1. Stop your mind wondering
Sometimes it's hard to stop your mind playing tricks during training or in the match. You think, "If I get off the mark then I will play aggressively, I saw some gaps when I was watching from my seat - I will exploit that!
That's when things go wrong. You need to stay in the present.
Batsmen should Concentrate on the bowler watch his hand, wrist, his arm for clues to what deliver is being bowled. What is his stock delivery (clues when you were watching the bowler from your seat and behind the bowling arm).
Bowlers – decide on what delivery to bowl before you get to the top of your run up, as soon as you commence your run up that is all you think of.
Fielders - keep watching the blade, if it’s a high back swing likely to be an aggressive shot, short back lift - either a nudger, deflector. Attack the bowl – don’t be flatfooted.
In between overs don’t get ahead of yourself whilst batting – stay tuned to the present by focusing on your team mates who are watching or a distant object such as a ‘really beautiful tree’.
That might sound funny but it makes you think what is happening right now. Not what went before or what is going to happen.
2. Do your homework
To give yourself the best chance of a good day on the cricket field, or training session - prepare well!
Warm up – to avoid injury
Fielders - That means fielding drills.
Batters – clear mind , focus – throw downs before the innings, you only have the one innings a game – be wise, don’t throw it away, those batting at the top of the innings are empowered to get the runs – you are no good to your team with a run a bowl 20 or 30. Take in all considerations such as weather conditions, state of wicket ( rain affected means slow – bowl may grip, come off slower – hence get used to the conditions at start of your inning – play straight in the V to start with.
Bowlers – warm up, practise on the bowling strip, practise the stock bowls to begin with, once confident then experiment – same principal applies during the net or match situation. Study the weather conditions, which bowling end will suit your type of bowling – no use the quickest bowler bowling up a slope and against the wind!
Preparation before the match or trainings session - light clothing for hot days, sun cream, what footwear for indoors or outdoor nets, good quality socks to absorb sweat and provide cushion, sweaters long and short depending on conditions. Plenty of fluids – energy bars.
3. Breathe easy
It is easy to get nervous before a net or game.
What I do is take a couple of deep breaths to get rid of all the negative energy and breathe in the positive stuff.
When your muscles lack oxygen they tense up. What you want are nice, relaxed muscles to get the best performance.
4. Stick to your routine
More than anything you need to have your routine. Next time you watch the great batters and bowlers they have a tried and trusted routine. That's their way of feeling comfortable.
Whist Batting – I mark the crease (to appreciate exactly where I want to be i.e. offside players take leg stump guard!), look around for fielding changes; I aim to be in my stance when the bowlers is at the top if run up. Try not to pre-empt the bowl – he will not bowl what you want – he’s trying to get you out!!
Bowling – before I get to the top of my run up – I have surveyed the fielding positions – am I happy – adjust it with approval from skipper. When I reach the top of my run up – I think of nothing else but what I am going to bowl.
It's then that I'm relaxed and ready!
5. Don't even think about it
Last of all when you play you’re your game!
Batting – once I pick the line and length I don’t think about it. Just hit it. I trust my technique to produce a positive end result.
Bowling – I trust myself to get the batter out, no reputations count, he’s not Sachin Tendulkar, if he was that good he won’t be playing our level – one mistake and he’s out – he can’t come back!
Fielding – Stay focused at all times, the bowl is never ‘dead’ even when the batter has hit it to the opposite side to where you are fielding; you need to back up the throw coming in!
Watch the blade to pick up clues on the nature of the stroke. Eyes must remain level, solid base either when catching or throwing lead to perfect execution, encourage your team mates, remain positive & confident, your contribution as a fielder will make the difference, and most importantly respect your opponents and the Umpire.
If you've done your homework and your practise you should be fine.
If you don’t prepare you prepare to fail.
Should you require any further assistance get in touch, always willing to help the youth and mature cricketers – remember you are never too old to make a continuous improvement to your game!
Anil A Karia 07789 575711
ECB level II Coach.
Harrow Cricket Club