2nd Year Coaching Experiences and Action Plan

Over the course of this year, I have learnt a lot during lectures and workshops but also a lot outside of University during winter cricket nets and on my ECB Level 2 coaching course (as identified in a previous post).

At the start of the year I felt that I struggled projecting my voice due to a lack of confidence in speaking in front of people I either didn't know or people I knew too well who may pass a judgement. However I do feel I have got better at this now through practice whether it was from practical sessions, presentations or the coaching I have been doing back home.

The other main weakness of mine from last year was my ability to think through drills and sessions properly. I have a tendency to stick to what I already know and that limits me massively to the drills I can run for people because I am not as willing as others to explore other methods. Over the course of this year though I do feel I have also improved this aspect, especially with the drill Ben, Adam and I came up with for assessment one in this module.


If I look at my progression as a coach over the course of this year inside and outside of university, I am able to come up with the following targets that I would like to achieve in third year:

1. To continue to develop my communication and confidence skills as I believe this can only make me a better coach as the confidence I show in what I am demonstrating and saying will affect how the participants respond to me.
2. To develop a wider range of knowledge in my sports (football and cricket) so I can come up with more creative ways of coaching the most basic of skills.
3. To continue to read up on coaching styles and to attend coaching workshops so I can further expand my knowledge of coaching in my sports.

Junior Cricket Training: First Session of the New Season

A new cricket season came to a start on the 20th April with me looking forward to taking charge of my first game as 2nd team captain at Chelford CC. But before the game, my role as junior coach was put to the test first as I had to do a one hour session with 8 of our junior cricketers.

With it being the first session of the season, I just wanted to focus on all the basics of the four aspects of cricket; bowling, batting, and fielding.

By keeping it to basics for the first session, it is easier for me to ease the juniors into the first session and doesn't ask anything to strenuous of them as the muscles used in cricket are not used as much during every day life. Taking my time to ease them into the new season will only benefit them because it will mean there are no early injuries or burnout from overload due to excessive practice.

As with any session, regardless of sport, we started with a simple pulse raiser for a warm-up and to get the children active and ready to go. Once the warm up was completed I introduced myself, explained my role at the club and what I wanted to try and achieve with them over the coming season. I then explained what we were going to be do during the session.

First of all we started with some basic fielding. This included close catching, long barrier and the one hand/two hand pick-ups. To start with the juniors were stood in a  circle and began to pass a ball around the circle with a variety of ball size (tennis ball, cricket ball and small football). The reason for this was it encouraged concentration on where the hands needed to be positioned for what ball as well as working on the hand-eye co-ordination of the players. We moved on to the long barrier next where the juniors were put into pairs and stood 20 yards apart. They rolled the ball towards one and and other and it came to them they performed the long barrier. They did this five times each and I brought them in to talk about what they had done and to check they understood how to do the skill, why the skill was important and what sort of game situations the long barrier would be appropriate. The same routine was applied to the one hand pick and then the two hand pick up with questions being asked after each one to ensure they all understood the skill in its entirety.

We then moved on to basic batting skills, primarily focusing on the front foot defensive shot. Similar to with the fielding drills, the juniors were paired up and given a bat and a ball between them. Because this skill is a little more complicated than the fielding techniques I did a more thorough demonstration for them to show them what the shot looked like. On my coaching course I was told to do two demonstrations from two different angles, so using that knowledge that is what I did. I then asked a couple of questions about what the juniors may have noticed me do and they told me things like "front foot stride, eyes on the ball, straight bat and head over the ball on contact". This was encouraging for me because it not only showed they understood and had good knowledge but for me on a more personal note, that my demonstrations were good and clear. This drill was then progressed into a more attacking shot, the front foot drive. Exact same set up except instead of stepping forward and blocking the ball, the batsmen would be pushing at the ball harder with the intention to score runs off the shot.

Finally to finish off was basic bowling. I kept the juniors in pairs for this as well as it was the simplest way to do the drills I had planned for them. All they were doing this time was making sure they held the ball correctly and bowled the ball with a straight arm. Once again, two demonstrations were done for them and questions asked to ensure there understanding of the technique and once I was satisfied with their knowledge, it was their turn to have a go at the skill.

At the end, I allowed the juniors to have a bit of fun practicing the skills learnt in this session through a game where the limitations were only allowed to use what was done. Points were scored for using the correct techniques at the right time, points were lost for using skills not done in the session.


On the whole, the session was a success and as a coach I felt I learnt a lot as it was a new experience for me to be coaching a group of young lads who I had previously coached where the difference in my confidence, ability to coach and knowledge of drills has drastically improved in the last 12 months with the help of Uni and coaching courses.

