The Teesra

Category: player development

technical, tactical, physical

  • Going upstairs – using “DRS” to teach the Laws of the Game

    I have been coaching on several holiday courses over the summer and, in line with the dictum to “let the game teach the game”, I have tried to dedicate as much time as possible to actually playing games.

    One new feature this year has been that almost every umpire’s decision has been greeted with a call from the players to “review”.

    At first, I found this slightly irritating (how many 7- and 8-year olds really know why they were reviewing), but then I realised that this was an ideal opportunity to introduce the Laws of the Game.

    So – starting with the courses this week, I shall be encouraging players to review decisions if they can identify the correct Law in question (this might be good for rule for some Test match players, as well…).

    Of course, I would not be too surprised if every review comes back as “umpire’s call”…

  • The importance of observation skills for coaches…and players?

    Observation is a crucial component in the coaches tool kit.

    But if can we also teach our players to observe effectively, might they become better players?

    Another important coaching skill is knowing when to let go!

    (more…)

  • Jail-break cricket – another variant for CGBL

    Here is a game variant that can be used to encourage players to apply a specified batting technique in a practice session.

    We call it “jail-break cricket” – players are challenged to hit a ball to a specified target area to release team mates who have been “sent to jail”.

    The game encourages the batter to play a particular stroke, so could work well as the final, modified game in a whole-part-whole session.

    It also teaches team spirit (it is amazing how quickly the “jailed” players come to actively encourage their batting team mates) and introduces the concepts of responsibility and consequence – if you are the last “free” batter, you really do need to try to hit the target to free your team mates; if you are dismissed, you go to jail, and if the last batter does not release his team mates the innings closes.

    N.B. I did not invent this format, but have only adopted (and adapted) it from others.  But it works so well I wanted to share it. (more…)