Mental side of the game (but for kids)

[Mudball]

As the new cricket rolls in, nipper is off to cricket. He started playing U10 though he is U9. The big difference is hard ball.
Today he did nets with some (much bigger) U11 boys. The bigger boys are more accurate and fast. I noticed nipper stepping away and then trying to reach the ball. For those who understand cricket, this is never going to work and he would get out. There were some not so good U10 bowling too and he could smash them. He only had the issue with U11 lads.
On our drive back was speaking to him. He mentioned he was scared of getting hit so he would step away. He does wear his full kit. So he has protection.
A bit of history - As a U8 and facing hard ball for the first time he did get hit on his finger. The thought still affects him even though he is faster. I have seen him on the bowling machine. As part of the fun, sometimes I have crancked it to higher speeds and he can play.

So it is not the ability to play, but he is affected by fear of what happened. I don’t know if anyone has experienced it or other advice.

 

[fundy]

This is a hard one. I played at a pretty decent standard as a kid and was lucky I never got hit batting (got rattled at short leg a few times!). I happily opened the batting in league cricket at 16 against Minor Counties and ex county bowlers without a lid. I saw several very talented batters fall by the way side after taking a blow as instinctively they wanted to stay leg side of the ball rather than get in line. I spent a lot of time on a batting machine and also with short pitched throw downs with the whole focus on being to watch the ball for as long as possible. Part of the issue these days is with all the protection batters have they arent taught to watch the ball so actually learn to duck into the ball rather than sway away.

If it was me I would do throw downs with a tennis ball with the whole focus on watching the ball and playing it as late as possible before progressing to do the same with a proper cricket ball. Thats just me though, I expect there is an ECB guide of the right way to do it!

 

[Mudball]

It funny you say that.. though I never played any representational cricket other than after-work T20, I grew up playing without much protection. But luckily never got hit as I learned to duck or get the bat in the way.

Nipper is invited for his Surrey assessment this year so would be interesting to see if he can get over this hurdle

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Speak to the coach and see if he can help him would be the simple answer to develop a solid technique. If he's having "flashbacks" you need to find a positive way to deal with it so he can develop good batting habits at a young age and progress as a batsman. Look at Stuart Broad. He got a bad knock and since then his confidence as a batsman seems shot especially to the short ball so teams simply target him. I hope the OP/coach can find a solution as the kid sounds talented to be playing against older lads that early

 

[Pathetic Shark]

I can speak from experience as an adult about this. In 1989, I led the British baseball league in batting average. Could hit the curve ball, go to opposite fields, move runners on - all the things good hitters do. In 1991, I got hit in the face when fielding and it broke my contact lens in my eye - I was OK but it shook me up. It was my own fault as it happened whilst I was playing 2nd base and brought my glove down too fast to try and tag a runner. From then on, I was never the same hitter. I could not stay in on pitches coming in on me or ones I knew were going to break. The outer half of the plate I was fine - anything inside and I was toast. I knew it was in the head, I worked hard on it in practice but it never came back. I could still hit fairly decently but not at that standard ever again.

At least with a child playing, he will get bigger and stronger and has a chance to overcome this fear. As an adult playing, I was all too aware of the implications of getting hurt like that again.

 

[Mudball]

I can speak from experience as an adult about this. In 1989, I led the British baseball league in batting average. Could hit the curve ball, go to opposite fields, move runners on - all the things good hitters do. In 1991, I got hit in the face when fielding and it broke my contact lens in my eye - I was OK but it shook me up. It was my own fault as it happened whilst I was playing 2nd base and brought my glove down too fast to try and tag a runner. From then on, I was never the same hitter. I could not stay in on pitches coming in on me or ones I knew were going to break. The outer half of the plate I was fine - anything inside and I was toast. I knew it was in the head, I worked hard on it in practice but it never came back. I could still hit fairly decently but not at that standard ever again.

At least with a child playing, he will get bigger and stronger and has a chance to overcome this fear. As an adult playing, I was all too aware of the implications of getting hurt like that again.

PS.. thx for sharing it. I agree with practice bit. When I have put him on a bowling machine and haven’t mentioned the speed, he can play well. It’s only when he sees boys who are much bigger at the other end that ‘panic’ sets in

 

[Mudball]

Spoke to one of the coaches who is also ECB qualified (very good fella) and he says it is common in kids. One of the suggestions was to get him a chest guard. I can see the logic but (and I am sure I am wrong) I am split opinion.

in my simple mind I see it as more protection for protection sake. I can understand folks wearing it when they play international or higher level cricket but can’t see the benefit in U10. Kids need to learn how to defend such balls .. keeps them on their toes. I am assuming young West Indian kids are not running around in chest guards.

The other half of my brain says it is hard ball cricket and I can think of these as bike stabilisers. As soon as he is more comfortable he can take them on.

Decisions decisions ..

 

[Hobbit]

I regularly got picked to play for the year above. I wasn't keen, and doubly not keen when one of the kids was obviously big for his own year group. Yes you learn and you do become a better player if you have the mindset but it doesn't make it fun. And do you want it to be fun or do you see the goal as being to become a very good player?

