player pathway level descriptors

player pathway level descriptors Guideline to Talent Identification Young Cricketers January 2013

CONTENTS Guideline to Talent Identification - young cricketers Introduction 1 Philosophy / Player Pathway 2 Instructions for Use & How to Nominate 3 Level Descriptors 4 PHYSICAL CRICKET SKILLS MENTAL Figure 1: Areas of interest in developing young cricketers INTRODUCTION Surrey County Cricket Club is committed to identifying and developing homegrown cricketers to play for Surrey and England. To aid this process, Surrey CCC has developed this Guideline to Talent Identification document to communicate the skills and attributes that we feel County Age Group (CAG) players between the ages of 9 and 17 should demonstrate. These basics will underpin the ability of the player, allowing the very best and those with the highest potential to progress into the elite programs that Surrey CCC run, for example the Pemberton Greenish Academy and then into competition for a place on the Surrey CCC professional staff. Surrey CCC defines talented CAG cricketers as: Children and young cricketers with skills and attributes developed, or have the potential to develop to a level significantly ahead of their age group within the County. To add detail to this definition, a generic profile of a talented CAG cricketer includes and is not exhausted by:- Plays a number of sports Has good foundations of athletic abilities Has good core cricket skills Relishes competition Works hard Enjoys learning new skills and wants to develop and improve Is tactically astute Finds a way to get the job done This guidance booklet: Describes the varying levels of skills and attributes that young cricketers may possess, split into the disciplines of cricket skills, mental abilities and physical attributes Allows an assessment of players to be conducted, which highlights strengths and areas to develop, thus enabling coaching programmes to be designed based on the needs of the cricketer concerned Aids the identification of the most talented and able young cricketers Allows players development to be monitored through continual observation and assessment It should be understood that the enclosed information is in no way exhaustive and that players of the highest level may only demonstrate a number of the enclosed skills and attributes. Surrey CCC is aware that there is no perfect instrument for identifying talented cricketers. However, what is hoped is that this document allows coaches within Cricket Clubs and Schools to better understand what Surrey CCC is looking for when identifying the most talented and able young cricketers. 1

philosophy This Guideline to Talent Identification document has been produced utilising the knowledge of Surrey CCC s coaching staff and Surrey CCC s long-term vision to develop homegrown players to play for Surrey and England. It also takes into account current research within sporting development amongst children and the views of external specialists from within the various Sport Science disciplines. We hope this has enabled Surrey CCC to produce a robust and accurate description of skills and attributes found in talented young cricketers. Professional Cricket pg surrey academy player pathway Surrey CCC has created and developed their Player Pathway as shown in the diagram opposite. It is important to note that at the younger age groups within the CAG programme, focus is on the inclusion of a larger group of cricketers and that results/performances are not the sole or accurate predictor of ability as an adult and therefore will not be used as the sole criteria for selection into teams/squads. As players progress through the CAG programme and towards the top of the pathway, results and performances become more influential in selection and smaller groups of cricketers are involved. Surrey CCC understand and are sensitive to the fact that relative ability changes over time, therefore young cricketers may move up and down the player pathway with age. It should be noted that at no stage is selection fixed and movement into and out of squads is fluid, making use of the knowledge of how a young cricketer is developing at that moment. emerging player programme (EPP) county age group programme (CAG) u-9 to U-17 district cricket programme u-9 to u-14 performance courses u-8 to u-10 development courses u-6 to u-16 cricket clubs & schools Figure 2: Surrey CCC Player Pathway 2

