miCoach | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Don't make this mistake in the opening overs

Power plays are a terrible invention.

They make IPL games more fun to watch when Tendulkar and Jayasuriya are flailing it to all parts.

But the whole idea seems so contrived and, well... restricted (at least to a declaration loving traditionalist like me).

Nevertheless, as my own (50 over) league has brought in a fielding circle this season and it's a staple of Twenty20 cricket at every level, it's time to look how the pros do it.

Cricket Show 71: Switch hits and learning from business

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It's official; Kevin's team missed out on the finals this season so we catch up with how he felt the season went. Find out why it's not all bad news.

Plus, Gary Palmer returns to give us more insight into the technical side of batting. ECB psychologist Wil James also joins us for the third part of his in-depth interview on the mental side of the game.

How to exploit batting weaknesses: Width of stance

This is part of a series on How to exploit batsman's weaknesses. To see the other weaknesses click here.

Every good coach will tell their players to stand ready with their feet a comfortable distance apart. While this is usually about shoulder width, some players will stand differently.

Wicket-keeping tips: The basics of catching

This guest article by first-class and international 'keeper Nic Northcote is an extract from his new book "Wicket-Keeping: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering the Art": Available now on PitchVision Academy.

Respect is dead

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Disrespect is part of cricket nowadays.
 
And that's a good thing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about swearing at batsmen and arguing with the umpire. But respect is too often fear in disguise.

The complete guide to cricket coaching

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Coaching has never been more important, or more competitive.

For you to survive as a coach you need to be able to draw the best from players better than anyone else. And we at PitchVision Academy want to help you with that.

So here is a list of all our best cricket coaching articles and podcasts separated by category, as a single reference point for you to improve your coaching, improve your players and make a difference.

Cricket Show 70: Pull shots and team interference

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More on applying sport psychology in the nets and in the middle this week as we have the second part of our interview with Dr. Wil James.

Gary Palmer is back talking about batting and Kevin tells us about his team's late rally for the finals. You have to be in it to win it.

How to bowl into the wind

The sun beats down from a cloudless sky as you examine the wicket before play.

It's flat and grassless and looks like slab of baked concrete. Just as you think it can't get any worse you notice one end has a sloping run up and the wind is blowing down the hill.

You already know what the captain is going to say, but your heart sinks when he says it:

What the Wild West gunslinger can teach you about batting

A Wild West gun fight is just like going out to bat.

Like the gunslinger you stand alone against one man and you only get one chance. It's a psychological battle.

Who will flinch first as the chapel bell chimes midday?

Chances are it's the one who is most in control.

How to exploit batting weaknesses: Choking grip

This is part of a series on How to exploit batsman's weaknesses. To see the other weaknesses click here.

If you are looking for batting weaknesses, it's best not to highlight a technique used by Don Bradman. So just to be awkward, that's exactly what I'm about to do.

The 'choked' or 'O' grip is a common variation of the more orthodox bottom hand grip and, despite the example of the Don, causes problems for batsman at club and school level.