As a 19 year old, Jamie is a probationary member of the MCC and has spent the summer playing games for the prestigious club to become a playing member. He has also been opening the batting for his team, Exeter Cricket Club in the Devon Premier League, gaining some great experience up the order. So far he has contributed with a few good performances including a 93 and 4 for 16 with his leg breaks.

“The HPA was unforgettable! There was such a fantastic group of boys and we shared some amazing experiences together on and off the pitch”, he says in reflection of his time in South Africa. “It was invaluable for my development and understanding of cricket”, as he beams and recalls stories of the comradery and challenges which was a hallmark of the program.

Coaching Director of Gary Kirsten Cricket, Garreth Von Hoesslin worked closely with Jamie throughout his one on one sessions and speaks highly of the young mans’ skill and tenacity. “His ability to present a full face on the ball and hit the ball down the ground was incredible to watch. To be fair, Jamie put in a lot of extra yards on his weaker areas as well, he went from a player who was a very inconsistent sweeper of the ball to being able to produce the shot under pressure in games. This is the kind of development you want to see as a coach.”

Jamie now moves into the much debated University Cricket system in the United Kingdom for Durham University in September which has traditionally produced players for the major county 1^st XI. Jamie has high hopes that he may follow in these footsteps and knows the work that needs to be put in to achieve this. Gary Kirsten Cricket wishes him all the best in his pursuit of his best and will be following his progress with an eager eye.

Applications for the Gary Kirsten Cricket High Performance Academy 2020 are open. For more information visit www.garykirsten.com/high-performance-academy/

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This year, the program was slightly altered from previous years, the duration was 8 weeks long and followed a theme based around “player responsibility”. This season each player received 3 “Team based sessions” including a masterclass, nets and matches every week as well as 2 One-on-One sessions. Players also then got an elective for additional services such as Mental sessions with Tom Dawson Squibb as well as conditioning sessions with Warwick Cross at Sports Science Institute of South Africa to supplement their skill work.

GKC once again enlisted some of the best names in coaching to share their experience and expertise. Led by Gary Kirsten, the program featured a High Performance Coaching Team including Adrian Birrell, Garreth Von Hoesslin and Ryan Cook along with specialists in their respective fields who conducted weekly sessions. An example of this occurred in the third week when the players had the privilege to a week practicing alongside Dane Vilas, former Proteas Wicket Keeper Batsman and current Lancashire captain as he modeled the consummate professional. In Week 4, Eric Simons ran a masterclass on modern day bowling strategies which was a true eye opener for not only the players but the coaches in attendance.

It has been incredible to see the growth and improvement in the players during the program. Each individual embraced the environment which placed emphasis on the attention to detail to the standard of performance which is required to become and succeed as a professional in the new cricketing landscape. The bonds formed between the players and the relationships with each other and the coaches forged through shared experiences are a hallmark of this program.

Keep an eye out for applications opening for our 2020 program!

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Heading up the program this year is Adi Birrell, who is world renowned in the coaching circles for his successful stints as Head Coach of the Ireland National Cricket Team and Assistant Coach for the Proteas from 2014-2017. He has also recently been appointed Head Coach of the Paarl Rocks in the new Mzanzi Super League T20 competition in South Africa. Adi brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in a unique way and having joined GKC last year for a stint at the HPA is excited by this year’s program. “The numerous brilliant performances achieved by the 2018 HPA attendees indicates there were improvements to their individual games. I look forward to meeting the new intake and guiding them through an intense program which I am sure will bring lasting improvements.”

This year, players’ will receive individualized training along with a selection of additional interventions to take their games to the next level. Ryan Cook, Director of High Performance at GKC said, “In our quest to provide the most value to the players, their program is customizable to their needs to level up. It is so exciting to see players progress throughout the program and the cheery on the top is when they perform in the seasons to come. This year sees a unique occurrence that 4 players from the HPA in 2018 will be returning to continue the work that was done last year which is encouraging and exciting.”

The training facilities at GKC Headquarters are primed and ready for high quality practice and matches which are a hallmark of the program. This allows players to be prepared for the upcoming season through access to the variety of the offerings at the Constantia Sports Centre. The players will also have access to specialists in their given areas of expertise and having continuity with these support staff is instrumental in the program’s success and the improvement of the players from a holistic point of view.

When asked about the High Performance Academy in its 5^th year, Gary Kirsten said, “Once again, we have players from all around the world joining us to find the best version of themselves as cricketers and people. Exploring potential and being able to play a role in the growth of a player is a special experience.” He continued, “It is encouraging that many of the players are returning for a second year and we welcome the new players to what can be a career and even life changing couple of months with the team”.

