Training And Attitude

This week lets discuss aspects of the game from a point where most cricket lovers do not visualise when they watch and follow top players in action. I would like to put in perspective the training methods they follow and another important aspect which is to me the most vital….attitude.

No cricketer worth his salt should cheat on his training. Today the game is all about fitness and honing of skills. It was reported that the movers and shakers of the IPL were concerned about the fitness and fielding skill levels of some players and therefore left them out of the bidding process. At professional level there can be no letting down and each player has to be at  peak “match level” fitness. The time spent at training should be well thought out and planned into different segments. Keeping physically fit and reflexes honed is important.

Batting, bowling and fielding should be taken equally seriously. Even the players at the top at international level can develop “glitches” in their game. The player himself will not notice it. But careful consideration given by a well trained coach would notice why a batsman for example gets out in a particular fashion with regularity.

Or a bowler suddenly loses his ability with one or more types of a delivery which he had in his armoury. Or why a player has started to drop catches which he would have snared easily previously. These have to be identified and worked on till they become reflex actions. That is about training but now let me discuss the more important …attitude.

How often have we seen players with immense skill promise only to flounder and fade away in a short time? It’s all about attitude. Other players who look dogged and ordinary have impressive stats to back them.

Attitude again. Bring a positive attitude and work with it. Do not lose or discard a positive attitude. Concentrate on the job at hand and do not veer from that path. Watch top players in action with the right attitude and you will go far.