There are certain pitfalls to preparation that can lead you to the
wrong mental approach. So to help you avoid them here are my tips to
creating your own pre-match checklist.
1. Block out the negative thoughts and make everything you do a positive step.
2. Think about what works for you personally. One person’s crazy tick is another’s essential tool.
3. Consider every aspect of your preparation and keep a note of what works best.
4. Refine things as you go along until you find the perfect routine.
5. Think about elements that might upset your routine and plan around them.
Everyone will have a different level, but everyone would benefit from having a fixed routing of some kind. For example, I am driven by consistency and have a tried and tested routine on match days. Others may need just a general idea, or one or two small things they need to do (like put on lucky socks).
Do what works for you. But whatever it is, make sure you know your routine inside out. It will help you put in good performances more regularly. As proven by science.
Cricket is no different to life: Teams and individuals operate best when they feel in control of a situation.
Unfortunately, the unpredictability of a cricket match makes it hard to keep this feeling. It’s also why you find so many superstitious cricketers with lucky socks putting their left shoe on first: It provides the illusion of control.
A more effective method is to ensure your team is well drilled in agreed routines. This has the double effect of making you seem highly professional and effective externally while bringing you together as a team internally.
Each club team will have it’s own routines and standards so there is no set approach. In short, you have to do what works for you.
Examples of routines and standards that work for many club teams are:
And that means more positive results.
Think positively about the match and your own performance.
Eat nutritious foods and get a good night’s sleep.
Relax your mind on match day. Avoid distractions and being hurried.
Lay out your kit (if there is room in the changing room and it won’t “disappear”.)
Warm up. Light jog and stretches.
Discuss match plans with team and coach.
Breath properly and relax your muscles.
Don’t rush padding up. Be prepared and settled.
Bounce the ball on your bat/have throw downs to focus eyes.
Walk in positively to the centre (good body language)
Look up at the sky (not the sun!) to adjust your eyes to the light.
Take guard and mark carefully.
Take a good look around at the field set-avoid eye contact. Be aware of strong fielders and where gaps are.
Get into your pre-set routine. Line up feet, grip, backlift. (This should be natural and automatic)
As bowler runs up, say verbal trigger (eg watch the ball/play straight etc)
At delivery stride focus closely on ball and watch from hand onto bat.
After delivery “switch off” concentration but remain aware (fielders moving etc)
Re-start crease management routine and switch back on.
Bowling: Measure and mark your run-up before the game. Mark both ends, not just your preferred end as the game situation may require you to change. Be aware of the ground conditions in your run-up.
Get a feel for match conditions; weather, wind, under-foot conditions.
Get a feel of the ball early on. Keep it clean and shine one side. Make all fielders aware which side is to be shined.
Observe each batsman. Are there any tell-tale signs of shot preferences/weaknesses (eg grip/stance/etc)
Be happy with your field before bowling.
Know your role for each spell.
Have a plan for each ball. Make it relevant to match situation. Make it part of an overall strategy to get wicket/slow run-rate.
Do not try unrehearsed deliveries in a match.
Set yourself at your mark. Focus on intended target. Get balanced and mentally set. Mentally rehearse delivery and imagine positive result.
Fielding:
Know your role.
Use verbal/physical trigger for each delivery (eg touch hands together.)
Every ball is coming to you. Be prepared and balanced.
Encourage team-mates. Keep team focused and together.
1. Block out the negative thoughts and make everything you do a positive step.
2. Think about what works for you personally. One person’s crazy tick is another’s essential tool.
3. Consider every aspect of your preparation and keep a note of what works best.
4. Refine things as you go along until you find the perfect routine.
5. Think about elements that might upset your routine and plan around them.
Everyone will have a different level, but everyone would benefit from having a fixed routing of some kind. For example, I am driven by consistency and have a tried and tested routine on match days. Others may need just a general idea, or one or two small things they need to do (like put on lucky socks).
Do what works for you. But whatever it is, make sure you know your routine inside out. It will help you put in good performances more regularly. As proven by science.
Cricket is no different to life: Teams and individuals operate best when they feel in control of a situation.
Unfortunately, the unpredictability of a cricket match makes it hard to keep this feeling. It’s also why you find so many superstitious cricketers with lucky socks putting their left shoe on first: It provides the illusion of control.
A more effective method is to ensure your team is well drilled in agreed routines. This has the double effect of making you seem highly professional and effective externally while bringing you together as a team internally.
Each club team will have it’s own routines and standards so there is no set approach. In short, you have to do what works for you.
Examples of routines and standards that work for many club teams are:
- A commitment to all wear team shirts or caps.
- Jogging between overs.
- Always acknowledging good moments and never giving up.
- Pre-game fielding drills.
- Polishing the ball as it’s passed around.
- A team huddle before the game
- Watching the captain.
- Sitting together and watching the game while waiting to bat.
- Making sure everyone has a turn at scoring/umpiring if there is no official.
- Running onto the field together.
- Shaking hands with opposition captains, scorers and umpires.
And that means more positive results.
Individual Preparation Routine
Pack your kit bag the night before. Be prepared. Imagine padding up….is all your kit there?Think positively about the match and your own performance.
Eat nutritious foods and get a good night’s sleep.
Relax your mind on match day. Avoid distractions and being hurried.
At the ground:
Familiarise yourself with the set-up. Field, pitch and surroundings. Light and weather conditions.Lay out your kit (if there is room in the changing room and it won’t “disappear”.)
Warm up. Light jog and stretches.
Discuss match plans with team and coach.
Match time:
Batting: Watch the game when waiting to go in. Not too closely but take in visual cues. Who are the strong/weak fielders. Does the bowler have an odd action?Breath properly and relax your muscles.
Don’t rush padding up. Be prepared and settled.
Bounce the ball on your bat/have throw downs to focus eyes.
Walk in positively to the centre (good body language)
Look up at the sky (not the sun!) to adjust your eyes to the light.
Take guard and mark carefully.
Take a good look around at the field set-avoid eye contact. Be aware of strong fielders and where gaps are.
Get into your pre-set routine. Line up feet, grip, backlift. (This should be natural and automatic)
As bowler runs up, say verbal trigger (eg watch the ball/play straight etc)
At delivery stride focus closely on ball and watch from hand onto bat.
After delivery “switch off” concentration but remain aware (fielders moving etc)
Re-start crease management routine and switch back on.
Bowling: Measure and mark your run-up before the game. Mark both ends, not just your preferred end as the game situation may require you to change. Be aware of the ground conditions in your run-up.
Get a feel for match conditions; weather, wind, under-foot conditions.
Get a feel of the ball early on. Keep it clean and shine one side. Make all fielders aware which side is to be shined.
Observe each batsman. Are there any tell-tale signs of shot preferences/weaknesses (eg grip/stance/etc)
Be happy with your field before bowling.
Know your role for each spell.
Have a plan for each ball. Make it relevant to match situation. Make it part of an overall strategy to get wicket/slow run-rate.
Do not try unrehearsed deliveries in a match.
Set yourself at your mark. Focus on intended target. Get balanced and mentally set. Mentally rehearse delivery and imagine positive result.
Fielding:
Know your role.
Use verbal/physical trigger for each delivery (eg touch hands together.)
Every ball is coming to you. Be prepared and balanced.
Encourage team-mates. Keep team focused and together.