Pro Coach and Denstone College

in 2010 Pro Coach Cricket Academy formed an ongoing partnership with one of the countries most highly regarded academic establishments - Denstone College in Staffordshire. In addition to its academic excellence, Denstone is also renowned for its cricketing tradition as it is noted as being in the top 10 of the UK's cricketing schools, a fantastic achievment! To further develop what they can offer their young cricketers, Denstone have enrolled the services of Pro Coach in the design and delivery of the Schools cricket coaching programme. Led by Elite Performance coaches Sam Lavery and Mark Lawson Pro Coach D.C. is one of many school projects currently being delivered in the UK.

To view your videos contact Miss J. Morris for details, or visit our youtube site by searching for: ProCoachPCCA

P.C.D.C. Blog

Pre Season 2011

Session 1: Our first session with denstone college was fantastic, an opportunity to work with one of the strongest cricketing schools in the country with players who were always going to be of the highest standard and they didnt disappoint.
Myself and Sam (Lavery) started the course with the basics of batting. Something every cricketer, young old, amateur or professional can't afford to neglect, as a pro i know that only too well.
Trying to install the importance of having a "perfect set up" is often tough with young cricketers as it's not the most exciting part of a batting session but the guys took to it well. This is sure to put them in a great position for the rest of the cricketing life's.
Moving on to hitting balls now with some straight drives and the talent throughout all the 3 age groups was evident to see. Video analysis came next, trying to give some the guys an opportunity to see them selves on camera for the very first time... Video analysis is and extremely valuable tool to have BUT ONLY IF YOU USE IT AND USE IT CORRECTLY!!

Key points to rememeber: The numbers 1-8 for your set up, need i say more?

Session 2: This weeks session was opportunity to give everyone a base level and understanding of bowling. Often the case  with young cricketers, batting knowledge is of a high standard. This is rarely the case when it comes to bowling, but the guys were open minded and work hard throughout all 3 sessions. Trying to establish the type of bowling action is a simple process, 1st check your back foot at the point when the bowler lands. 2nd check your shoulders to see if they match up with there feet. Side on, mid way and front are the 3 available actions. Without this information it is impossible to improve as a bowler.   I'm certain the hard work and attention to detail will put these guys in a great position for the rest of there cricketing lives.

Key points to rememeber: DO YOUR HOME WORK!! Watching yourself bat and bowl on video is alot more enjoyable than your chemistry homework but just as important, maybe more so if youre striving for a first class career.

Session 3: 3 weeks in now and the work rate is rising as the guys start to get a feel for the high standards we set. The course is now starting to take shape, week 1 and 2 were key to developing a base level understanding and at times can be a little dull but the hard work is beginning to pay off as the guys began to branch into there individual needs. After viewing their videos the guys were asked to make notes on things they felt they were doing well and things they could improve on, an important task as at the end of the day you are your best coach!!!!!!!!!!

The session included a batting session with Sam where guys were pushed to keep hold of there technique as the feeds they were getting became gradually more difficult to handle. The bowling  session moved on from a stationary drill to a drill including movement. Working in a straight line towards the target, no quicker than a walk. Guys quickly moved on from this and began to speed things up to a jog. It's important to understand that we don't rush by going of our full run too soon. This gives us a chance to perfect our run up.

Sessions 4 and 5: Weeks 4 and 5 were a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills required to play against spin. We looked at who we felt were good players of spin around the world and what in-particular made them successful. Often the same names crop up, Michael Clarke (albeit not at his best presently).  His ability to use his feet at great speeds to advance down the pitch can make any spinners job difficult, and trust me I've been on the receiving end of 'pups' fast feet and it can be so difficult to get into a rhythm when he's doing this. Next we looked at Eoin Morgan, the improviser. Fast hands and tremendous ability to sweep your best ball in a number of different angles to manipulate the field to a point that the bowler and captain have nowhere to go.

What do these methods have in common? 1 thing, they are all methods we use against the spinners best ball. Consistency is key here, there is no point sweeping or advancing down the wicket to a spinner who is inconsistent. This is a  risk you don't need to take. On the other hand we can't just sit and defend a top class spinner. Eventually with men around the bat he will get you out.
All that is left to say is denstone colloge 1 mark Lawson 0, it safe to say the boys got the best of me in a short game batting against myself to put the new skills in to practice. I'm sure a few are still traveling now.... Thanks Rhys.

NOTE: make sure we are attending club nets where possible, 1 hour a week is not enough to hone our existing skills, never mind indtegrate new ones into our game.