Excellent coaching starts with the relentless pursuit of excellence. There is nowhere that this is more important that your own development as a coach. The world of coaching changes all the time. Theories come and go, some stick because they work. New drills are developed. Old methods are re-examined: the discussion is never ending. That’s why "Coaching to Win" exists. It’s a place for you to learn about ideas and methods that I have tried and know to work. It's also a place for you to contribute and discuss your own experiences with coaches around the world. We are still putting the finishing touches on the place so I recommend you put your name down for updates because we will be regularly adding new content. Here’s to striving for excellence! |
Hot like the Sun: Coach Bowlers to Bowl like Broad
Graeme Swann described Stuart Broad as "hot as the surface of the sun" at Durham after his match-winning 11 wicket Ashes haul.
So how did Broad do it, what happened to give him such an edge in the match? And what lessons can we learn from it.
How to Use the "Simpson Drill" to Teach Throwing Skills
Last weekend I headed up a great group of cricket coaches at Sportsfest 2013 in the grounds of Wormsley Estate.
I was working with a group on throwing and they were struggling with both their alignments and also to understand my instruction.
Coaching to Win: Inspire Cricketers with Lessons from Lions Legends
This week I am working in Sardinia with Rugby World Cup Winners Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. We run holidays for families which included world class coaching in both rugby and cricket.
So I have had the great pleasure to spend my days alongside International and Lions legends such as Scott Quninnel, Shane Horgan, Will and Ian Salisbury.
You know I am always looking to learn, well here are the things that the Legends have imparted on me this week:
Save the Planet, Improve a Batsman: Recycled Batting Drill
This week I have been lucky enough have interviewed 32 excellent coaches who are all vying for ECB Level IV spots.
An innovative idea popped up twice that I reckon could be of use to batsmen who have not found a way - as yet - of freeing the swing of the bat and as a result, struggle to hit with real power.
This drill is a bag of tricks!
Coaching the Ashes: Use 4th Inning Test Skills to Win Your Matches
What an epic 1st Test Match in the 2013 Ashes.
What an epic final innings.
As a coach, I couldn't help noticing how many of the skills and tactics of the match could be utilised by all teams at some stage in the coming weeks. Here are the lessons from that Test match that you can take into your next match:
The Slip Fielding Science Lab: Experiment to Get Better Catching
I want you to look at a couple of pictures.
The first is Dennis Lillee in his pomp. 9 slip fielders in a range of 'ready positions'. Some are crouched low and others more upright, ready for the edge.
The second is 4 slip fielders all in similar ready positions: Lots of knee flexion and hands low in a keeper-like position.
Bowling Machines are Like Marmite
I have a confession. I hated bowling machines as a player. I wasn't alone. Yet others loved the same thing. It really is the Marmite of cricket practice.
I found it really difficult to get the timings of my movements right and often found myself rushed and off balance at point of contact. It became very frustrating when others were enjoying every bowling machine session.
Engage Autopilot: Coaching Stress Management in the Cauldron of Battle
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final gave us a perfect insight into the impact that stress can have on performance and ultimately, the outcome of key matches.
The "New England" Method to Pull Off Blinding Catches
We all know that catches win matches, yet there is one type of catching opportunity that is being taken in the upper echelons of the game that isn't transferred down the playing levels.
It's when a player dives forward to take a blinder.
The Curse of Injury, and The Opportunity it Brings
It's can be a coaches' worst nightmare to lose the teams best player or captain ahead of a crucial match.
Australia are not the only team to suffer a crucial injury leading into a high profile series.
