In a previous article, we discussed “starting from where the players is” Tom not only eluded to this as being vital in the coaching process but expanded as to why this is the case, ”For players to grow they need to be at their learning edge, the key element is to stretch and challenge players in the correct way and to do this one needs to understand the players’ framework. ”It is through the correct approach in the questioning process that one can ascertain the players current understanding and their unique situation to “tailor-make” the learning process. When co-facilitated correctly the power in this intervention can be deep and affect real change.

During this session coaches were asked some simple yet difficult questions which pertains to our development as coaches.

• What do my player(s) need to know?
• What do my player(s) need me to know?
• What do I need to know about my player(s)?

In the different aspects of the game, I encourage coaches to ask these questions of themselves for the various levels that they are coaching at. Take coaching short leg catching for example, what is important for the player to know and do you know the key coaching points and drills to coach this position effectively given the players context.

Upon introspection from the coaches, they all concluded the workshop with many answers but also many questions and isn’t this what Coach Education is all about.

For more information on GKC Coach Ed see www.garykirsten.com/coacheducation

The post The Coaching “How” appeared first on Gary Kirsten Cricket.

In a recent Coach Education program which Gary and I were facilitating, we joined with some coaches who were working with some young players from a primary school. Upon observing a young bowler deliver 6 balls (which were on a variety of lines) the coaches were asked about what would be their observations and first interventions with the player. A plethora of varying answers emerged – as expected. Advice varied all the way from an angled run up to suggesting a new a grip on the ball as well as various changes that could be made to his action, release position and follow through. With all these viewpoints, which were often conflicting… I tried a coaching “experiment”.

The first question which I asked him was, “When you bowl your best, where do you find the most joy? With a beaming smile on the young man’s face he replied. “When I CLEAN bowl him!!!”. This gave us all a great starting point on where to pitch a message to the enthusiastic inswing bowler. Through a series of open questions, the boy got to his own answer about what he needed to do in order to do this more consistently. “I need to start the ball wider with MY swing”. Brilliant! “Where do you normally aim?”, I asked in curiosity. “At the stumps of course”, he replied confidently. A silence of epiphany gripped the group of coaches who had assembled, which included many who had worked with him before. The rest was now going to be simple. I instructed the player, “Take this cone and place it on a line in which you want to start the ball in order to “Clean Bowl” him”. He duly did, about a foot and a half outside off stump. With a bound in his step he returned to the top of his run up, rearing to try again. Of the next 6 balls – 5 hit the stumps, much to the delight of the player and coaches alike. So what was the learning?

In simple terms, we started where the player is. So often as coaches, with our coaching knowledge of technique, game plans, drills and jargon, we start where we are. The language which we understand, the lens on the game which is our own, the technical “models” we hold as perfection. In player-centered coaching, this can be the exact issue that inhibits our ability to connect with the players on their level. Understanding what makes the player unique and their view the game is a much more influential starting point. Building the relationship between player and coach allows trust to form and belief to exist which can ultimately lead to significant change.

Upon reflection of this particular experience, an image gathered in my mind of a camp which we ran in Dubai about a year ago – Gary with the young player in Dubai

Perhaps starting where the player is, is as simple as that!

Head coach – Ryan Cook

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“When will they learn?”, the all too familiar phrase of a frustrated coach whose team has not executed their skills to the required standard. This may take its form in a variety of ways, be that through lack of skill transfer from practice to match, poor decision making under pressure or even inadequate preparation. However before pointing the finger at a players’ incompetence, a coach should be reflecting upon the work that he or she has done in order to give the players the best chance of success and it is often the assumptions that coaches make that is the hindrance to player performance.

In the modern age of information and constant connection to knowledge it may be assumed that players, at no matter what level they play at, have a basic skill combined with robust thinking and physical competence to execute that skill. Let’s take the young U13 cricketer playing for his school 1^st XI at Primary school. Should he have the ability to set a field to his own bowling? Bowl the ball on one side of the wicket? Vary his lengths to different batters? Construct an over? If you answered “Yes” to all these questions, one should be making sure that time is taken in order to equip the player with the either the technical, tactical, mental or physical skill to do so. This is done through an array of interventions such as purposeful practices, in depth conversations and understanding of the player, but one word of advice – Be mindful of the assumptions you make!

