Layout 1

Inspiring participation and maximising performance of cricket coaches and players HITTING THE SEAM The Official Magazine of the ECB Coaches Association ISSUE 33 Digital Futures icoachcricket Wings to Fly Harness the power of Coaches road-test our Give us your ideas technology exciting new resource for playing spin

THE BEST DRESSED 2015 promises to be an exciting year for cricket. An Ashes year always generates additional interest in the game. Coupled with a brilliant World Cup and enthralling series against New Zealand we hope you are all seeing a new enthusiasm from your players within your coaching sector. A s always, as official equipment and clothing our social media platforms and the responsive new website. supplier to the ECB Coaches Association, Gray-Nicolls aims to provide you as coaches with We have started to develop some good all the resources you require to deliver excellent partnerships with County Boards and this is an sessions and additional support to encourage area we hope will gain momentum throughout the next generation of players. the year. Please make contact and make us aware Your feedback has been valuable and we have of future events and we will try to offer as much seen an excellent up take in the 2015 collection. support as we can. We welcome any communication and look If you have any personalisation requirements to forward to further feedback and ideas your ECB Coaches Association clothing please throughout the summer. contact us and speak to a member of our embellishment team. Club logo, initials etc can all We will continue to provide additional content be added. from our professional portfolio of players and leading coaches within the game. If you have any We wish you all the best for the summer and if topics that you would like covered from any of you require any further resources we are pleased our professional players, please let us know. to offer free postage throughout the Ashes Likewise, if you have any new coaching ideas we series. Please submit FREEUK when purchasing would love to hear about them and showcase on online. 21 Hitting the Seam Issue 1Hitting the Seam Issue 33

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW-LOOK HITTING THE SEAM! We’re always working to improve our range of products and services to help you support your players on the ground. This revamp of our ECB Coaches Association magazine is a big part of that. T he purpose of the ECB This issue focuses on our fantastic new resource Coaches Association is to inspire participation and icoachcricket to which you’ll maximise performance of have free access very shortly, giving practical guides and the cricket coaches and players. thoughts of three coaches who To that aim, Hitting the Seam have road-tested it. provides: We also investigate the wider – insight from community and issue of cricket’s digital and elite coaching All the best for the rest of the technological future, and there’s season. – insight from outside of cricket a chance for you to feature in the next Wings to Fly. All this Martyn Kiel, ECB Coach – ECB Coaches Association plus your new-look Coaches Development Manager on behalf Support Centre updates. Matter Technical Bulletin. of ECB Coaches Association. G et the Game On is a new ECB campaign designed to boost participation. The campaign encourages clubs and leagues nationwide to get more games played more often. Earlier start times, changes to formats, reduced travel to matches and practical tips on how to combat bad weather are all an integral part of the initiative. Check out www.getthegameon.co.uk to watch the animation and keep your eye out for more on this campaign during the season. Support Centre NewsWelcome 2 3

A DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE T here’s a wealth of apps, analysis through doodling over matches. If replicated by ECB CA members, how could this the top of an image on a screen. tools and tech that can enhance interaction with footage be used to develop your players. ECB Coach ‘Integration players’ understanding of field Development Manager settings, distance and angles? Martyn Kiel takes a look at of technology what’s out there. Could the use of a radar gun get players excited and interested in The relationship between coach and digital bowling fast? Would the use of and player is undoubtedly a such technology spark a complex, dynamic and social channels, where curiosity in pace bowling? interaction but how will appropriate, technology and digital channels Viewers of Wings to Fly XII – support the development of provides new Making a Difference may have future coaches and players? seen Cookie Patel wearing a pair of glasses with a forward facing A simple Google search or a and exciting camera in the frame. quick look on the iTunes App store will reveal how much opportunities The use of this footage was an software is now at coaches’ interesting insight into what and players’ disposal and is to develop Patel was seeing. already being utilised by cricketers.’ coaches in the quest to get the Now imagine asking a batter to wear a pair of these glasses; it best out of players. may reveal where they look Many apps allow athletes to The explosion and accessibility when the bowler is running in measure their work rate, track of mobile devices such as and releasing the ball. the distances they have covered, smartphones and tablets with share information and exchange high quality cameras now Is coaching ready for the digital intelligence with fellow athletes provides coaches the social age? In some cases, it’s and coaches. opportunity to deliver instant already happening. video feedback where Several tools have been Up My Sport allows participants previously this may have been a developed to bring performance to find sessions that interest more onerous task. analysis to the masses, whether their needs. By creating an to facilitate notational analysis The cricket club at Harvard account, its users can find at the simple tap of a few tiles University uses a drone to film sessions that interest them – or support observation and their practices and some boxing or tennis for example – 4 Hitting the Seam Issue 33

