Planning for Season

Cricket CoachCoach

Dear Alaok

In response to your question, I think it is important to consider the following points, after you have taken into account the age and ability of the players you are coaching

1) You need to make the sessions pacey - planning your timings is key - too fasta nd players do not learn or retain the coaching knowledge you have passed on to them, too slow and players will drift and lose focus.

2) You need themes - 'Themes' for sessions include batting, bowling, fielding, fitness etc... Try and link sessions together, so players can see the relevance between them.

3) Have a main 'focus' for each session. Personally, I would base this on a them (as above). Try and keep the theme of the focus the same for a 2/3 weeks, before moving on.

4) Consistency - this is a key facor when planning a series of sessions. Keep the 'routine' of your sessions similar, so players no what to expect. You will find 2 things with this. Firstly, you will save lots of time during the sessions with transitional phases. Secondly, the players will come to know what you expect  from them during the sessions, and as they pass throught the various age groups, this will become second nature to them.

5) Acivity based sessions!! - You mention fun,particiaption, engagement and learning - KEEP THE SESSIONS ACTIVE!  Your input should be kept to a minimum, and when you do deliver to the palyers keep it short and concise. Keeping the palyers busy will keep them entertained, whilst introducing a competitive element as much as possible is what young players will thrive upon.

Hope this helps

Tom