For more updates on the GKC High Performance Academy follow us on twitter , Facebook, Instagram

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“My first experience at the HPA will always be remembered. Getting to live with 10 individuals and play in a team with them was so interesting and helped widen my view of the game along with the coaches input.” Miguel credits his discipline in the basics as a reason for his success this season. “I got off to a flyer at the beginning of the season, I got 39 not out to finish the game in the first match and the following day made 94 not out in a National Cup game and this helped my confidence grow.” He hasn’t looked back, he has scored five fifties and a hundred in all formats. His highlight however has been being able to get 6 not outs in just 14 knocks. “Being able to see the boys over the line was something which I wanted to pride myself on and I have been able to do so on a few occasions, these performances have been so special to me.”

His aspirations for the rest of the season is to try to keep making contributions to the team and hopefully break into the Essex 2^nd XI squad. Miguel will be joining the GKC High Performance Academy again in 2019 and Head Coach Ryan Cook is looking forward to the working with Miguel again, “Miguel came as a rough diamond to the HPA in 2018, being exposed to the professional environment enabled some polishing of his technique and skills. His attitude and willingness to improve over those 4 months is showing in his performances this season. We welcome him and a few other previous HPA players back this year, this is exciting for us as we can continue to walk the journey with them.”

For more information on the GKC High performance academy 2019  and to enroll in the program go to www.garykirsten.com/high-performance-academy/

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Prior to this week, my rugby background included a few games of touch at break time, cheering on the Red school heroes from the sideline, channel flicking through some highlights and passing comments from the couch. I was in for a perspective shift as I joined the Melbourne Rebels on an all access pass for a week prior to their game against the Stormers at Newlands. I have always been fascinated about the workings of high performance environments across sports and industries and this experience was an eye opener into the culture and operations of one of Australia’s up and coming rugby franchises.

I was connected with Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels through a mutual friend and colleague Tom Dawson Squibb who has worked extensively with both of us personally and in our professional environments. Dave’s coaching journey began at Rondebosch Boys High School in Cape Town whilst consulting to the Stormers defense. He was appointed as assistant coach of his alma mater, UCT, under Kevin Foote from 2009 to 2011 during their meteoric rise to the title of the Varsity Cup. Dave’s journey continued under Jake White at the Brumbies in Australia as a defensive consultant catapulting him to the assistant post at the Western Force, where after 3 years, he was appointed Head Coach. Following the exclusion of the Force from Super Rugby, Dave was appointed Coach of the Melbourne Rebels.

This background is relevant to understand a few initial observations about the environment. Firstly, it is distinctly apparent that he has “cut his teeth” in the game of rugby and coaching from a young age, the fertile grounds on which many world class coaches across sports have started. Secondly, the relationship he shares with his management staff is deep. Not only have they already walked a road together which has strengthened the bond, but there is genuine respect, care and trust across the coaching group. Remarkably, during my time with the team, not once did Dave walk through a door or get off a bus without thanking the person responsible.

My first contact with the team was to sit in on the review of the game against the Bulls which happened the previous week. I’m in over my head! The players and coaches are speaking a language which resembles English, but one that is quite clearly unique and authentic to this environment. The fluency which these words flow off the tongue is followed by the studious nods of heads and pens on paper as the players engage in the detail of the previous match reflecting and drawing out the learnings supplemented by visual representations on the big screen. This I didn’t expect, these players are far from rugby brutes, they are rugby smarts discussing the intricacies of formations and phases – something which I would gain a keen appreciation for as the week went on.

Monday morning meetings complete and we head off to the training ground, I am looking forward to seeing some of these moves in action. To my surprise, these will not be “run” today, but rather “walked” as part of a team clarity session for the week ahead. All calls, set plays and formations are explained, taught, coached and demonstrated by a coaching staff that have their finger on the pulse of detail. In a game where a metre can mean the difference between a game winning try, this is necessary.

Day two, I am assured some action packed training and at first glance the energy displayed by the coaching group has ramped up a few notches as an extensive warm up begins. Next, Cameras on, Drones raised and away we go! For the next 60 minutes I am treated to what can only be described as a choreography of practice. Specific drills followed by unstructured play, one after the next interspersed with brief key coaching points and an intensity which I have not seen in another sporting environment. Every second of the practice is being accounted for by Will Markwick, the progressive Head of Performance, and is being communicated like a symphonic conductor via ear pieces to all the coaches. The players respond with corresponding effort and skill as this flow of energy permeates everyone at the facility.