and book a slot much like Coach education and coach should also not be paying for something on development has embraced underestimated. Reflection Amazon or eBay. In the world of technology as well. is by no means an easy skill, music teaching, through the but video footage can give utilisation of Skype and Simply using a stopwatch to coaches a real window of FaceTime online, music lessons measure the time players spend insight into their coaching have seen a rapid expansion. on a task during a session can behaviours and an opportunity offer a reflective trigger to to explore beliefs and values There is a variety of apps and develop their coaching practice. technology that support player that determine their actions. development through reward, The use of video when the recognition and even sometimes lens is pointed at the coach failure! Using STR Skill School, coaches can set ‘homework’ - videos demonstrate how to perfect Lionel Messi’s latest skill, players can practice at home and return to their next session to reveal their progress. Undoubtedly the bond, trust and interaction between a coach and player are key to the quality of their relationship but the integration of technology and digital channels, where appropriate, provides new and exciting opportunities to develop cricketers. Through the use of Twitter, coaches can now share ideas and debate coaching practice in the space of 140 characters. Social media provides a platform for communities to exist in a virtual space and share practice instantaneously. What does this practices and information Technical Bulletin will have an across the ECB Player online replica, a brand new mean for members? Development Model. The resource known as CA inspire software allows coaches to will initially feature highlights Summer 2015 will see the launch of a new and exciting design plans based on the from National Conference 2015 resource for coaches and a player-centred planning – Purpose, Participation, shift in how members receive process at the click of a mouse Performance, and for the first resources such as Hitting the or in the palm of your hand. time ever in 2016 Wings to Fly Seam, Coaches Matter- icoachcricket’s phased will be available online. Look Technical Bulletin and Wings development will allow us to out for CA inspire trailers and to Fly. icoachcricket and ECB unlock the potential of the teasers coming your way soon. CA resources will be released resource and you will be to members throughout the In a digital age it is vital that season. consulted throughout. our resources allow development of a sharing A review of the resources that icoachcricket is a highly community. appealing, simple to use members receive, with a view application that supports the towards providing more Make sure we have needs of coaches and players content more often, has your current email in a range of environments. resulted in a revised range of address. Keep your products. details up to date at Accessible on a range of ca.ecb.co.uk devices, icoachcricket provides This magazine will be available developmentally appropriate digitally, the accompanying A Digital and Technological Future 5

icoachcricket – THE COACHES’ VIEW Three coaches involved in the pilot phase of icoachcricket’s development s how they used the resource to support their coaching and develop players 6 Hitting the Seam Issue 33

t Robert Townsend Barkby United CC W F ew coaches, I suspect, philosophy), the games-based learning practices are a useful would argue against the importance of planning athletic skills in context, rather than in practice. But in my experience, and engaging way to develop planning has always been an ad an abstract, repetitive way as share hoc process, unreflective of some ‘traditional’ approaches . some of the day-to-day can perpetuate. challenges faced in coaching and somewhat restrictive in The accompanying technical advice is a great help when trying to meet the needs of different athletes. working with players, as it’s an uncomfortable truth to realise For me, icoachcricket is an that sometimes I don’t have all invaluable tool in constructing the answers. plans for my junior cricketers. The function of icoachcricket Simple to use, with a wealth of means that all sessions are built practices, games and ideas to around core principles, adhere implement and tweak with your to the PDM, and are aligned to players, icoachcricket provides a the objectives my players and I platform from which I can not are working towards, whether only help to develop the players that is tactical, technical, I work with, but develop my own physical or mental. skills and reflexivity as a coach. This rationalised approach to This helps to shift from planning gives the players some reproducing a ‘what works’ ownership over practice as they approach to a more creative and can identify areas they want to engaging session for the work on collectively. It allows learners, and expands my me to reference how the players coaching toolbox. are developing (or not!) and adjust practice accordingly. In particular, with my players straddling the early-basic As a tool for both athlete and elements of the player coach development, I’ve found it development model (and invaluable. reflective of my own icoachcricket 7

