A coach will put together a programme that will cover all aspects of the game:

  • Physical needs

  • Technical needs

  • Psychological needs

  • Tactical needs

  • Lifestyle needs

Preparation for a major tournament will be very specific and consideration will be given to the climate and weather conditions of the area where the tournament will be played and in particular the surfaces that will be played on.

The squad will endeavour to prepare under conditions as close to tournament conditions as possible. This period of preparation may take several months and within this period there will be different phases of training. Fitness phase, skill based phase, match simulation and possibly a tour just before the tournament to finish of with match preparation allowing the team to be set up and go through tactical plays and for players to be made clear of roles and responsibilities within the team framework.

 

PREPARING FOR A MATCH

This form of preparation is related both to a coach and player. From a coaching point of view there will be information gathered on opposition players and this may be fed back to the players at a team meeting. The coaching staff will also have considered the make-up of the team they would like to play and also any tactical information that they would like to share with the players at the team meeting. This team meeting is normally conducted on the night before a game if on tour and if at home on the morning of a game. Coaching staff on the morning of a game are responsible for running a warm up that will prepare the players both physically and mentally.

The warm up is the start of the day and it must have the energy, enthusiasm and standards that will be carried out onto that field. It is a great opportunity to send a message to the opposition that you have arrived and are ready to play. The psychological battles has started. A player’s preparation will be over a period. Firstly the night before where they may look at footage of opposition players, they may do some imagery, they may do nothing at all, it is whatever the player feels works for them. Secondly the morning of the match where anxiety will normally kick in, this is normal though something that must be controlled and players will do certain things to relax them, listening to music is a popular one.

Players will always have nerves but these must be kept to a level where optimum performance can be achieved. Players on the morning in the warm up will take part in the ‘team’ activities where the energy is built and then take care of their own individual preparation, something they are comfortable with and they feel gets them in the ‘best place’ to take the field. From a coaching point of view it is important coaches know what players like to do with their preparation and allow them the time and space to do ‘their’ thing.

 

PREPARING FOR AN INNINGS

Players will prepare for an innings in different ways both mentally and physically. Some sit quietly preferring little interaction, others like to chat and be involved with all, some like to hit or catch balls whilst waiting, others prefer not.

Some players will watch the game intently taking as much information from it as possible (bowler types, movement etc.) some will not. It is totally a personal decision as to what a player will do before they bat and a coach may provide advice/ideas that they feel will enhance their preparation but the player will normally know what they prefer. Another important factor is the consistency in their preparation.

Players will prefer to do the same thing and this helps with keeping anxiety levels down as they feel they have prepared in the most appropriate way for them giving them the best chance of success in the middle.

 

BUILD A UNIT - SUCCESS WILL FOLLOW

This may seem a logical statement though one that is extremely challenging to achieve.  When you bring a group of different people together from all walks of life and ask them to have a common vision and common objectives, there are going to be varied opinions and approaches. Though you never lose sight of the need for the ‘individual’ to be who they are and strive to achieve what they want out of the squad environment, no one person will be able to achieve the success the squad is seeking.  It takes all to be responsible for their task and to deliver the job that is needed when it is needed, whether it is the bus driver getting you to the ground on time, the physio being proactive with preventative methods of treatment or the opening batsman who has to score the runs. All must contribute for success to be achieved.

Click here to read more about The Netherlands build up to World Cup Qualification and the World T20.