The Teesra

Category: coaching

  • Bowling — back to base

    Had a fascinating evening last week, with Steffan Jones talking about the Governing Dynamics of Fast Bowling.

    Anyone who follows Steffan on twitter, instagram or LinkedIn will know that he is dedicated to developing fast bowlers, and to developing the knowledge needed for coaches to develop fast bowlers.

    It was an absorbing session — so much so, that we only got 15 minutes at the end to play with the wide array of “toys” that Stef had brought along to demonstrate some of the techniques he is using in his own coaching!

    Key take-home for me on the night was the absolute necessity of making practice specific to the activity (bowling) and to the performer (bowler).

    But for all the inspiration from Steffan’s presentation, it was a couple of almost off-hand comments that might have the greatest impact on my day-to-day coaching practice.

    • The bowler’s back foot must be pointing forwards when the ball is released.
    • Stef has beginners bowl from the “base” position with both their feet already aligned to the target.

    Could it be that we have been teaching the basics of bowling incorrectly?

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  • The Self-Aware Coach — online learning from Deakin University via FutureLearn.com

    As a coach, I often challenge the players I work with to analyse their own game; only very rarely have I turned the mirror back onto my own coaching behaviours.

    So Deakin University’s ‘Self-Aware Coach’ online course, led by Paddy Upton and Dr Sharon Pittaway and hosted by FutureLearn, was an opportunity not to be missed.

    The course content was exceptional, the educators informed, candid and engaged, and so many of my fellow students contributed so much via their considered Comments.

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  • GAMES FOR UNDERSTANDING: cricket penalties – from Robin Maslin (mazzacricketcoach)

    Great little game from Robin Maslin.

    I really like how it rewards bowling skills in a tangible way, so that the fielding team are not “just” stopping the batters from scoring runs.

    I shall certainly be trying this out with one of our Colts squads when we move outdoors in a couple of weeks.

    One slight (philosophical) concern. Is there any risk that, by giving points for bowling straight, we might develop bowlers who _expect_ to be rewarded for “doing their job”? Who, if they don’t get their reward, might be dis-incentivised from carrying on?

    robmaslin87's avatarMazza Cricket Coach

    “Cricket Penalties” is a game I have invented to promote the following skills in young players:

    • BOWLING TO A TARGET – eg/ not necessarily at the stumps. This game emphasizes that a) sometimes it is better to aim outside the stumps, and b) wherever you bowl, aiming and driving to that target is essential
    • DEFENDING – the concept of “stopping a penalty” can encourage batter to be watchful, and make sure the ball comes right to their bat
    • BODY MOVEMENT – proving how important it is to move into line with a ball, and avoid dangling the bat away from your body
    • SHOT SELECTION – picking which balls can be attacked and which have to be defended

    HOW IT WORKS

    • 2 TEAMS (1 BATTING, 1 BOWLING)
    • EACH BATTER FACES 2 BALLS (IN A ROW), EACH BOWLER BOWLS 2 BALLS (1 BALL EACH)
    • SET UP A CRICKET PITCH, BUT PLACE A…

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