The Teesra

Category: constraint-led approach

coaching by manipulation of the training environment

  • Do I have to hit it? SSG for the forward defensive…and more

    Latest addition to my collection of constrained SSGs — didn’t have a name for it at the time, but the theme is “block or whack”.

    I have a large group of U11s (large for the available indoor space), with a range of abilities and attention spans (this is an after-school activity, and I know how hard it can be to focus on “drills” after a day in class).

    I was keen to find a game that could test a valid batting technique whilst also challenging decision making. Oh, and I needed something to engage their attention.

    So a session centred on the front-foot defensive might seem an odd choice.

    (more…)
  • Pairs cricket — with a CLA tweak.

    Pairs cricket — with a CLA tweak.

    I like to use the “pairs” format as a basic structure for SSGs — batters in pairs, facing a fixed number of deliveries, if you are “out” you lose runs, but carry on batting.

    But the immediate penalty for getting out can make some batters overly cautious, and we do want them to still play their strokes.

    So this week I tried out an alternative sanction – if you are out, you have to swap to using a thin/practice/technique bat!

    (more…)

  • Specifying information— what’s that all about, then?

    I missed this podcast from @ShakeyWaits last year.

    And, as a coach who has struggled with the concept of “specifying information” that was a bad miss, because Rob answers so many of my questions!

    (more…)