The mental side of cricket

[BMG201520]

Hello everybody,

Very often during cricket matches my bowling ability decreases dramatically. I think this is because of the fear of bowling a bad ball and constantly focusing on what can go wrong, meaning that I cannot achieve my best performance.

Firstly, does anyone have any ways of how to calm down nerves during a game? I think that would improve my ability.

Also, when you start bowling way worse than you can when you are in a match situation compared to the nets would you recommend continuing with your same run up or would you recommend adjusting your run up to like a shorter one to get some confidence back?

I have heard that you shouldn't change your run up as it's natural to you but I have also heard that when you aren't bowling well because of something mental you should bowl off a few steps.

Thank you!

 

[Starfighter]

This a familiar story. Never solved it in ten years, so no tips to offer.

 

[Line and Length]

Think positive. When you are bowling you are the player controlling the game. The batsman doesn't know exactly what you are going to deliver so he is reactive while you are the proactive one. Develop a stock ball and use that as your standard delivery and make your variations subtle rather than obvious. I can honestly say, after 30 odd years of playing club cricket, I only felt I wasn't in control on two or three occasions when I was bowling. Just remember, batsmen are often just as nervous as you. The difference is, their mistakes are far more costly than yours.

 

[social]

L & L is 100% correct

Bowlers control the game as they’re only ever one ball away from redemption

You can be hit for the biggest 6 ever off the worst ball and get the batter out next ball

1 for 6

Happy days!

The other thing is to get yourself fit

And I mean seriously fit

If you can’t keep running in then you can’t take wickets

 

[mr_mister]

L & L is 100% correct

Bowlers control the game as they’re only ever one ball away from redemption

You can be hit for the biggest 6 ever off the worst ball and get the batter out next ball

1 for 6

Happy days!

The other thing is to get yourself fit

And I mean seriously fit

If you can’t keep running in then you can’t take wickets

in a lot of lower grade club teams a captain might pull you if you go for a couple of boundaries in an over. i've found when there are lots of options you won't be persisted with for long once you start getting hit for sixes. it's dumb and reactive but it just makes you look a bit **** if you go for six

maybe this hangs over clubbies heads a bit.

however in high grades where there are basically just 4 main bowlers picked and they're all gonna get a solid crack then the one ball away from redemption is true yes.

 

[Pup Clarke]

How do you train? Two things I would recommend. Firstly, put yourself under pressure during training (if you don't already) by bowling in match scenarios, centre wicket practice, bowling to better batsman etc. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations as you'll learn quickly and can either adapt this if its too difficult. Also, do drills and practices that get you in you into a 'game-like' mentality.

Secondly, have a weekly goal/aim at training your looking to either improve or fine tune. Is it varying pace/flight, working on your stock ball or something else? Work at this consistently. For example, the next 5 weeks Im going to focus completely


Basically, how you train and your mindset at training informs how you're going to perform in games. A coach once said that training should always be harder (physically, mentally, psychologically) than a game as it'll give you confidence (internally) to execute on game-day

Good luck!

 

[Engle]

You've not mentioned what type of bowler you are. I assume you're a pacer, since you talk about run ups.

To add to above :

1. Nerves is normal. Channel your nervous energy towards the batsman. Detest the batsman. In fact, I would place a face on the batsman of someone I detested which drove me to unleash extra pace effort.

2. Do not change your run up during the match. Match time is not the time to experiment. If you find yourself overstepping, make a minor adjustment.

If you're getting hit, then vary your deliveries, field placements. Do not become discouraged or lose confidence. As in any sports, sometimes things just don't work your way or the opponent was just too good.

Good Luck,

 

[Line and Length]

In his 2010 book "Over But Not Out" Richie Benaud lists 6 key points to bowling leg spin that he received from Bill O'Reilly in 1953. I have modified these 6 points to cover the key aspects of all types of bowling. I hope you find them useful.

Plan: Don't bowl six different balls in an over in a desparate bid to claim a wicket so the captain won't take you off. Develop the ability to land a stock ball on a chosen spot or area on the pitch, ball after ball.

Patience: Bowling is a tough game and you need to work on a batsman with your stock ball, sometimes for several overs, before executing your plan.

Concentration: This must be 100% when you are running into bowl. The spot on the pitch where you want the ball to land should be the most important thing in the mind. Focus on the spot.

Economy: The game is a war between you and the batsman. Give him nothing.

Attitude: Calm, purposeful aggression and a clear mind are needed, plus a steely resolve that no batsman will get the better of you over a long period of time.

Practice: All practice should be undertaken with a purpose - be it to develop a stock ball or to experiment with one particular type of delivery.

 

[Red]

Nerves are normal but remember it’s just a game. Even at the higher levels. Enjoy it. None of the results actually matter in the long run. You play because you like it.

I’ve been pretty influenced by Damian Hardwick’s (Richmond AFL coach) philosophy on sports lately. It’s just a game, and people even at the highest levels should just love it. There’s no point getting upset by any of it. Enjoy it. This philosophy also brings results, I think.

 

[Engle]

A few point from the Chappelli, Prasanna chat on bowling posted by Margat :

1. Prasanna says that every delivery s/b a wicket taking ball, which I find difficult to fathom. At the highest level, the batsman has to be set up before delivering the coup de grace.

2. Prasanna says that being hit is good, it gives the bowler a chance over someone who persistently blocks.
Also, prefers being hit for boundaries over singles as he can focus on the 1 batsman rather than rotating batsmen.

3. Never display your frustration. When you do, the batsman knows he's winning the mental battle.