Coaches frequently debate how useful nets are. How much should they feature in our training sessions? How can we make them as focussed as possible?
I have considered this in previous posts. My perspective is: nets can be fun, useful and achieve a lot! But you need to be clever with them.
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Thoughts:
- YOU PROBABLY NEED NETS: In an ideal world, we would probably coach in game situations more often than not. But we don’t live in an ideal world!
For example, the club I coach has 300 members…with up to 100 at a single training session. Using the nets is essential, for space management alone! - THE SURFACE IS DIFFERENT: Usually bouncier than grass. Batters go harder at the ball. Bowlers tend to want to bowl shorter. it’s your responsibility to encourage good outdoor habits.
- NETS CAN GIVE AN “ILLUSION OF PROGRESS”: The ball cracks off the bat…but does that always mean it is a “good shot”? The ball might be in the air. Or it might be going to the same space every time.
Make sure that you keep batters a) varying their shots, and b) really controlling the ball. Tailor your feedback carefully, so they understand the difference!
Challenges
- KEEPING THE “FLOW”: Going down the net to talk to a batter takes time. Everyone else has to wait.
- WHAT TO SAY: Technique is hard to coach in a “varied” practice session. You need to choose your words carefully, to make sure that they are looking forwards (not playing the previous ball).
Solutions
- BATTING IN PAIRS: EG/ “3 balls and swap”, between 2 batters. This makes it more realistic for a batter (dealing with the stop-start nature of batting). But it also gives you a window to give any advice or encouragement you like.
That point is fresh in their minds for the next 3 balls. - CLEAR GOAL: And this goal doesn’t have to be technical. You can focus on judgement, or hitting to a different part of the field.
- CATCH PHRASES: Consider how you could summarise your points into a phrase of 3 words (or less). Repeat that phrase over and over, to keep it as the number one thought in their minds.
Example: If I notice players are rushing their shot, I use the term, “step and lean”. My hope is that this will encourage them to take a bit more time to
“Coach without coaching”
You can coach without saying a word! The simplest (and arguably most effective) way to prompt learning is to set up a good drill, or use props, that encourage self-learning. We call this “facilitation” coaching.
One of the most important pieces of equipment I have is a pack of “throw down lines”. These are long, flat rubber strips that you can place wherever you want on the pitch: so can show you what to do, and where to go, instead of where not to.
Below are 7 example activities. Each of these place focus on a particular aspect of batting.
The Halo
Certain batters get stuck in the mud. I use this “halo”, to encourage them to not just move their feet, but the rest of them as well!There is a different between stepping to the ball, and moving to the ball. Try to coach your players how to do the latter.
Halo 2
Moving your body matters more than moving your feet. You want to have good “form” or “posture” after your step…or it doesn’t really matter if you are near the ball or not!
After their shot, a batter looking directly down at the line, after a shot (not peering at it from behind). Lean, don’t lunge!
“No Man’s Land”
Getting “stuck on the crease” can be a problem – especially against spin bowlers. To combat this, I use this simple drill.
The two lines create a “no-man’s land” in the middle. The aim is to be “right back” or “right forward”.
The “V”
Moving to a ball is one thing…your leg helps you get close to the ball. But it can also be an obstacle if you aren’t lined up well.
How wide to you want your “V” to be, before your leg starts to block your bat?
The “Cross”
Stepping forwards or backwards is only one part of footwork. Getting “in-line” is the difference between a good and bad shot.
By dividing the crease into “quarters”, I promote the idea of moving diagonally. Be a “bishop”, not a “pawn”!!
Off-Side Line
This line helps me in 2 ways.
a) Judgement: Where is the line between a front foot shot, and needing to move across first?
b) Can I get all of my body across to the wide ball? Young players often are reluctant to do this.
Remember…when the ball is wide, the stumps are irrelevant. Your priority – play or leave – is to get near the ball.
The Centre Line
When coming down the pitch, I like my batters to “own the centre line”.
Lots of these shots are doomed from the start…as soon as a batter steps, they move to the leg-side. Get them more central at first, to allow access to both sides of the wicket, and a full range of shots (power to defensive).
What facilitation does…and doesn’t do…
Are any of these activities flawless? No. Will they work on everybody? No.
These activities are an “instant fix” for batters. But no drill or activity is. All you can do is…
- Prompt thinking and self-learning: By using these, I am encouraging a player to consider their decisions, and the best way to move.
- Enhance an aspect of their technique: Sometimes it helps to slightly exaggerate it at first. These activities have a clear, concise goal to focus their mind on.
- Remind them to judge the ball: Watch and decide before you act. Treat each ball as a unique one.
Mazza Cricket Coach 