instructions for use The following pages highlight descriptions of varying levels of skills and attributes that young players may possess. Each cricket skill, together with the mental and physical attributes that players could possess, has each been broken down into 4 key elements. Each element is then described along a continuum from never displaying to consistently displaying the skill or attribute. The descriptions can be used when observing players, allowing you to make a more objective decision on where the player may sit within this continuum. It is probable that each individual cricketer does not display all of the attributes associated with the words contained in an individual level. Therefore a best fit approach should be taken, with the coach/teacher making the decision of which level to grade that player at. When observing a young cricketer, coaches can make use of the assessment form found at the back of this document to identify, record and monitor player s current levels of skills and attributes. When used longitudinally, this can give an overall picture of how a player is progressing and whether improvements are being made. An example of the assessment form and how it could be completed is shown opposite. Once the assessment form has been completed, a Player Profile can be produced that graphically highlights the strengths of the player and the areas where they may wish to improve. This can be shared with the player and used as a tool to easily compare their progress over time. how to nominate If coaches/teachers feel that a player they have assessed is demonstrating the skills and attributes of a talented young cricketer, then Surrey CCC wishes to hear from you. In order to nominate players to the Surrey CCC Youth assessments for the various age groups we oversee, a nomination form should be completed. For more information regarding Surrey CCC s extensive Youth Assessments, including the key times of the year when assessments and selection takes place, please visit www.surreyperformance.co.uk or email performance@surreycricket.com. SURREY COUNTY CRICKET CLUB ASSESSMENT FORM PLAYERS NAME Talented Cricketer HEIGHT FOR AGE TALL / AVERAGE / SHORT PLAYERS AGE U-11 HEAVY / ATHLETIC / PHYSIQUE FOR AGE PLAYERS CLUB/SCHOOL Surrey Club U-11 side AVERAGE / WEAK BATTING RH Y LH Top Order Y Middle Order Lower Order 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement Overall Score Footwork Requires improvement in getting into position quicker on back foot shot Balance Requires improvement in balance from stronger base in pull shot 14/4 - Contact Requires improvement in bat face for better contact through mid-on 3.75 Run Scoring Hits gaps well. Be more dominant on bad balls. PACE BOWLING RH LH Fast Fast Medium Medium 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement Overall Score Action Outcome Tactical/Mental Takes Wickets SPIN BOWLING RH LH Y Off Leg Orthodox Y 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement N/A Overall Score Action Outcome 9/4 - Tactical/Mental 2.25 Takes Wickets FIELDING 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement Overall Score Throwing Catching 11/4 - Stopping 2.75 General WICKET KEEPING 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement Overall Score Catching & Stumping Footwork Diving General MENTAL 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement N/A Overall Score Attitude/Desire Fight 16/4 - Critical Moment Control 4 Self Belief PHYSICAL 1 2 3 4 5 Key Areas for Improvement Overall Score Agility Balance 12/4 - Co-ordination 3 Strength PLAYER PROFILE 5 4 3 2 1 BATTING OVERALL SCORE PACE BOWLING SPIN BOWLING FIELDING WICKET KEEPING MENTAL PHYSICAL NAME OF COACH Clive Ricket ROLE OF COACH U-11 Club Coach DATE 10/11/12 3 Figure 3: Example assessment form

LEVEL DESCRIPTors

BATTING A talented County Age Group Batsman should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to score runs consistently within their age group (and/or above) Demonstrate an inner drive to score runs at all times and in all situations Demonstrate the basic skills of batting, including using both hands together in partnership Demonstrate control and understanding of their technique Demonstrate tactics/strategy to score runs in certain match situations Demonstrate current ability and/or potential to advance beyond their peers in terms of run scoring 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY FOOTWORK Player lacks ability to demonstrate effective movements when playing on both the front and back foot Player rarely demonstrates ability to play on the front foot and is inconsistent when playing off the back foot, or vice versa Player occasionally demonstrates ability to play on the front foot with consistency in both aggressive and defensive shots and occasionally shows some ability to play defensive shots on the back foot, or vice versa Player regularly demonstrates ability to play competently on both front and back foot, however is inconsistent in executing either attacking or defensive shots. Player consistently demonstrates ability to play competently off both the front and back foot, when both attacking and defending. BALANCE Player lacks ability to demonstrate balance Player rarely demonstrates balance: - in stance Player lacks ability to demonstrate balance: - at point of release - during shot execution Player occasionally demonstrates balance: - in stance Player occasionally demonstrates balance EITHER: - at point of release OR - during shot execution Player regularly demonstrates balance: - in stance - at point of reference - during shot execution However, player occasionally loses balance in one of the above. Player consistently demonstrates excellent balance: - in stance - at point of release - during shot execution CONTACT Player lacks ability to demonstrate effective contact with the ball and/or regularly misses the ball Player rarely demonstrates ability to make contact with the ball in the middle of the bat Player occasionally demonstrates ability to make contact with the ball in the middle of the bat, when EITHER defending OR attacking Player regularly demonstrates ability to make consistent contact with the ball in the middle of the bat, when BOTH defending AND attacking Player consistently demonstrates ability to make contact with the ball in the middle of the bat, when BOTH defending AND attacking and is able to demonstrate excellent timing of the ball RUN SCORING Player lacks ability to demonstrate appropriate shot selection to the delivery. Player lacks ability to score runs in match situations. Player rarely demonstrates signs of ability to select appropriate shot in the delivery. Player rarely shows signs of being able to score runs in match situations Player occasionally demonstrates ability to select appropriate shot to delivery. Player occasionally demonstrates ability to score runs in match situations. Player regularly demonstrates ability to select appropriate shot to the delivery, however player is inconsistent in shot selection when placed under pressure. Player regularly scores runs, however is inconsistent in pressure situations. Player consistently demonstrates ability to select appropriate shot to delivery and remains consistent when placed under pressure. Player consistently runs in all situations. 5

