40
Developing Players
There is a misconception
by many organisations
that they need to make a
conscious decision to
deliver a programme
that focuses on either
developing the very best
to perform or the
masses to participate.
They all require time to
practise in high quality
and relevant
environments, whether
they’re a keen C-team
cricketer or a first-team
star. The approach and
the philosophical stance
that has been put in
place should always be
the same – to help
develop each individual.
The reality of a team
sport such as cricket is
that at some point, in a
competition during the
season, every member
of a team will be
required to perform a
vital role.
At the other end of this
spectrum there are
programmes designed
to get everyone involved
and “fairness” is the
main theme.
While this seems to be
a nice idea and at face
value it gives everyone
a chance to perform,
there is no consideration
given to the need
for progression,
differentiated practices
or the need to perform
skills in a competitive
environment. By
developing large
numbers of performers it
is easy to coach in a
generic way and forget
about the importance
and necessity of
coaching the individual.
There is also the danger
of disengaging players
by not allowing them
time to practise because
of the large numbers that
are involved. It is also
imperative that at some
point players have a
chance to perform as
part of the team, which is
one of the reasons why
many young people get
involved with sport in the
first instance.
Learning should never
be compromised and
should be at the
forefront of all planning
and delivery. Those
organisations that make
a decision to only focus
on a few able cricketers
or only focus on
maintaining participation
level numbers, without
considering how to
facilitate this type of
programme, will not
have sustainable success
in achieving their goals.
It is important that we
give all players, at
whatever level, the most
appropriate input and in
an environment that will
be beneficial to them.
This more rounded
approach to any
cricketing group can
only be beneficial to