Coaching titbits
A bit of helpful info
 Its always interesting what you come across when you type cricket coaching into Google. You can be there for hours searching pages from all over the world from Sachin Tendulkars greatest innings to something as obscure as who the new Swiss Cricket coach is!
Sometimes though you come across some things that are genuinely insightful and interesting and this is what I have put below. A series of videos from Australian cricket covering a variety of topics from Batting to seam bowling to spin. Have a look and hopefully it motivates you to try some of it out or gives you a few new ideas to try with your kids.
http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/batting-masterclass-part-1/
http://www.cricketcoach.com/masterclass/fast-bowling-masterclass-part-1/
There are many variations for teaching the skills of cricket, but two of the most comprehensive for junior players are G.A.M.E. and S.P.I.R. The G.A.M.E. method tries to ensure that sessions are as game-based as possible and create an environment where children can learn and develop their skills while enjoying their cricket experience.
G for game - Name the game or activity, demonstrate or explain it to give the children a visual picture of what they will be doing, and start the activity as quickly as possible.
A for assess - This refers to skill performance, with the coach observing how effective each child is managing the activity, including their decision making.
M for modify - Assist players in the game and employ the S.P.I.R method (below) if necessary. Try not to provide decision-making solutions, but encourage the children to adopt different strategies by using prompts or leading questions. Make sure the game is played in such a way that they are focusing on a key skill. And if the activity is too easy or too hard, adjust it to suit the level of ability.
E for encourage - Praise and reward children for their effort in the activities and recognise their excellence and success.
The S.P.I.R. method is effective when teaching children a motor skill for the first time.
S for show - Name the skill, show it while making instructional points, then show it again. Include no more than three coaching points and ask if there are any questions. Finally, demonstrate it again and ask the children to watch closely for the points.
P for practise - Practise immediately, with the children copying what they have been shown. Revise any parts of the skill if there are any problems.
I for instruct - Watch each group for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat the key points for the activity. This is where you can correct any errors or provide further instruction.
R for reward - Praise the good efforts, show pleasure and value the efforts of each player.
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