Pace bowling A talented County Age Group Pace Bowler should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to bowl wicket taking deliveries within their age group (and/or above) Demonstrate two of three attributes - Pace, Bounce, Lateral Movement Demonstrate control of line, length and variations Demonstrate tactics/strategy to bowl successfully in different match situations Demonstrate current ability and/or potential to advance beyond their peers in terms of pace bowling 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY ACTION does not repeat. Player lacks ability to demonstrate momentum directed to the target. Player lacks ability to be balanced at point of release and lacks aggression in approach. rarely repeats. Player rarely bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player rarely demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. occasionally repeats. Player occasionally bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player occasionally demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. regularly repeats. Player regularly bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player regularly demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. consistently repeats. Player consistently bowls with all momentum directed towards target. Player consistently demonstrates balance at point of release and an aggressive approach. OUTCOME Player lacks ability to demonstrate balance in any of the following criteria: - high pace - generate bounce - lateral movement (off pitch or in air) Player lacks ability to deliver stock ball to line and length of their choice. Player lacks ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player rarely demonstrates ability in any of the following criteria: - high pace - generate bounce - lateral movement (off pitch or in air) Player rarely demonstrates ability to deliver ball to line and length of their choice. Player rarely demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player occasionally demonstrates ability in 1 of the following 3 criteria: - high pace - generate bounce - lateral movement (off pitch or in air) deliver ball to line and length of their choice. deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player regularly demonstrates 1 of the following 3 criteria and shows signs of demonstrating a 2nd: - high pace - generate bounce - lateral movement (off pitch or in air) Player regularly demonstrates ability to deliver ball to line and length of their choice. Player regularly demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length. Player consistently demonstrates 2 of the following 3 criteria: - high pace - generate bounce - lateral movement (off pitch or in air) Player consistently demonstrates ability to deliver ball to line and length of their choice. Player consistently demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. TACTICAL/ MENTAL Player lacks ability to demonstrate appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player lacks ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player lacks ability to demonstrate positive body language. Player rarely demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player rarely demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player rarely demonstrates positive body language. Player occasionally demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. set their own appropriate field positions. Player occasionally demonstrates positive body language. Player regularly demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player regularly demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player regularly demonstrates positive body language. Player consistently demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player consistently demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player consistently demonstrates positive body language. TAKES WICKETS Player lacks ability to take wickets through their own doing. Player rarely takes wickets through their own doing. Player occasionally takes wickets through their own doing. Player regularly takes wickets through their own doing. Player consistently takes wickets through their own doing. 6

