Don’ t overcomplicate it
Simplicity matters for coaches working at any level of the game. When supporting disabled cricketers, it becomes crucial for effective communication.
Jason Weaver underlines the value of manageable instructions and the difference they can make to understanding.“ Keep instructions simple. Check for understanding and provide clear demonstrations. Some players, with or without a disability, will say,‘ yeah, I’ ve got it’, and walk away without being sure they have. Asking questions and reinforcing learning is a good way forward.”
Allrounder Chris Edwards has a learning disability, which means clarity in explanation is crucial to support his understanding.“ Keeping things simple and to the point can be really useful for me. Sometimes too much detail gets mixed up or taken out of proportion. Clear expectations, clear instructions, and being very visual always helps.”
Simplicity is always relative. It shifts according to the player, the setting, and the task in front of them. Bowler Farooq Mohammed is deaf, and when an interpreter is not present, clear and straightforward communication becomes the foundation.“ We’ ve had new coaches come in and you can see they’ re a little daunted. But they just get stuck in and start coaching and find their way. They might not know sign language, but they can gesture and coach in a very visual way.”
4 Hitting the Seam Issue 48.1