", a medical doctor, sports scientist and cricket lover with a special interest in preventing fast bowling injuries. In this article, The Doc tells us about the pitfalls of bowling fast, and how you can stay on the park.

Fast bowlers have always been thought of as unintelligent by batsmen. However, nothing can be further from the truth. Fast bowling an intelligent art but it is also downright hard work. What's more is that more intelligence and planning go into the making of a fast bowler compared to a cricketer with other skill sets.

This intelligence and planning is not only to make a fast bowler but to also increase his shelf life.

Cricket Show 246: Competition Winner

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This week's winner of the Cricket Show podcast question competition is Ricky. He wins a free coaching course from PitchVision Academy.

The winning question was:

"When batters go out to face spin bowling should they have plan and what short of plan should it be? Like should it be, if he tosses it up I'm going to use my feet and get to the ball and if he drops it short I'm going to get deep in my great an work it around? Or should it be more complex?"

Listen to the panels answer to his question here.

To enter your own question for the chance to win your choice of online coaching course send your questions in here.

The Road to 90mph Bowling from the Man Who Made It

This is part 3 of and autobiographical training guide Steffan Jones, professional fast bowler. Can he achieve his aim of reaching 90mph through innovative training methods? For part one click here, for part 4 click here.

PV/VIDEO Weekly Highlights 28: Good Catch

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Welcome to the PV/VIDEO Digest, your highlights summary of the weeks best videos from PitchVision Interactive

You can share these videos by email or onto facebook, and post your comments right here: From serious analysis to Friday fun. Here are the top 5 videos uploaded from PitchVision systems around the world this week.

This Graphic Shows You How You Compare to Average Bowling Speed

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I'll let the pictures do the talking here. How do you compare to the average? (click to enlarge)

Cricket Show S5 Episode 3: TARDIS Cricket

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PitchVision Academy - PitchVision Academy Cricket Show 246.mp3
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How do you go about setting a target batting first? That's the topic under discussion as we examine the failures of the ODI series between India and New Zealand. Don't make the same mistakes in your club side, listen to the show for advice from David Hinchliffe, Mark Garaway and Sam Lavery.

Plus, in the mailbag, there are questions about game plans for playing spin and the differences between formats and how that influences your style and tempo of play. But as usual the conversation wanders into much wider areas, including a single question - related to Doctor Who - that will turn negative experiences into positive changes.

And Garas gives us another great term: pressure mountains. Listen to the show to find out more.

JOBS: Player Coach - HG Cricket Development, Coaching Cricket Excellence and Normandy CC

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Closing date: undisclosed


HG Cricket Development, one of the leading coaching organisations in Surrey/Berkshire, is seeking a Head Coach to form part of their 2014 Summer coaching team. This coach will work alongside a club professional within the HGCD partner club, Normandy Cricket Club (CC). 


Normandy CC compete in Division One of the Surrey Championship and have seen a number of first-class and International cricketers represent the First XI in recent years. The Club boasts outstanding facilities and a vibrant social scene.