‘I’m not the best on computers but this is simple for all to use and everyone will be able to say ‘icoachcricket?’ ‘ican!’ Graham Redfern ECB Regional Disability Cricket Talent Development Manager S o it had arrived. Sat in my physical. By selecting one of such as stage of development and roles. inbox was an email from these you are presented with coach education stating that icons for batting, bowling, Again select one or more and my icoachcricket account was fielding and wicketkeeping. You the plan starts to build. active with log-in details can easily select an area and attached. I thought, ‘no time then view the suggested In ‘Outcomes’ you can add like the present’ so logged on technical skills. warm-ups and practices by (which was very easy, may I simply dragging your favourites add) and got to work. By tapping on the skill set you have an extremely clear video into the plan area. By tapping Immediately I was impressed demonstration of the chosen on the ‘Customise’ link you can select core principles with a with the attractive and colourful skill and also useful stage presentation of icoachcricket characteristics to help provide slider to select the type of practice required (fixed, variable and could easily identify where an explanation of that skill. activities from the three stages or game based). To the right of the video you are of development (early, basic and In coaching tools there are the provided with other related enhanced) could be found. activities to that skill. Once all options of ‘Use silence’ and ‘Observe’ with many others to An interactive PDF housing the are saved into favourites you ECB Player Development Model can then start to build and boot! By pressing ‘Save’ your plan begins to take shape. is also available to be digested. develop your session. This is a great bit of kit. It’s easy Within minutes I was hooked. At I’m not the most computer- the top right of the screen it literate person but remarkably to navigate, it looks good and it’s really clear and well thought- asks you to download all stages, found it easy to navigate and which I eagerly did. I found it create my coaching session. out with useful demonstrations and ideas. I’m not the best on very useful that I was able to To develop a plan simply tap the computers but this is simple for download everything while I chain link to the left of the all to use and everyone will be had internet access so I could screen and select ‘Design plan’. able to say ‘icoachcricket?’ use it when I was somewhere out of range. This will take you to the sub ‘ican!’ headings of Administration, I immediately started planning a Players, Outcomes and Practice icoachcricket is coming soon to all ECB CA members. To access coaching session. and finally Evaluation. the app make sure we have your On opening one of the It’s simple to fill in the required current email address. Keep development stages you are information and select ‘Next’. your details up to date at met with several sub headings At each sub heading there is ca.ecb.co.uk such as technical, tactical and further information to provide, 8 Hitting the Seam Issue 33

‘It is a player-centred resource giving coach- and player-appropriate activities that will challenge them all the way on their life long journey in the game’ Shaun Anders Performance and Coach Education Officer, Lancashire Cricket Board W hen I was first introduced to icoachcricket and told of this new interactive resource all readily accessible on my portable technology, I thought, ‘Brilliant!' What amazed me is how much thought had gone into icoachcricket. It is a player-centred resource giving coach- and player-appropriate activities that will challenge them all the way on their life long journey in the game. I can plan meticulously, it organises my equipment, coaching tools, core principles and it collates all the information. You simply print it off and go coaching! As head coach of a club in Cheshire I can now share plans via a quick email with all the age group coaches. It provides a clear vision for the direction of each age group. In summary, this is a world class interactive portable resource that will help all coaches in the future provide a player-centred environment with a high quality experience of cricket. icoachcricket 9