So how to break the assumption barrier? Many would give advice of “Make no assumptions”, however this is not really practical on many occasions. The first road to take is one of asking. Through the art of good questioning and listening one should be able to ascertain the current reality in which a player sits and gain an understanding of his or her lens and level of proficiency. For example when coaching players the art of playing spin, one could ask questions such as; “What is your mindset when spinners bowl to you?”, “What shots regularly bring about boundaries against off spinners?”, “Recall a time when you played the leg spinner well, what did you do?”. The list could go on depending on your gauge of the player’s awareness. By utilizing their language to gain a deeper understanding of the players outlook and skillset it can provide a reference point from which to build and grow, but too often the narrative comes in at a level too high according to a preconceived idea.

The Second Road to take is Clarity of Expectation. Through this direct route of communication one can provide the necessary direction to avoid misunderstandings which open up the door to frustration and disappointment from both parties provided these expectations are “capable”. As Henry Winkler quotes, “assumptions are the termites of relationships”. As coaches we are in the relationship business and this can have a bearing on people and performance. In cricket circles, an assumption commonly misplaced is one in the fielding arena – having an individual placed in the field without clear expectation of his or her role is the cause of red mist rolling into the bowlers mind time and time again. For example, the inner ring fielder gives away an easy single to the new batsman. What is needed in this regard is a language of understanding between all team members of what their role is and even some tools on how to achieve that objective. By providing clear expectations, one removes the assumptions which may not be shared by individuals or a group, creating a space which is more conducive to performance.

Whether in the coaching space or not it seems we are constantly making assumptions based on “truths and facts”, often through our “glasses”, it is important that we challenge these beliefs through asking effective questions, listening without judgement, or by co creating clarity in expectation with our players in order to show care and be fair not only in performance but off the field too. Having the courage to do this can be a game changer for your coaching and development of your players and teams.

The post Coaches Corner appeared first on Gary Kirsten Cricket.

The Gary Kirsten 275 Supporters Tour gives you the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve in Cape Town, one of the world’s tourism hotspots, and then watch the second test (2-6 January 2016) of the 2015-16 England/South Africa series at Newlands cricket ground, the most picturesque sporting arena in the world.

This special tour is hosted by legendary cricket player and coach Gary Kirsten, and runs from 30 December 2015 to 8 January 2016. There are four booking options to suit the needs (and budgets) of different English cricket supporters.

All packages include 9 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at a premium three or four star hotel in Cape Town, seating in the Member’s Pavilion at Newlands cricket ground, Airport transfers, transport to and from Newlands on all test days, and access to a representative of Gary Kirsten Travel and Tours at all times.

Tour participants will also receive a special Gary Kirsten 275 golf shirt and tour bag, as well as a print of a painting of Newlands by Richie Ryall, South African painter and former professional cricketer, signed by the artist and Gary Kirsten. These items add to the fun of the tour and will take you back to this once in a lifetime opportunity every time you see the painting, use the bag or wear the shirt.

Click Here for more package details.

The “275” in the tour name refers to Gary Kirsten’s best ever test batting result, scored while playing against England in December 1999.

Playing against highly-competitive rival teams helps to shape a cricket player’s style and motivates him to dramatically improve his skills and standard of play.

His fond memories of playing many tough games against England, coupled with the fact that Newlands is his home ground (and Cape Town his home town), make this an extra-special test for Gary.

Join in the magic of this special occasion and have the opportunity to see some of the sights in and around spectacular Cape Town during your stay.

England has not toured South Africa since 2010 so there will be high demand for test match tickets, as well as a possible shortage of suitable accommodation. Make your booking ASAP to avoid disappointment and the risk of losing this opportunity.

To Book Your Place Now or request more information: email travel@garykirsten.com

The post Spend New Year’s Eve in Cape Town (South Africa), watch a fantastic Test Match, and be hosted by Gary Kirsten appeared first on Gary Kirsten Cricket.