As impressive as this practice was to witness, the post practice huddle is what really stands out! Local kids from the community have come to watch the training and are invited into the circle to share in the review of the training. What an experience that must be for these 10 year olds looking up to their heroes. However impressive, it is the behaviour which takes place after this though which catches my eye. Throughout the practice, some student athletes from UCT Ikey Tigers have been running drills with the team, tackling like men possessed and adding competition to the play. Every one of these players is thanked individually by each player and coach for their contribution and are welcomed back for tomorrows session. Coming from a sport in which thrower’s and net bowler’s contribution are so often overlooked this is a note to self.

Upon arrival at the hotel the next day, I am greeted by a sight that I have very rarely seen in a team room. Individual players viewing footage on laptop screens, huddles of positional players drawing out session plans, coaches with computers having “one on ones” with specific players using footage of practice the previous day. This is the planning being done for this afternoon’s sessions. The team has decided on the practice drills to be done today, it seems this phase of preparation for the game on Friday is player-lead. In this small space it is apparent to see the connectedness of the group, it seems all players have the buy in to the system of play and they need to. Rugby is such an integrated sport between backs and forwards, wings and props. I was first exposed to a concept a while back of “Total Football” which is a strategy which revolutionalised soccer in the 1970s which relies on possession of the ball where players have no definite position whilst working as a unit on defense and attack. Easily summed up by Johan Cryuff “Everyone could play everywhere”. These peer learning sessions were certainly what I had in mind.

Another session of high intensity training followed and was supplemented with skill specific practice. The players really do go to pain staking lengths to hone their craft, this is often the element which the public don’t see. The extra time and detail taken to fine tune their preparation and accuracy doesn’t always relate into performance on match day but these professionals stick to their processes with high standards.

The following day a detour was taken by the bus which arrived at UCT rugby club for a team session which allowed a window into the culture of this team. With both Dave and Kevin’s roots in the soil at UCT this provided an opportunity for both players and coaches to share in some past, present and future. The genuine care for each other was palpable in the room and no doubt there is a connection with this group far deeper than the game of rugby. A Captain’s run at Newlands and we are all set to go for the fixture of the week.

Match day! A different feel in the camp. The tone of the day seems to be focused and controlled. With a long wait until the afternoon kick off, a few “walk-throughs” and bit of light hearted ball drills take place in a conference hall down the road from the hotel. This gives me an opportunity to pick the brain of the coaches and enter into discussing their philosophies a bit deeper, this is fascinating. Throughout the week, all the coaches have been approachable, curious and welcoming showing that they are not only preaching development but living it themselves.

Warm ups complete and it is time for the main event! Entering the coaches’ box, I am amazed to see the level of technology used in assessing games in real time and the productive conversations which happen between the box and bench. There is an intensity and clarity to these exchanges. The Rebels are behind on the scoreboard throughout much of the game. Notably, Dave is solutions focused and proactive in his approach with suggestions from analysts and assistant coaches. There is no doubt he knows what is like to be advising from the chair next to him and shows an empathy towards his support staff.

Unfortunately, despite great effort, the Rebels end on the losing end against the home side. The mood is one of disappointment and introspection. Upon reflection, it seems the execution on the day was not as accurate as is capable from this group. A few critical errors at important moments in the game wrestled the momentum away on too many occasions. The somber emotions are lifted by keeping an eye on improvement and moving forward in the competition as well as not passing over celebrations of milestones and performances of specific individuals. Thanks are also given to those from the security personnel to the physios for their contribution throughout the week with great gratitude.

It must be said that I for one have gained an incredible appreciation for the ability and skills of the players, not to mention what their bodies go through week in and week out. Their professionalism was outstanding from the team room to the practice field. The way in which they treat their craft, their staff and little known outsiders such as myself show that these men are more than just great rugby players.

As for the staff, this experience has raised the bar in terms of cohesion, communication and excellence from the “team of teams”. Great things can be accomplished when everyone chips “all-in” to a common cause and does their jobs with pride. There is no doubt they will be looking for areas of improvement for the players this week, but would have also taken some lessons on board themselves. Relationships in this organization are of utmost importance and they will grow stronger through experiences such as the week in Cape Town. As the season rolls on, I wish this group all the best and thank them for opening up their sacred circle and including me on their re-love-ution.

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Go Gary! We are behind you all the way! Good luck for the 2018 Absa Cape Epic.