spin bowling A talented County Age Group Spin Bowler should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to bowl wicket taking deliveries within their age group (and/or above) Demonstrate ability to spin the ball Demonstrate control of line, length and variations Demonstrate tactics/strategy to bowl successfully in different match situations Demonstrate current ability and/or potential to advance beyond their peers in terms of spin bowling 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY ACTION does not repeat. Player lacks ability to demonstrate momentum directed to the target. Player lacks ability to be balanced at point of release and lacks aggression in approach. rarely repeats. Player rarely bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player rarely demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. occasionally repeats. Player occasionally bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player occasionally demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. regularly repeats. Player regularly bowls with momentum directed towards target. Player regularly demonstrates balance at point of release and aggression in approach. consistently repeats. Player consistently bowls with all momentum directed towards target. Player consistently demonstrates balance at point of release and an aggressive approach. OUTCOME Player lacks ability to deliver the ball with rotations and generate break off the pitch. Player lacks ability to demonstrate any of the following criteria: - curve in the air - bounce off the pitch - drop prior to pitching Player lacks ability to deliver the ball to line and length of their choice. Player lacks ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player rarely demonstrates ability to deliver the ball with rotations and generate break off the pitch. Player rarely demonstrates ability in any of the following criteria: - curve in the air - bounce off the pitch - drop prior to pitching Player rarely demonstrates ability to deliver the ball to line and length of their choice. Player rarely demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. deliver the ball with rotations and generate break off the pitch. Player occasionally demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: - curve in the air - bounce off the pitch - drop prior to pitching deliver the ball to line and length of their choice. deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player regularly demonstrates ability to deliver the ball with rotations and generate break off the pitch. Player regularly demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: - curve in the air - bounce off the pitch - drop prior to pitching Player regularly demonstrates ability to deliver the ball to line and length of their choice. Player regularly demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. Player consistently demonstrates ability to deliver the ball with rotations and generate break off the pitch. Player consistently demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: - curve in the air - bounce off the pitch - drop prior to pitching Player consistently demonstrates ability to deliver the ball to line and length of their choice. Player consistently demonstrates ability to deliver variation in speed, lateral movement and angle, to line and length of their choice. TACTICAL/ MENTAL Player lacks ability to demonstrate appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player lacks ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player lacks ability to demonstrate positive body language. Player rarely demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player rarely demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player rarely demonstrates positive body language. Player occasionally demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. set their own appropriate field positions. Player occasionally demonstrates positive body language. Player regularly demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player regularly demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player regularly demonstrates positive body language. Player consistently demonstrates appropriate tactics to bowl successfully in match situations. Player consistently demonstrates ability to set their own appropriate field positions. Player consistently demonstrates positive body language. TAKES WICKETS Player lacks ability to take wickets through their own doing. Player rarely takes wickets through their own doing. Player occasionally takes wickets through their own doing. Player regularly takes wickets through their own doing. Player consistently takes wickets through their own doing. 7

FIELDING A talented County Age Group Fielder should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to have an influence on the game through their fielding Demonstrate ability to catch and stop both simple and difficult chances and throw effectively from short and long distances Demonstrate a safe and effective diving technique to catch and stop cricket balls Demonstrate an intensity within their fielding, including an ability to anticipate the actions of the batsman Demonstrate current ability and/or potential to advance beyond their peers in terms of fielding 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY THROWING Player lacks ability to demonstrate any of the following criteria in their throwing technique: - powerful - accurate Player lacks ability to hit the stumps to effect a run-out. Player rarely demonstrates any of the following criteria in their throwing technique: - powerful - accurate Player rarely demonstrates the ability to hit the stumps to effect a run-out. Player demonstrates one of the following criteria in their throwing technique: - powerful - accurate Player occasionally demonstrates the ability to hit the stumps to effect a run-out. Player regularly demonstrates two of the following criteria in their throwing technique: - powerful - accurate Player regularly demonstrates the ability to hit the stumps to effect a run-out.. Player consistently demonstrates all of the following criteria in their throwing technique: - powerful - accurate Player consistently demonstrates the ability to hit the stumps to effect a run-out. Player lacks ability to catch simple chances. Player rarely catches simple chances and lacks ability to catch the more difficult chances. Player take simple catches and occasionally takes the more difficult catch, in most positions. Player consistently takes simple catches and regularly takes the more difficult catch, in most positions. Player consistently takes both simple and difficult catches in all positions. CATCHING STOPPING Player lacks ability to stop the ball. Player rarely demonstrates ability to stop simple chances and lacks ability to stop the more difficult chances. Player is a reliable fielder of simple stops, and occasionally stops the more difficult chances, including diving, stop method. Player is a consistent and reliable fielder of simple stops, and regularly stops the more difficult chances, including diving stop method. Player is a consistent and reliable fielder of both simple and difficult stops, including straight stop and diving stop methods. GENERAL Player lacks ability to demonstrate an effective set position at ball strike. Player lacks ability to demonstrate energy and intensity in the field. Player lacks ability to anticipate the actions of the batsman. Player rarely demonstrates an effective set position at ball strike. Player rarely demonstrates energy and intensity in the field. Player rarely demonstrates ability to anticipate the actions of the batsman. Player occasionally demonstrates an effective set position at ball strike. Player occasionally demonstrates energy and intensity in the field. anticipate the actions of the batsman. Player regularly demonstrates an effective set position at ball strike. Player regularly demonstrates energy and intensity in the field. Player regularly demonstrates ability to anticipate the actions of the batsman. Player consistently demonstrates an effective set position at ball strike. Player consistently demonstrates energy and intensity in the field. Player consistently demonstrates ability to anticipate the actions of the batsman. 8