BE PART OF THE NEXT WINGS TO FLY Hot on the heels of the highly acclaimed Wings to Fly XII – Making a Difference, production of the next instalment has already begun. Ever wanted to be in it? Ever wondered what We’d love to know about the most exciting, happens on a shoot? appropriate and successful practices for developing batting against spin. Now is your chance to get involved! Write to us with your ideas, We are hoping to connect with ECB CA members [email protected] and the top three and access their years of experience and ideas will be selected for filming. Emails should be knowledge, Wings to Fly XIII will offer the chance titled: Wings to Fly Spin Ideas. to get involved. The closing date for expressions of interest is 1st The challenge August 2015. Filming will require one or two hours at an Whichever environment you coach and whatever your players’ stage of development, we want to outdoor venue and will need completing before hear from you. the end of September. We look forward to hearing from you! 10 Hitting the Seam Issue 33

ECB 15:08 48% @DanHelesfay Interesting weekend at the #ECBCAConference cannot wait to follow up on a few bits & try and get my head around a few more. But sleep first! @MarkAspin16 What I really like about the ECB CA conference as a @LCBCoachesAssoc @BenjaminSimper coach is the up to date info you’re Great time at the exposed to. It’s 2015 not 1980! #ECBCAConference this weekend, thank you to all the speakers @frankdickcoach @twowheelprof @Will_Lintern & finally Fuzz @heidicol Captivated and inspired by Gemma Morgan at @LCBcoachesassoc the ECB CA Coaches Conference. Brilliant @Will_Lintern session on throwing like a baseball player at the @ECB_cricket conference! @Worcs_Cricket Great sessions from @frankdickcoach on what winning looks like and Cookie Patel on diving #knowledge @kentcricketdev Mark King brings biomechanics to life unravelling the characteristics of fast bowlers at the ECB CA National Conference @GlastersDale Thanks for the inspirational #YOUR presentation @gilo at ECB CA National Conference #purpose TURN participation performance @CFVCricket Iain Brunnschweiler - fantastic We round up what you said insights into developing the next generation #ECBCA about the ECB CA National Conference 2015 - Purpose, Participation, Performance @ECB_Cookie Inspirational presentation Coming soon – CA inpsire will feature highlights from the National Conference. from Fuzz Ahmed at the To receive your copy make sure we have your #ECBCAConference current email address. Keep your details up to date at: ca.ecb.co.uk

ECB CA News JOINING THE DIGITAL GENERATION David Gallagher, ECB CA Manager A s already mentioned, Once you have logged in, you The Contact Details tab lists all can view and update the the names and contact details members will soon have digital access to existing ECB contact information that we of your local ECB CA Regional CA mailshots but at the hold for you by clicking on the Representatives. moment we only have around My Details tab. We hope that you will find the 80% of members’ email All changes of address are new members’ website easy to addresses. shared with the Safeguarding use and a valuable additional Without your new or current team at Lord’s so your ECB benefit for your ECB CA email address we can’t provide Disclosure & Barring Service membership. However, if you you with a membership service (DBS) renewal form will be sent encounter any problems to which you are entitled. to the correct address at the accessing or using the website, appropriate time. then please contact the ECB CA The ECB CA portal – Support Centre by phone on ca.ecb.co.uk – helps us to help 0121 440 4332 or by email at serve you better. It allows [email protected] members to keep their details up to date and links directly to Don’t miss out on your the database used by ECB membership benefits. Membership Services team at Edgbaston. To access the membership website at ca.ecb.co.uk you will EUREKA! 2015 need to enter your membership NATIONAL CRICKET number and email address to PLAYING SURVEY register, after which you will receive an email with Play your part in shaping your registration details cricket’s future – have your say and password. in this year’s ECB Cricket National Cricket Playing Survey If you forget your password, If you tell us of a change in your then you can reset it on the email address via the new www.ecb.co.uk/survey website, or contact the CA website, that new address will The role you play in the game is Support Centre for assistance. automatically become your new vital in inspiring participation user name for the site. and maximising the Please note that we take the protection of your personal The My Memberships tab acts performance of cricket coaches information very seriously. The as a reminder for your ECB CA and players. ECB IT team ensures that all (and ACO if applicable) security practices are followed. membership numbers. Hitting the Seam is the Official ECB Coaches Association Telephone: 0121 440 4332 Magazine of the ECB Coaches Support Centre Email: [email protected] Association. County Cricket Ground © ECB Coaches Association, 2015 Edgbaston Birmingham Designed and produced Photography © ECB unless Warwickshire by Coachwise Creative otherwise stated B5 7QX 91683