Easter Holidays Cricket: Junior Coaching Session 3 (7th April 2013)

Week 1 saw us look at basic fielding, and week 2 saw us look at basic batting so naturally, basic bowling will be the focus of session 3 (the final session before the kids go back to school and the senior season starts).

First of all, when looking at bowling there is a lot involved in the action. The run up, delivery stride, getting side on to generate the power and the delivery of the ball itself (making sure bowling arm is straight on release) and the follow through. 

As that is a lot for them to take in, in one hour long session, we decided to focus on how to hold the ball for each type of bowling (seam, off spin and leg spin) and what the delivery stride in all of these would look like off a two/three step run up. 

This way they are getting a taste of all types of bowling action and can learn and understand what the types of bowling actions should look like and how holding the ball in a certain way can affect what it does after it bounces.

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We started with seam bowling as this is most common bowling action to use. A seam bowler holds the ball between his index and middle finger spread over the seam with the seam upright (see picture). When the children had done this we showed them the delivery stride and explained to them that they needed to focus on where our bowling arm went (i.e. straight up by the head and the shoulder in a circular motion) They then did ten repetitions each within pairs to get used to the technique. We brought them in for questions on how they found out and to clarify they understood it all.
 After we had done what we needed to do on pace bowling, we moved on to looking at off spin and leg spin and how the two bowling actions differ and how the differences changes the effect of the ball. First of all we looked at off spin. Off spin is when a bowler spins the ball into a right handed batsmen (if he is a right handed bowler, so it spins away from the off side). This type of spin bowling, the bowler would be looking to pitch the ball around the off stump. The correct way to hold the ball for bowling the standard off spin delivery can be seen in the picture (left) as the fingers rolling down the seam during release are what cause the ball to rotate and subsequently spin off the pitch. The children again paired up, and tried the grip and bowled (10x each) to one and other to see if they could get the desired turn off the ground, but more importantly to see if they could do and understand the grip of the ball as the grip would allow them to practice it in their own time.


Leg spin is a type of spin bowling that requires getting revolutions on the ball to cause it to turn away from the leg side (leg stump line and length for turn towards off stump). The way the ball is held pre-delivery will determine how much spin and how far the ball will spin when it hits the pitch. On the right is what the ball should look like in the hand, again the fingers are responsible for the speed and number of revolutions the ball will get. Like what was done with the off spin action, the children paired up and again had ten attempts at using the grip and seeing how if felt to bowl using that specific bowling action.

Like at the end of every session, a game was played relating to the session. As three actions were looked at the game was split into three parts. Cones would be put out for ideal line and length and points would be scored for pitching within these cones with more points being scored for hitting the stumps. This game is simple to run and gets the competitive spirit out of the performers as they want to show me they can do it but also want to beat their mates.

With this being the last session of the Easter holidays and the introduction to each aspect of the game I am feeling confident in my ability to deliver structured cricket sessions during the course of the season whilst still being able to improve and listen to suggestions from others as to how I can improve as a coach, as that it is something I am always looking to do.

Junior Cricket Easter Holidays Session 2 (30th March 2013)

Like the last week, we decided to focus on the basics of another aspect of cricket. This weeks session was to focus on batting and the basics that surround it such as how to hold the bat, taking a guard and playing with a straight bat (front foot defensive and front foot drive).

As with all coaching session, we started with a warm-up again that was specific to the session they were about to take part. Now, although this is a batting session another catching drill will be used to get the children alert and focused and to get their hand eye co-ordination in action. Split the group into 4-5's and put them in small circles with a ball, quickly passing the ball round the circle whilst calling names. Taking these close quick catches will get them to think about using their eyes and hands together and seeing the ball, both of which are specific to batting.

To start with we looked at how to hold the bat correctly. Holding the bat in the correct manner allows for more movement with the arms as the bat handle will not interfere as it can with incorrect techniques. Using the picture tomorrow, we showed the players what their hands should look like on the bat. The picture made it a lot easier to explain and demonstrate what we meant as some of the kids didn't really get what we meant by the "V".

After they were all comfortable with the way to hold the bat we started to get them into playing a few shots. 

The first shot we decided on was the front foot defensive as this is one of the most common shots used in cricket and is essential to any batsmen who wants to go on score some runs. Firstly we demonstrated the shot to them and how it should look in its full form and then asked the children if they noticed anything we did as batsmen that were part of the shot. They noticed the step forward to meet the ball and that the bat was straight. This was encouraging for us as it showed pre-session knowledge so we were confident in them getting on with he drill without any fuss.

We paired them up and did bobble feeds to the partner with a bat (10x repetitions each) before they swapped round. All we were looking for was the correct technique or signs of it at least, as this is the first time Chelford CC has had junior players at the club since I was 14 years old and playing Junior cricket. We are not expecting instant results from this children but hopefully we can get them to a level where they can compete in a league in the coming years and further progress onto playing second and first team cricket.