You could do some throw downs with a tennis ball which because of your age and control could be pitched as bouncers. Also, you used to be able to buy practice balls that were a bit of a halfway house. Not full on hard ball but hard rubber.

I like the idea of a chest guard. Ideally, he needs to keep his eye on the ball and if a chest guard means he keeps his head up and looking at the ball, go for it.

Good luck.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Spoke to one of the coaches who is also ECB qualified (very good fella) and he says it is common in kids. One of the suggestions was to get him a chest guard. I can see the logic but (and I am sure I am wrong) I am split opinion.

in my simple mind I see it as more protection for protection sake. I can understand folks wearing it when they play international or higher level cricket but can’t see the benefit in U10. Kids need to learn how to defend such balls .. keeps them on their toes. I am assuming young West Indian kids are not running around in chest guards.

The other half of my brain says it is hard ball cricket and I can think of these as bike stabilisers. As soon as he is more comfortable he can take them on.

Decisions decisions ..

Toughie. I like the stabilisers analogy and if he wears one, he may have less fear, keep his eye on the ball longer and make better shot selections. The longer he wears it and the better the technique, the more chance he can wean himself of it and still trust what he's learned/been coached. If he does cop one, it can be put back on until confidence rises again

 

[Rooter]

Its really very simple, watch the attached video.

If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball. Very fast learning curve.

 

[Scoobiesnax]

Spoke to one of the coaches who is also ECB qualified (very good fella) and he says it is common in kids. One of the suggestions was to get him a chest guard. I can see the logic but (and I am sure I am wrong) I am split opinion.

in my simple mind I see it as more protection for protection sake. I can understand folks wearing it when they play international or higher level cricket but can’t see the benefit in U10. Kids need to learn how to defend such balls .. keeps them on their toes. I am assuming young West Indian kids are not running around in chest guards.

The other half of my brain says it is hard ball cricket and I can think of these as bike stabilisers. As soon as he is more comfortable he can take them on.

Decisions decisions ..

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. He needs to learn to get behind the ball, not be scared to step back and across and meet the ball with a lovely straight back foot defense.

The one thing I used to repeat to myself (when I faced fast short pitched bowling) as a kid playing schools cricket, right through to when I played first class cricket was to back yourself and make sure if you got hit; get hit in an area that wouldn't do much damage; i.e. I used to get hit on the shoulder a lot - but I was in line with the ball and able to move my head out the way while watching it. Shoulder would get hit because I misjudged the trajectory slightly. As a rank no.11 bat at that level, I got my confidence from wearing as much padding as possible lol I'd wear an arm guard and chest guard against anyone medium fast onwards as well as helmet etc etc.

What your lads trigger movement? Does he have a small step forward or back before the delivery? I always found a step forward (regardless of pace of the bowler) gave you a better chance to get in line with the ball with a purposeful step back and across, as well as giving you a better chance of swaying out the way of s short pitched delivery - I always felt better balanced with a trigger movement forward rather than backwards. Another way I tried to give myself more time against the quicker bowler was to move deeper into the crease - maybe try this?

I am by no means a coach as I have not even got my ECB Level 1 coaching cert but I am only going on my experiences as I struggled against quicker bowling especially as I was not a good batsman at all.

Keep backing him and telling him has nothing to worry - to trust his technique and try and get some fun out of competing with lads a year above him. Wish I was U10 again so I could relive it all once more

 

[Mudball]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. He needs to learn to get behind the ball, not be scared to step back and across and meet the ball with a lovely straight back foot defense.

The one thing I used to repeat to myself (when I faced fast short pitched bowling) as a kid playing schools cricket, right through to when I played first class cricket was to back yourself and make sure if you got hit; get hit in an area that wouldn't do much damage; i.e. I used to get hit on the shoulder a lot - but I was in line with the ball and able to move my head out the way while watching it. Shoulder would get hit because I misjudged the trajectory slightly. As a rank no.11 bat at that level, I got my confidence from wearing as much padding as possible lol I'd wear an arm guard and chest guard against anyone medium fast onwards as well as helmet etc etc.

What your lads trigger movement? Does he have a small step forward or back before the delivery? I always found a step forward (regardless of pace of the bowler) gave you a better chance to get in line with the ball with a purposeful step back and across, as well as giving you a better chance of swaying out the way of s short pitched delivery - I always felt better balanced with a trigger movement forward rather than backwards. Another way I tried to give myself more time against the quicker bowler was to move deeper into the crease - maybe try this?

I am by no means a coach as I have not even got my ECB Level 1 coaching cert but I am only going on my experiences as I struggled against quicker bowling especially as I was not a good batsman at all.

Keep backing him and telling him has nothing to worry - to trust his technique and try and get some fun out of competing with lads a year above him. Wish I was U10 again so I could relive it all once more

This is something I am working with him on.. did a bit over winter.. (as soon as the bowler raise his arm).. move your left foot forward. While he hasnt got that working, it is a big improvement from 2018 season. Again not a coach, i just show him what i do.

