Focus on the juniors

While the unceasing wheel of international cricket keeps turning, with test matches starting in England, with New Zealand being the guests to occupy the first part of the summer, at home there is a lull for the senior players. The national side will get back into action at the end on June participating in the Asia Cup.

For now it is the season of the Under 15 and Under 17 players. This coincides with the South West monsoon. Games on matting pitches are often possible to get on with and it is on this surface that the juniors play their fixtures. Unless there is a whole lot of rain the matting is a reliable all-weather surface. Provided the pitch underneath is reasonably well maintained, a matting produces reliable pace, bounce and spin. That is what is required for a youngster to learn his trade.

Generally, the ages between twelve and sixteen are the time to learn the techniques of the main departments. From age sixteen it becomes time to perform consistently. Therefore, the ages of thirteen to fifteen are so vital in grasping the techniques and building a solid foundation. Often most of what becomes practice at these ages, stick on for good.

Whilst all areas of the game are important, what is clearly significant to dwell on is bowling actions. As the young body becomes stronger through those ages the individual develops the liking to bowl pace or spin. The bigger and stronger lot often selects to take to spin. Much durability in muscle and bone is required to deliver the ball at pace.The one disadvantage of playing on the mat is that moving the ball off the pitch is pretty difficult. It does happen when the ball is new but as it wears, cut is possible but seaming is difficult. Also the leather damages easily on the mat and maintaining a shine is also not easy. It teaches of accuracy though, as deliveries slightly short stay up at a countable pace and bounce to be dispatched.

Thereby the length becomes so important. As a result of such easy paced bounce cross batted strokes become common. More back foot play is also often witnessed. Being productive on the back foot is not a cause for worry. Later on when playing on bouncy pitches against good quick bowlers that comes in handy. In fact mastering back foot play correctly, early on can be very advantageous. What need to be watched is not to get involved in too many cross bat strokes, particularly if taken from off stump or even from outside off stump.

Use of the top hand when playing through the ‘V’ area on both sides of the pitch becomes the key issue. .With much limited over cricket being played from a young age, more and more use of the bottom hand has become necessary to hit the ball in the air and over the infield. Whilst that should not be entirely discouraged the correct delivery must be selected for its execution. Not easy when you have not played much and experience is still not adequate. It’s a case of falling and getting up, learning through mistakes made.
Because of the short nature of the games, spin bowlers do not get long bowling spells. Unless the pace attack of a team is very weak, almost always the best of the spinners get a long bowl and the others share a few overs.

The best way for spinners to operate on matting is with a split field. Often having five on the off side and four on the leg side. This also negates batsmen scoring many, playing cross bat strokes. Spinners will also find that they get more batsmen out caught in the outfield. Considerate field placing is required. Taking a wicket means the bowling spell becomes longer.

This age group is also the best time to develop fielding skills and improve physical fitness. As players get stronger and agility gets better, the ability to field starts to become more natural. It is important to get youngsters used to the correct art of throwing - the baseball method. Shoulder injuries can be reduced to a great extent whilst more power and accuracy can also be achieved.

As youngsters learn the skills of the game and mentally become aware of the techniques and progress in match cricket, it is also time they begin to enjoy what they are doing. Coaches must arrange as many practice and match situations. As the saying goes it is practice, practice and more practice that makes a cricketer.