The Teesra

Category: cricket

  • Shortcut to success? – how short is short enough?

    Quick follow-up on the previous post – back-of-an-envelope calculations on “appropriate” pitch lengths for junior cricket.

    Taking average heights as comparator: [pitch length at age 10]=[adult pitch length]*([average height at 10]/[average height for adult (male)])

    [pitch length at age 10]=20.12*(138/176) = 15.78 m (17 yards, 9″)

    Alternatively, taking average bowling speeds: [pitch length at age 10]=[adult pitch length]*([average bowling speed at U11]/[average adult bowling speed])

    [pitch length at age 10]=22*(58.9/93.4) = 12.69 m (13 yards, 2′ 5″)

    Nearly 18 yards  (based on average height) does feel too long at 11 and under; just 13 yards (from average bowling speeds) too close.  Something in-between, then.

    Perhaps 16 yards, in fact.

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  • Shortcut to success – are young cricketers playing on pitches that are too long?

    Very interesting short article in the current issue of the ECB Coaches Association’s annual Coaching Insight*, from Martyn Kiel, on an experiment with shortened pitches for young players.

    With U11s (club) and U10s (County age group), playing on pitches just 16 yards long, the study reported:

    • increased numbers of back foot shots to short pitched deliveries (and more deliveries reaching the wicket keeper on the full);
    • more running between the wickets (more running, more run-out opportunities);
    • fewer shots fielded at mid-wicket (so more players involved in the field);
    • and an overall increase in playable deliveries in club matches.

    The findings are certainly in line with those being reported by Cricket Australia (CA) after a season-long trial Down Under – more play, better skills, generally better involvement.

    It will be very interesting to hear how CA take this forward, and whether the Shortcut to Success will be adopted elsewhere.

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  • #AllStarsCricket – good for the future of the game

    To Lord’s on Sunday, for an ECB presentation on their new programme for 5-8 year olds – All Stars Cricket.

    The promise is ambitious.

    All Stars Cricket is a nationwide programme developed by the ECB and our Elite Coach Development team that aims to inspire 5 to 8 year olds to take up cricket and join your club!

    All Stars Cricket enables children to acquire the skills to play the game and connects them to England cricket heroes. We will provide your club with everything you need to deliver an unique experience for kids and their parents.

    Active and direct support from ECB to recruit players and volunteers, and the added incentive that “the programme will be unbureacratic and will not require the level of training of coaches as clubs are normally used to” combine to make All Stars Cricket very attractive to Clubs struggling to attract young players into the game.

    The pitch was strong on “player experience” and engagement (both good things, essential, in fact).  Less clear (at this, very early, stage) on progression and retention of players.

    But at first sight, All Stars Cricket definitely looks like a winner!

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