| Many people within the game of cricket refer to a | | | | emphasis being on the need to develop the |
| famous quote that the '90% of the game is played | | | | individual's physical ability, young players are likely to |
| inside the mind'. This statement can often be | | | | be satisfied by working on this element of their |
| deemed confusing because, fundamentally, cricket is | | | | game. Enjoyment forms a considerable part of the |
| a physical contest. However, the meaning behind this | | | | game at a young age and ensures continued |
| statement stems from the intense mental battles | | | | participation in the sport. |
| that are contested on the cricket field. These include | | | | Once players get to their teenage years, coaches |
| attempts from bowlers to 'psych' out the batsmen, | | | | should then look for them to consider aspects such |
| while also including the batsmen's attempts to | | | | as tactical awareness. These form an important part |
| pre-empt what the bowler is next going to do. The | | | | to a player's make-up, though it is important how this |
| major question for coaches within the sport is when | | | | change of focus is managed by the coach. This is |
| to introduce the importance of the mental side of | | | | due to the fact that, often, players become so |
| the game to their children. | | | | engrossed in the need to analyse and assess the |
| At an early age, it is important that players are | | | | game, they then begin to over-complicate the game. |
| encouraged to work on the technical elements to | | | | It's important that the players retain clarity of mind |
| their game and to establish good habits within their | | | | at the point at which they deliver their skills to |
| batting style. This is due to the fact they need to | | | | maximise performance, meaning too much emphasis |
| have a secure set of core skills, from which they can | | | | on the mental side of the game can be |
| use in conjunction with their technical awareness to | | | | counter-productive. |
| produce an effective batting technique. With the | | | | |