After the ten repetitions had been done, we progressed the front foot defensive into the front foot drive, a more attacking version of the shot which is more for scoring runs than protecting their wicket. The main difference in the two shots is that instead of blocking the ball with a straight bat, you push more at the ball with the aim for the ball to go towards a gap in the field. Each player had 10 balls, each ball on a cone ready to be driven straight back towards their partner. All they had to do was stride with their standing foot next to the cone, and strike the ball with a straight bat.

Like the end of each drill, we got the children in and asked them some questions about what they had done so far, for clarification of understanding and for them to ask anything they did not understand so we could clear up any loose ends on the shots.

Game for the end of the session involved scoring points for successful attempts of the two shots learnt. A ring of 5 yards was placed around the batsmen and his stumps for the front foot defensive and two cones 15 yards apart with two fielders inside was placed in behind the feeder where points were scored for successful front foot drives.

For this session, I felt that as a coach I did a good job and that the kids found my coaching method and style easy to follow and suitable for what they wanted to get from the session. The difference in how the shots were played pre-coaching and post-coaching was noticeable however, as previously stated, it's still too early to judge how their development as players in this sport will continue to go.

Easter Holidays: Cricket Session Number 1 (Saturday 23rd March)

During the Easter holidays, my local cricket club, for who I have played 2nd team senior cricket for since I was 14 years old, have started their summer net sessions for the seniors and the juniors.

Last year, I was the clubs junior coach because for one I wanted to give something back to the club as the club did a lot for me when I was playing junior cricket, but secondly and most importantly, the experience would go a long way to helping me improve my skill as a coach and learn how different children react to different methods of coaching.

On the Saturday morning, me and another member of the club who have been doing our ECB Level 2 coaching course decided to start up the juniors during the holidays while they were all of school. The first session we did was on the 30th March and was just an introductory session to the basic skills and knowledge of cricket as we had a few kids who didn't know a lot of the sport, they just wanted to have a bat with their mates.

To start with was a gentle jog for a warm-up just to get them warm and loose with a game specific drill afterwards just to get them focused. The game based drill was just throwing and catching a ball in a circle. This is a basic but effective drill for the first session back because it wakes the children up as they need to focus on catching the ball, but also it is an opportunity for them to learn each others names as they are throwing it to the person who's name they call.

Next was the main section of the session which was the basics of fielding. Fielding is the most important part of the sport as it is the one thing that every player is guarenteed to have to do at somepoint in a game, and having a good fielding side can be the difference between winning or losing, a single or a boundary, a wicket or a drop in morale from the missed the chance. If a team can field then batting and bowling will come as the season goes on.

Fielding drills used were all based on three specific skills to fielding; the long barrier, the one hand intercept and the two hand intercept. All of these are used in a game of cricket on a regular basis, but knowing when to use which is the difference between saving runs or conceding runs.

The long barrier drill was a simple one, the children paired up and stood 20 yards apart. They would take in turns to roll the ball towards each other and to stop it they had to perform the long barrier. As they were doing this I was watching their techniques so I could see what they struggled with, so the next time the drill was done I could show and correct them to help them improve.

The same sort of thing was done with the one hand and two hand intercepts, however, instead of pairing them up me and my coaching partner would act as the feeder and wicket keeper with the children stood in a line 20-30 yards away. I would roll the ball out, they would attack it first time round one handed and under arm throw to the wicket keeper. Second time round they would attack it two handed and over arm throw it in. After each had done both techniques, we got them in again and asked them a feq questions about all the skills. Questions such as;

"When do you think a long barrier would be used?"
"If you were trying to run someone out which of the techniques would use?"
"You are fielding on the boundary and the ball is hit low and hard, which technique do you use?"

These sorts of questions allowed me to check their understanding of what we were showing them and allowed each of the children to clarify things with us, ask us about the skills, check they were doing things right and that they did understand.

As always, I finish the session with a game which is related and scored on the techniques looked at during the session. The game that was played included one batsmen and one feeder. A feeder what drop feed the ball and the batsmen would play a straight drive. The fielders are 30 yards away and have to run in/wait for the ball and use the correct technique appropriate to their approach. They score points for a solid stop/good pick-up and for an accurate throw in to the keeper.

For me this session was a good success, it's not always easy to get through the first session of the season as the children are not quite in cricket mood yet and fielding is not the most thrilling aspect of the game, but by making the drills have an element of competition in them, the kids want to get involved and win. But importantly, the drills do maintain the correct knowledge and structure to acquire the necessary skills to play the game

Nick Levett and Roger Davies (The FA)

Today we had two guest speakers from the FA, Nick Levett and Roger Davies. Both work in the FA trying to develop youth in the game of football and came in to speak to us about how they go about and how they see the game of football at grass roots level.