 

[fundy]

This is something I am working with him on.. did a bit over winter.. (as soon as the bowler raise his arm).. move your left foot forward. While he hasnt got that working, it is a big improvement from 2018 season. Again not a coach, i just show him what i do.

Have to say I hate this, not a big fan of trigger movements at all but if you have to have one would much rather it be back foot back and across (to the off side). Big danger with a front foot trigger movement is it can tend to get planted repeatedly in the same spot rather than going towards the ball as it should do, also the faster the bowling gets the less time you have unless very very light on your feet. The other danger is it can lead to a lack of balance with the head going to far across past the line of the ball and having to play round your front pad

 

[3offTheTee]

Surely he is well ahead of his time. If you are aged 9 playing against an 11 year old the difference is immense. It is nothing like an 18 year old playing against a20 year old.

Read all of the posts but how does he compare against his own age group? Excellent I would expect.

I would allow time for him to develop, encourage which I am sure is what is happening, explain the age difference and night should follow day.

The last thing you would want is for home to develop a lack of confidence as he seems to have a promising future and wish him good luck!

 

[Mudball]

Have to say I hate this, not a big fan of trigger movements at all but if you have to have one would much rather it be back foot back and across (to the off side). Big danger with a front foot trigger movement is it can tend to get planted repeatedly in the same spot rather than going towards the ball as it should do, also the faster the bowling gets the less time you have unless very very light on your feet. The other danger is it can lead to a lack of balance with the head going to far across past the line of the ball and having to play round your front pad

Hmm. very interesting.. I am trying to replay this in my mind (as I sit at my office desk). I dont say i am any good anymore, but I never go back foot as trigger... The only exception to that would be if I am playing a spinner as it gave more time to think. Having said that, the front foot is more a shuffle rather than a full move.

The best one I have seen so far is the Masterclass by Kevin Peterson on Sky. He is all about moving the head towards the ball as the rest of the body follows.. His strap line was 'kiss the ball', that would make his head move.

Surely he is well ahead of his time. If you are aged 9 playing against an 11 year old the difference is immense. It is nothing like an 18 year old playing against a20 year old.

Read all of the posts but how does he compare against his own age group? Excellent I would expect.

I would allow time for him to develop, encourage which I am sure is what is happening, explain the age difference and night should follow day.

The last thing you would want is for home to develop a lack of confidence as he seems to have a promising future and wish him good luck!

He is generally ok. He did get best batsman for U8 last year at his club (about 20 other kids), he also played a few U9 games. So would open for U8 but be a tailender fo U9.. It works for him as the club is not pushy, he has loads of fun and gets to play a few different games in different levels. This year they will play him U9 as well U10/11. The big change is that U10/11 are hardballs while U8/9 are mostly Incrediballs or wind balls.

 

[Tashyboy]

It's tough very tough, because what we see as adults/ parents/guardians/ coaches is easier to understand than for children. My lad when he was 9/10 played Goalkeeper for Nottingham Forest and Notts County as a kid. He told Mansfield town to get lost. Anyway a couple of times he was asked to play in the year above. Problem was he was born in August and he was playing against kids who were 23 months older and a lot lot bigger. Some of the shots he faced could break his wrists.However his coaches stressed to him and the other kids who played a year above themselves that eventually, physical ability/strength will only get you so far. Technique is what kids need to master. unfortunately some kids just rely on brute strength and eventually fall by the wayside. But a solid technique and training training training will get you there. For adults it is easy to understand, for children they have to learn the hard and painful way. Good luck me man.

 

[Mudball]

... ahh.. had a quick chat with nipper over breakfast today... Asked him if he wants a chest guard (so i can order one before nets next week)... The answer.. 'No Daddy, what I need is to learn how to hit the ball with my bat'..

... As i picked my spoon off the floor, i dont know if he said that because he means it or because he knows that it is what I want to hear...

.. can never win against the kids..

 

[Mudball]

I was at the Nets last week, and the kids were doing some batting practice. Jr left a few balls outside the off stump rather than chase it. The coach who was the umpire quipped 'We are not playing a test match, go for it'. I found it funny and we all laughed. While I agree with the coach, but isnt this part of the problem. We just dont have the patience anymore for 'test' cricket and we want to focus on wham-bham cricket from the start.

 

[hairball_89]

If he wants to be sensible and leave a few, could you get him to the west indies maybe a few weeks ago?! He might have got a game!

 

[Deleted member 18588]

I was at the Nets last week, and the kids were doing some batting practice. Jr left a few balls outside the off stump rather than chase it. The coach who was the umpire quipped 'We are not playing a test match, go for it'. I found it funny and we all laughed. While I agree with the coach, but isnt this part of the problem. We just dont have the patience anymore for 'test' cricket and we want to focus on wham-bham cricket from the start.

I don't think that's an issue at your son's age.

More a question of playing with a straight rather than a cross bat.