“Season's Recommendations”
U.10 - 12 Mid Week Cricket 2014/2015
A big “Thank You” to many, many people for assistance given so freely and the superbly considered ideas proposed on how to best present our program for the appeal of young players involved in it.
I would personally like to see these ideas and recommendations given a go, put into practice and trialled when you feel ready to do so.In all, the suggestions can be tabled as Ten Recommendations.
I have refrained from putting most of these into the competition guidelines so very well developed by Simon Ogilvie over the past two seasons. I think it's important that a high degree of consensus is established first and this relies very much on giving ideas a go and providing relevant feedback.
Recommendations Include:
- The program to be known as “Primary Schools 20/20 Cricket”. Twenty overs per team maximum - perfectly suited to 10 players per team with five batting pairs sharing four (4) over partnerships. Where teams have less than ten players a maximum of five (5) over partnerships.
- That games be played in “Continuous Cricket” fashion. Strategies to enable this include having two match balls to reduce delays, a straight change over of innings with players for the new innings already kitted up, and thirdly the deployment of a leg side boundary rider – a person able to retrieve “Long Shot” balls, particularly on the leg side. These strategies will help preserve children's engagement in the game and ensure that games end at or by 6:30 pm.
- That during a wayward bowling over, a batter have the opportunity of a “Free Tee Shot”.
This means a batting tee being available and deployed for the sixth(6th) ball of a wayward over
- That less experienced bowlers have some freedom in coming further along the pitch before delivering the ball - a greater chance of accuracy is a likely outcome. Encourage bowlers to have no more than two (2) bounces before reaching the batter. Make sure the bowler for the following over knows they will be required and the changeover is as immediate as possible.
- Host team to field first. The Guest's team is likely to be travelling further and at the start of play may be well short of a full fielding complement. However they are likely to have a pair of children who could be padded up and their batting innings got under way.
- Strictly a maximum of ten fielders including the wicket keeper and bowler. Batters must be given a reasonable opportunity to score. Strict adherence to the rule regarding how close to the batter, fielders are is to be enforced – not just for safety but with due respect for young batters.
- Avoid delays with wicket keeper change overs. The next keeper should only require an exchange of keepers gloves to ensure the game's momentum is preserved. Blocks of overs for keepers could be considered – perhaps two blocks of ten overs or four blocks of five overs.
Fielders moving to the next spot in a clockwise direction at overs end is an effective strategy.
- That this 20/20 format is not seen as big bash “Slog Fest” cricket but an opportunity to play well. Remember that this isn't a competition based on literal scoring. Some coaches are keen to reward their children with novel scoring systems that match good batting technique display.
Similar points rewards are allocated for feats such as superb “Chase downs” and “Backing up” when fielding. It is hoped that some of these ideas can be shared -your feedback is encouraged
- Good coaching should not cause game delays. Positive feedback and encouragement from coaches to participants of both sides can have a powerful beneficial affect for all young players. This cricket experience should be a time of enjoyment and support for all concerned.
- Support player well being at all times. Having some spare hats is a good idea and enabling youngsters to leave the field for a drink is essential. Good hydration practices is far more important than having one less on the field. Remember this is not a Scoring Competition.
Your ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Where there were slight differences with suggestions, I have attempted to lean a little both ways when detailing that particular recommendation.
Have a great season, one and all with your kids. They are lucky to have you. Please keep in touch.
Mark Ryan – 0477 527 334