Both of them were very keen on telling us about TGfU (Teaching Games for Understanding) because they believed that using the game as a teacher is the best way for a child to learn the rules and skills properly. Using TGfU allows a coach to still teach a game and the principles of it but at the same time allowing the players to work things out for themselves so there is an element of independent learning in there as well as the coaching points needed.

The following quotes were taken off the presentation done;

" In TGfU the pupil learns from the problems posted by the teacher" (Rod Thorpe, 2012)

" The beauty of games is the unscripted drama" (Alan Owen, 2012)

" There are no right ways to coach -  just ensure you do the right thing at the right time with the individual" (David Bunker, 2012)

" Whilst innovation is key you also need to make sure you get the basics right" (Sir David Brailsford)

" It is what the learner says and thinks and does that creates learning and not what the teacher says and thinks and does" (Alastair Smith)

All these quotes have given me an insight into how people see coaching and TGfU and I plan to use these quotes to help me ensure that I am maximising the individuals ability to learn and develop in every session.

When coaching it is important to check for understanding after explaining something and at the end of a session to ensure the participants took from the session what they were supposed to. This can be done at it's simplest with the use of questions and different types of questions can be structured to target a different aspect of the game.

For example;

• WHAT DO YOU think can be done to help the attackers? What do you focuses on the tactical aspects of the game.
• HOW DO YOU shoot a football? How do you focuses on the skill aspects of the game
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO release the ball during a bowling action? When is the best time to focuses on the timing of a specific skill in a game.
• WHERE IS/CAN you stand to help you defend the corner? Where is/can focuses on the space that could be used in a sport.
• WHICH CHOICE would you make when you see a full toss, try and smack it or make sure you score? Which choice focuses on the risk/rewards of a sport.

Also during the talk I learned a number of other definitions which I can use during the rest of my time at University but more importantly during any coaching I do:

1. Diversification - many sports young can reap rewards when specialising later in life.
2. Deliberate Practice -  Specific goals and immediate feedback
3. Deliberate Play - uninstructed play = multitude of solutions
4. 1-dimensional games - minimal direction increases vision and possibility of solutions
5. Deliberate Coaching - Don't narrow the focus of the players.

All in all, I found this session exrtremeley beneficial and have taken a lot out of it with regards to ways of coaching and how important it is to maximise the development of young participants at grass roots level.

ECB Level 2 cricket coaching course.

From the 26th January until the 23rd February I have been doing my ECB Level 2 coaching course for cricket. 

Doing this course is not just for my benefit as it is another qualification to add to my coaching CV but it is so I can actually go out and a coach a sport I enjoy and help young children learn a sport. As the captain of the 2nd team is my responsibility to bring new, young players through so that the 1st team always have good players to replace there older one's with. With me being the captain of the 2nd team and the Juniors coach this is a lot more in my control and with I thought this qualification would only help me produce better sessions for the kids to learn from.

The ECB course consisted of 8 modules and a Child Safeguarding and First Aid module which were done first. Every Saturday for 5 weeks I did 9am - 3.30pm at Wilmslow High School to learn everything I would need to know for my final assessment in April where I will do a 30 minute session for 10-15 kids based around one batting shot, one bowling action and one aspect of fielding.

I have found doing the course a great experience not only for extra insight on ways to coach and how to plan a session, but I have actually felt my own ability as a player has improved as for the first time I am seeing techniques broken down and am being shown how each shot should be played opposed to self-teaching myself and guessing like I have had to do since I started playing 7-8 years ago.

In terms of my coaching, this course has been a massive aid. I now know how to structure a cricket session a little bit more and that I need to always remember to show demonstrations and talk through the coaching points of the action I am teaching. This way the children will not only see how the technique is done but they will understand how it is done with the use of of the coaching points.

For example, the coaching points for the long barrier in cricket are;

1. Get your head in line with the ball.
2. Go down on your knee with a 90 degree angle, keeping your knee and heel together. (Use the knee opposite to the arm you throw with i.e. right handers go down on left knee)
3. Hands pointing down in front of knee/heel and collect the ball.
4. Pull throwing arm back and release ball towards wicket keeper.

Using these coaching points, the children will understand the stages to the skill and will hopefully be able to pick it up easier.

The other useful tool I picked up from the coaching course was something the ECB use called Coaching Bugs.

 

Generate and Provide Feedback bug

Shows the four key points on how to generate and provide feedback during a session. I.e. limit information to 1-2 key points and keep it simple and specific.

Organise it bug 

Again, four key points on how to organise the session you are running. I.e. keep safety in mind when managing people, space and equipment and how to group the participants in a fair manner.

There are 9 coaching bugs in all and I plan on using all of them every single time I plan a junior coaching session this summer in order to maximise the effectiveness of the session for me and for he junior players I am coaching.