Coaching batters, with Ant Botha

Ant Botha, talking with Tim Dellor for an ECB Coach Development icoachcricket podcast, offered insight on the work of a batting coach that could be applied at many levels.

Having posted the other day about the absence of any obvious learning for coaches in a couple of recent Coach Dev podcasts from ECB, it is only fair to post a much more positive review on another podcast from the series.

So many things to think about, that the best I can do is itemise the topics covered, and encourage any coach to take a listen!

• On the different intensity and aims of batting practice in the off-season (November ’til the New Year in England), pre-season, and in-season (the latter seriously compromised by the professional schedule in England).
• On the importance of coaches learning to use the sidearm ball-thrower, coach fitness and safety (should the coach wear a helmet?).
• On the importance of working with tailenders, not to become top-order batters but to become more effective in their role. And the potential for specialist coaches for tailend batters.
• On courage, and how developing a strong  technique against short-pitch bowling can help to build confidence.
• And on the role of luck in the game. A mantra, attributed I think to sports psychologist Michael Caulfield, captured the thinking: Luck = Preparation + Opportunity

Altogether a very interesting conversation.