Cricket | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

The real secrets to mastering the sweep shot

If shots go through fashions, we can safely say the sweep is this year's must have item. Have you been wondering how to play the sweep well?

The sweep is an excellent weapon for any batsman: when used correctly.

And that's also the problem

Frowned upon totally in its early days, the shot (and its range of variations) has become an acceptable, if difficult to learn, shot. But many coaches still shy away from teaching it, going down the safer route of a straight bat.

Control momentum by changing the pace of the game

'Momentum' is hard to define in cricket, but you know when you have it: That feeling of being on top of the game.

Smart players and coaches know how to control momentum: to be in charge of the flow and pace of the game. They understand when to ride this wave of success. They also know when to take action to get it back if it starts to slip away.

Cricket Show 35: Mike Brearley

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As part of the brand new captaincy course on PitchVision Academy we have a free sample section of our conversation with Mike Brearley.

The full audio includes tactical and man management tips for captains. There is also exclusive video of Mike available once you have enrolled. If you order before June 1st you can get the course at a discount rate.

Also in the show Kevin sorts out his hang time, David wins a match with no satisfaction and also:

Staying on the park: How to prevent injuries in cricket

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The number one aim of any good cricket fitness plan should be to prevent injury.

It's not possible to score runs and take wickets if you are on the sidelines due to a hamstring strain or other preventable injury. So while being strong, supple, fast and athletic is an important element, it's important to start by making sure you do no harm.

How to bowl in Twenty20 cricket: Spin bowling

Spinners have found a renaissance in the Twenty20 game. The slower pace and wider potential for variety makes the ball harder to hit.

However, when a spinner does come on, many batsmen decide it's time to go for the big hits.

What tactics can you use as a spinner to limit the damage someone can do?

How to manage a run chase

You are batting in a run chase and the run rate is gradually creeping up. The opposition are bowling well and you start to think you need a 'get out' boundary. How do you know when to go for it?

Cricket Show 34: First class fitness and Twenty20 death bowling

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David and Kevin are joined on the show this week by two PitchVision Academy coaches: Rob Ahmun answers our 5 questions and Ian Pont tells us how to bowl at the death ot Twenty20 matches when batsmen are giving it the long handle. We also talk about:

How important is quality coaching to your cricketing success?

During his career, Shane Warne was one of the loudest opponents to coaches; famously saying the only use for a coach was to drive the team to the ground. Yet even he turned to a mentor in Terry Jenner when times were tough or he needed some external help.

Should the worst batsman be at number 11?

The worst batsman in the team is placed last in the order. Why would anyone do anything different?

I think there are circumstances where you would consider putting a better batsman at 11, and the chance to do so happens more often than you might think.

Mike Brearley joins PitchVision Academy

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They say you should never meet your heroes, but my meetings with Mike Brearley in his North London home over the last few weeks have been everything I expected.