“To fail to plan is to plan to fail!’ The foundational key to the development of any winning strategy is proper advance planning.
Before we play in any tournament we should do our preparation according to the conditions of the tournament. Believe me,
it would make your job much easy.
There are many things coaches should keep in mind. For example, analyze your opponent teams, fields, weather conditions,
match balls etc.
From my past 17 years of coaching experience, I always look forward to the controllable and non-controllable things. It helps a
lot for the right team selection, game plans, strategies or tactics. It helps a lot to train your players accordingly, It will give you
an edge on your opponents.
Control the Controllable
If you can’t control any of these…
WEATHER:
Good / Bad
Rainy
Dry / Dust
Cold / Hot
Humid
Cloud
Wind
Light
Mist / Fog
BATSMAN:
Attacking /
Defensive
Singles
Lucky
Good / Bad
Form?
Left / Right
OFFICIALS:
Umpires
Match referee
Coaches
Teachers
Ground staff
OTHER:
Vision
Result of match
Toss
PITCH:
Green
Fast / Slow
Turning
Length of grass
Marks or dents
Slope
Bounce – High or low
Preparation
Good
FIELD:
Hard/ Soft
Fast / Slow
Thick
Big / Small
Shape
Wet
Slope
Good
Sight screen
FIELDER:
Sledging
Field placement
Skill level
Angles
Behaviour
Body language
SPECTATORS:
Parents
Friends
Girlfriend
Opposition
support
Noise
FIELDER:
Sledging
Field placement
Skill level
Angles
Behaviour
Body language
BOWLER:
Swing
Seam
Spin
Fast / Slow
Tall / Small
Aggression
Skill level
Variations
Slingy
Good / Bad
TEAM:
Pressure
Teammates
Selection
Page: 14
Then What Can You Control?
BEHAVIOUR
ü What you are busy with, your attitude.
ü Are you busy with the things that will help you be successful?
ü Think of your practise sessions. Specific Practise
ü How focussed are you on yourself at practices. Your personal goals.
CHOICES
v What you choose to do.
v Are you clear and specific about what you want to achieve?
v Your game plan?
BROAD EXTERNAL FOCUS
THOUGHTS
On the controllable
Ø The Opposition
Ø Self belief
Ø Skills
Ø Confidence
NARROW INTERNAL FOCUS
APPROACH TO THE GAME:
v Preparation – Intensity , Specifics , Knowing conditions, Know your opponents
v Do Role-Playing – Practise what you play (part of mental preparation)
v Mental Preparation – Visualisation , Anxiety ,Strategies , Stay Positive, Awareness
v Role responsibilities – KNOW your role. Practice it.
How Do You Develop A Winning Strategy?
