Game Sense

Cricket Training Options

GAME SENSE PHILOSOPHY
1. There must be measurable
outcomes for coaches, and
accountable outcomes for players

2. Players and Coaches must be able
to differentiate between
PERFORMANCE scenarios [runs
and wickets], and PROCESS
scenarios [tactics and methods]


GAME SENSE PHILOSOPHY
BATTING is about
Scoring runs
Preserving wickets

BOWLING is about
Taking wickets
Restricting runs
GAME SENSE PHILOSOPHY
Every scenario must be
predicated by this coaching
strategy and made clear to
participants so a
cricket evaluation is possible
after each session
PRE-REQUISITES
Oval and centre wicket
Stumps and bails
Official umpire/s
Minimum 16 players
Scoreboard

AIMS
To simulate as closely as possible
competitive match situations
RULES
Umpires decision in final
Only 11 fielders on field at a time
Two batsmen at a time/one bowler
One Captain is in charge
Thegame is over when there is a
winner
Coaches brief and de-brief,
before/after matches
SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL
STADIUM
CONTROLLABLES
Condition of pitch, wet/dry/green
Condition of ball
Quality of opposition players


MATCH SCENARIOS
A. Opening Batsmen v Opening Bowlers
Change run targets per over
Change overs to survive
Change match situation, time of day
Concentrate on singles
Eliminate lofted shots
Batting on green wickets
Batting against short bowling
Batting against swing bowling
Batting against left hand bowlers
Scoring with the field up
Reaction to sledging
B. Top Order Batsmen
Approaching a break
Resuming after a break
Responding to a run out
Reaching a target after a break, lunch/tea
Coming in after 3 quick wickets or partnership
MATCH SCENARIOS
C. Middle Order Batsmen
Chasing a target overs/runs to win
Chasing a target v spinners 90 in 16 overs
Batting v spinners with no pads
Batting v spinners, no sweeping or lofted shots
Batting with the tail to win a game
to save a game
Batting to survivetime, overs

MATCH SCENARIOS
D. Other Variations
2 tail enders batting together
Batting with a runner
2 left handers together
Frequent bowling changes and field placing
Very wide negative bowling
Second new ball
MATCH SCENARIOS
E. Examples
New ball, start of play, 10 overs 1-35
10 overs after lunch, advance from 2-70 to
2-110
10 overs after tea, advance from 4-160 to 5-220
15 overs to stumps, target out of reach, 2
wickets in hand
Last 17 overs, 7 an over needed, 4 wickets in
hand
12 overs to stumps 9/10 batting, second new
ball

MATCH SCENARIOS
COACHING POINTS
F. Coaching Advantages
Scenarios are applicable to both Bowlers and
Batsmen
level of competition can be regulated by inserting
quality players into games
Players learn a lot more about the game than just
cricket
Coaches see players in natural situations
Captains can be given real experience and learn by
outcomes
The greatest performance measure, the scoreboard,
provides instant feedback to players
The enthusiastic fielders at drill sessions must
replicate the same effort on the field in a match


GAME SENSE TRAINING PLAN
SQUAD: DATE:

STARTING MATCH SCORE: ______ off ______

SCENARIO TARGET: ______ off ______
(and match conditions)

MATCH TARGET:

BATTERS:

CAPTAIN:

RESULT: