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Phase 2: 4 mins Reading

The Phases of Training

Training To Improve

As players start to become more competitive, develop their own identity and consolidate a certain playing style, they move into the second phase of wanting to improve and therefore start to train accordingly. For a few, this is driven by parents, school programs and clubs that they are a part of. The best of-course are those self-driven players looking to distinguish themselves and curious about problem solving.
Common push factors for players to improve:
  • Players are unhappy about where they are in the batting or bowling pecking order.
  • Players are unhappy about the results they are getting ie runs, wickets.
  • Players are challenging themselves or being challenged to deliver more than their current output e.g. improving averages and converting starts.
  • There are parameters in place for selection e.g. 2km time trial, ability to play spin, weight of contribution in other areas e.g. better fielder gets selected.
While there are a multitude of other motivational factors, In many cases when players are training to improve, there seems to a big focus on skill based sessions with specific targets on refining individual components e.g. improving a cut, sweep or pull shot. However it is important to include the mindset as well. Improvement is not only measured in how well you execute a cover drive or bowl an out-swinger but overall development in other areas such as body language, game awareness, energy levels, leadership among others.

 

SPECIFIC PROBLEMS REQUIRE SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

Let us look at 2 examples below of players entering the training to improve phase and the characteristics of how they might go about it.

 

Batter: Wanting to improve scoring options against spin.

  • Step 1: Understanding current state: assessing the efficiency of current plan against spin ie what strategies and tactics are being used and are they working or not? Is it a mindset or technique problem?

  • Step 2: Breaking down and measuring the performance of each strategy and tactic ie: use of footwork, sweep shots, defensive game, playing with spin, ability to hit gaps, maximising surface area of the bat.

  • Step 3: Creating a timeline and plan for fixing the issue: this is when coaching becomes very relevant and an ideal resource if a player is struggling to work out the issue by themselves.
Bowler: Wanting to be consistent

  • Step 1: Understanding current state: Assessing whether they are totally inconsistent or partially inconsistent e.g. they cannot land 2 deliveries in the same spot intentionally or they have no idea where the ball is going. If there are consistent patterns then it becomes easier to pinpoint the root cause.

  • Step 2: Defining the problem: Is the problem the bowling technique or mindset ? ie are they affected by distractions, nerves, fear of failure or is the technique affecting their ability to release the ball as intended.

  • Step 3: Creating a plan/seeking professional assistance: Once the patterns or consistent themes around the problem are defined, seeking the right people to help is the obvious next step. Error detection is a skill in itself which a player may need to enlist fast bowling experts. 
 

Conclusion

It is then important to understand the timing of when to make the changes and the size of changes. The general rule is to make big changes during the off season and minor ones as necessary. Most players are capable of training by themselves once they have direction which has both advantages and disadvantages. It is imperative however to understand the root cause/main problem before embarking on wholesale changes to your game.
 

Training to improve is ultimately focused on making changes for the better:

  • Increasing output,
  • Mastering a role, 
  • Positively affecting the game,
  • Separating an individual’s skill level from the rest of the group. 
 
Every off season, players have this opportunity to reintroduce updated versions of themselves. This is the main area of consultation at Advance2play. Get in touch if you want to initiate the process of improving but don’t know where to start, who to see or are struggling to identify the main underlying issues. 
 
 

About Sol Mire

The former Zimbabwean Test, ODI and T20 international batting allrounder, is the founder of Advance2Play. He has plenty of experience in player development and high performance programs with a combined 22 years of playing, mentoring and coaching around the globe. He has worked with players from grassroots to international level, developed training programs for academies, schools and presented on various cricket topics at different levels.
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