Psychology | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Don't Let "Peak End Rule" Make you Train Like a Dummy

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Adam Kelly is a sport psychologist, coach and former professional cricketer. In this article he shows us the importance of memory in performance.

Here is a fact that will shock you if you coach or play cricket: Coaches can accurately remember only 40% of performance.

Explains why analysis is important in the modern sports environment, doesn't it?

You can't improve if you can't remember, so in a moment I am going to explain how to deal with this issue. But first, it's important to understand whywe only remember 40%.

According to research by Daniel Kahneman, we are all prone two phenomenons; 'duration neglect' and 'peak end rule'.

Gary Kirsten's Hard Lessons in Becoming A Cricketer

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This is another chapter taken from The Handbook of Cricket Drills: My eBook is available now on PitchVision Academy.

Gary Kirsten, the former opening bat, has been a stalwart in the South African Cricket structure since our re-admission to the international stage. As a cricketer, his technique and ability needed to be complemented with a temperament that demanded a discipline and dedication that was par excellence.

But as a coach, Gary’s reputation is flawless. In my tenure with him at the South African High Performance centre, I witnessed a tireless dedication, clinical mental toughness, superior physical durability and an unparalleled love for the game that only served to complement his aura of professionalism.

It's no surprise that Gary Kirsten has achieved insurmountable success in the realm of coaching. The game of cricket is quickly evolving and talent alone is not enough. At High Performance, using the knowledge and expertise of many cricketing icons, we put together a model on the development of a complete professional cricketer.

How to Become a Professional Cricket Coach: Further Reading

This is the third article in a series showing you how to progress as a cricket coach. To read the first two parts, click here.

In the last article I talked about the importance of informal learning as part of your skill development as a coach. I stressed how online coaching is an important part of that. But in this article I want to give you further options for informal development.

There are some incredible books out there which I have on my shelf in the office and skim read chapters on a regular basis. Here are some of my favourites in a few categories that I feel are important to coaching:

How to Be A Nasty Fast Bowler (When You Are a Nice Guy)

Picture the typical fast bowler personality. You are probably thinking of an angry, red-faced man with a face full of bristling moustache. He is bent on everything short of murder and not short of a few choice words or a bouncer aimed straight at your teeth.

But what if you have a bit of fast bowling talent without the aggressive personality?

Can you ever be a success as a quickie?

How to Stay in Form

We have all had a purple patch. The runs and wickets flow effortlessly. You wonder how it could all be so easy.

In fact it's so effortless that many cricketers fall into the trap of thinking that this is the time to do less. On the surface it makes sense: Something is working so just keep doing it. Relax, reign back on the training and coast along on the wave of good form.

The #1 Factor in Tendulkar's Batting Success

Speaking at an Karnataka State Cricket Association event in Bangalore recently, Sachin Tendulkar was talking about selection.

For him the key to finding the next Tendulkar wasn't about stats.

It wasn't about textbook technique.

Or immense power and timing.

Coaching to Win: Inspire Cricketers with Lessons from Lions Legends

This week I am working in Sardinia with Rugby World Cup Winners Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. We run holidays for families which included world class coaching in both rugby and cricket.

So I have had the great pleasure to spend my days alongside International and Lions legends such as Scott Quninnel, Shane Horgan, Will and Ian Salisbury.

You know I am always looking to learn, well here are the things that the Legends have imparted on me this week:

How to Make the Leap to Higher Standard Cricket

Moving up to a higher standard is difficult.

You only have to look at the trail of failed professional cricketers who were tried and discarded at International level. But it's equally true of the level I coach at the moment. Boys have to move from 20 over soft ball pairs cricket to 40 over hard ball "real" cricket.

So whatever level you play, there is always a standard to jump up. How do you do it?

Engage Autopilot: Coaching Stress Management in the Cauldron of Battle

The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final gave us a perfect insight into the impact that stress can have on performance and ultimately, the outcome of key matches.

How to Improve Your Cricket Stamina for Longer Matches

This year I am coaching a group of talented 11 year old players. The kind of guys who one day hope to play professional cricket over 4 or 5 days.

Bur right now they are 11 years old and have only played 20 overs. This season they have had to jump up to playing 40 over games as well.

It's a big jump in required levels of stamina and concentration. One similar to players entering the professional game going from one day to multi-day cricket.

So how do you prepare your body and mind for this unique cricketing challenge?