The Teesra

Author: Andrew Beaven

  • 2014 – nearly over (3): Sports psychology – making it work in 2015

    One of the challenges on the CPD courses was to design sessions and interventions to support and development mental strengths.  We covered the “4 Cs” (Concentration, Control, Commitment and Confidence) on the level 2 course, but at a very superficial level, without really thinking about how to coach them.

    And this might prove to be the key to this difficult topic – rather than trying to “teach” Concentration, or Commitment, the development of mental skills needs to be consciously included into a holistic training programme.

    Easy to write, less easy to put into action.  So my challenge for 2015 is to integrate mental skills alongside technical, tactical and physical, for players of all ages and abilities.

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  • 2014 – nearly over (2): CPD – coaching “children” and “young people & adults”

    Over the last few months, I have been working my way through the new ECB CPD courses for level 2 coaches.

    The new courses are presented in two distinct streams – Coaching children and Coaching Young People & Adults (YPA).

    Interesting, though, in the light of my experiences this year coaching players aged 3 and 63, that the “Coaching children” workshops all look to be just as important for the YPA environment (13 and older) as for children.

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  • 2014 – nearly over (1): Coaching 3 year olds, and a 63 year old.

    2014 has been a year of cricketing extremes, with coaching sessions with both the youngest and oldest players I have ever worked with.

    At one end of the age range, I have enjoyed coaching several “Little Legends” groups this year – 3-4 year olds.  I have also delivered 1-2-1 sessions for club and social players, the oldest of whom is over 60 and still playing on most weekends in the summer.

    Very different players, but all with one thing in common – they wanted to enjoy themselves, playing cricket.

    Very different challenges for the coach…and surprising similarities.

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