As the traditional cricket season ends and we begin our winter coaching programme we regularly start with some simple questions for our players :
Where do you want to be by March 2021?
What is the objective of training all Winter?
We believe the answers need to be very clear as this is the benchmark to everything that we do.
Our Blueprint
We have a credible ‘blueprint ‘ plan for all our players. This builds momentum with progressive growth in a positive and engaging environment. At All Out Cricket Coaching we aim to develop the player and the person, through building meaningful trustworthy relationships with our players and parents.
How do our players progress and develop at All Out Cricket Coaching?
Initially we make all the players feel relaxed and part of the team. We want our players to be comfortable in making lots of mistakes. Then we can really begin their development. We will challenge and stretch our players through current and evidence based training. Personal development is often an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. We need our players, parents and coaches to commit towards this struggle.
We have a visual map for each individual and as part of our training we use the Ugly Zone.
What is the Ugly Zone?
The term “The Ugly Zone” was pioneered by Dave Alred MBE PhD, one of the world’s leading coaches. At All Out Cricket Coaching we firmly believe in the power of the Ugly Zone. The Ugly Zone is a time when players are working hard to develop but not physically seeing any significant progress, sometimes they even regress to then progress. This is when trust between players and coaches is extremely important, as in the long term the benefits are substantial.
A real-life Case Study from our cricket performance sessions:
During the season a bowler is taking off from the wrong foot. He isn’t bothered about it and his father says that it isn’t a problem as he is bowling well and taking wickets. We highlight that his key development point will be to correct this during our winter training programme.
After the season is finished our focus is on technical development, we show the player and his father a video analysis. They begin to see that the players foot alignment is preventing development for a whole host of reasons. This is also verbally explained to both player and parent.
Over 6-8 weeks, the player really struggles with a remodel of their delivery stride. His bowling deteriorates and there are tears, frustrations and conflicts. The player questions why a change is needed, as in his mind, he was bowling well anyway. We remind the player and parent of the longer term plan. With lots of encouragement, the player continues to work hard and his Dad starts to see the benefits of the process.
Eventually the player nails the new delivery stride – a eureka moment! He then becomes a better player with a re-modelled delivery stride enabling him to bowl more deliveries.
How long can it take to develop?
It depends on the player. It takes some players 12-18 months to technically improve in certain areas. At All Out Cricket we do not put a time pressure on development. Each player develops at their own speed and we work with them and the parents to ensure they get the most out of the training sessions.
Other benefits of the Ugly Zone
Not only does the Ugly Zone help develop them as a player but it also develops them as a person, with a way of building resilience required for life in general. Each time a player improves through our Ugly zone training, there is a sense of pride for both us and the player, and each time it gets easier, as he now trusts our processes.
This is how we work. We enjoy the struggles and the eureka moments. We build trustworthy relationships. We care about our players.