Look out for the Gary Kirsten Foundation cycle team in this year’s ABSA Cape Epic as well.

The post ABSA Cape Epic 2018 Prologue appeared first on Gary Kirsten Cricket.

While parents and pupils had a tour of the school, Fairmont Cricket and GKC held coaching drills and stations, showcasing the quality of structures and coaching that can be expected by pupils wanting to join next year.

“This is an exciting partnership, creating a hub for all aspiring cricketers to attend world class coaching throughout the week. We look forward to taking cricket in the area to the next level.” said coach Garreth Von Hoesslin

All GKC coaches work closely with ICC World Cup winning coach Gary Kirsten to provide the finest coaching programs, providing a unique opportunity to enhance each player’s skills in a supportive environment.

We feel honored to be a part of each young player’s journey and aim to help provide the greatest opportunity of success.

For more information on private coaching and booking please contact Garreth on gvh/garykirsten.com

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While the wait for rain continues, Gary Kirsten Cricket is determined to use the dry months fruitfully.

“This is the ideal time to capitalize on private coaching,” GKC Coaching Director, Ryan Van Niekerk said.

It is an opportunity for players to work on their technical skills away from the field.

“This is a chance for us to help kid’s upskill their games. The drought is crippling but it does not mean we must stop working,” Van Niekerk said.

The recently launched GKC Mini League at the Constantia Sports Complex has been suspended but Van Niekerk confirmed that concrete pitches will be used in private coaching spaces.

“Our clients have put a lot into our projects and we will certainly be playing games. Our players will still get time out in the middle. The hard work and dedication goes on,” he concluded.

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The Gary Kirsten Cricket Mini League is an exciting initiative that will see players slug it out in a competitive environment twice a month.

Four teams of eight players each will get a chance to play two matches at GKC’s headquarters at the Constantia Sports Complex.

“This is a programme that we are really excited about,” GKC Coaching Director, Ryan Van Niekerk said.

He continued, “It will see young players being exposed to a different format of cricket and to play within mixed teams of players from all different schools and clubs.”

Van Niekerk believes that the initiative will attract more players to the sport as the year goes on.

“We had a great turnout last week with four teams playing. It was fantastic to see parents come out and support their kids. We also have some great prizes from adidas up for grabs” he said.

2017/2018 HPA

In addition to the Mini League, Private coaching and the High Performance Academy is also up running after a well-deserved break.

“This is our flagship performance coaching offering and we are excited by its growth. The majority of players attending this year’s HPA are from abroad which brings a great mix of talent. We’ll be taking early registrations for this programme and would encourage cricketers who are interested in taking their game to the ‘next level’ to register for the 2018/19 intake starting in November  this year,” Van Niekerk said.

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Cricketers from around the world have descended on Cape Town for the programme which is designed to prepare athletes for the first-class game.

The four-month long programme is run by Gary Kirsten as well as Ryan Van Niekerk and Ryan Cook.

In addition to the top GKC coaches the HPA regularly invites guest coaches from various industries to add to the dynamism of the programme.

This is what they had to say…

Stephen Cook – bizhub Highveld Lions Captain

I had the great privilege of spending a few days training and coaching with GKC. The entire setup from the coaches, the facilities and attention to detail was most professional. The training that is happening at the GKC HPA is at the cutting edge of best practice in the cricket world. Thank you to all concerned for having me and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Andrew Wylie – South Africa Universities Head Coach

It has been a very enjoyable six weeks working with the GKC HPA players. It was great to see the progress they have made individually in a short space of time. The programme really enables them to be pushed out of their comfort zones with the intensity they are working at. I have enjoyed the player’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn. It was also good to learn and share amongst the quality coaching staff involved.

Chad Gravenhorst – Baseball Specialist

As with anything people are cagey in the beginning because they think someone is coming in with a different idea – as I come from a baseball background. All I was asking is that they have an open mind. We looked at how important it is to look after your body in preparation to execute skills consistently. It was a short period of time but it was an absolute pleasure working with GKC. Great group of kids, I think they have a big future. Down the line I am confident that the two sports can continue to get the best out of each other.

Shukri Conrad – South Africa ‘A’ coach

The sessions just got more and more enjoyable. The environment and culture created by Gary and the coaching team really bodes well for this programme. It is one of learning. We dealt with playing spin in both the test and one day format both defensively and on attack. The players’ growth has been phenomenal. The work they had put in prior to me arriving was excellent. I look forward to my next session there.

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