WICKET KEEPING A talented County Age Group Wicket Keeper should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to have an influence on the game through their wicket keeping Demonstrate ability to take both simple and difficult chances when stood up and stood back to/from the wicket Demonstrate a safe and effective diving technique to successfully catch the ball Demonstrate ability to energise the fielding team in match situations Demonstrate current ability and/or potential to advance beyond their peers in terms of wicket keeping 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY catches & stumping Player lacks ability to take simple chances. Player rarely takes simple chances and lacks ability to take the more difficult chances. Player takes simple chances and occasionally takes the more difficult chance when stood up to the wicket. Player consistently takes simple chances and regularly takes the more difficult chance when stood up to the wicket. Player consistently takes both simple and difficult chances when both stood back and up to the wicket. Player lacks ability to demonstrate required footwork. Player rarely demonstrates required footwork Player occasionally demonstrates required footwork to obtain required position to take ball successfully. Player regularly demonstrates required footwork to obtain required position to take ball successfully. Player consistently demonstrates fast footwork to obtain required position to take ball successfully. footwork Player lacks ability to dive and take ball to both left and right side. Player rarely demonstrates ability to dive and take ball to both left and right side. dive and take ball to one side, however rarely demonstrates ability to dive to other side. Player regularly demonstrates ability to dive and take ball to one side and occasionally demonstrates ability to dive to other side. Player consistently demonstrates ability to dive and take ball to both left and right side. DIVING GENERAL Player lacks ability to demonstrate a powerful posture at point of release. Players lacks ability to demonstrate positive body language and energise the team. Player lacks ability to demonstrate bravery when stood up. Player rarely demonstrates a powerful posture at point of release. Players rarely demonstrates positive body language and energise the team. Player rarely demonstrates bravery when stood up. Player occasionally demonstrates a powerful posture at point of release. Players occasionally demonstrates positive body language and energise the team. Player occasionally demonstrates bravery when stood up. Player regularly demonstrates a powerful posture at point of release. Players regularly demonstrates positive body language and energise the team. Player regularly demonstrates bravery when stood up. Player consistently demonstrates a powerful posture at point of release. Players consistently demonstrates positive body language and consistently energises the team. Player consistently demonstrates bravery when stood up. 9

BEHAVIOURS A talented County Age Group Cricketer should be able to: Demonstrate a personal motivation to improve through listening, discussing and acting according to feedback given Demonstrate an ability to relish the battle that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate an ability to make clear and effective decisions under pressure that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate belief in their abilities to succeed as a cricketer Demonstrate a desire to become a professional cricketer for Surrey County Cricket Club 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY attitude/ desire Player does not demonstrate: - an enthusiasm and love for the game - a personal motivation to improve their all round cricket ability through stretching themselves - an ability to be a team player - an ability to listen, discuss and act on coaching feedback Player rarely demonstrates: - an enthusiasm and love for the game - a personal motivation to improve their all round cricket ability through stretching themselves - an ability to be a team player - an ability to listen, discuss and act on coaching feedback Player occasionally demonstrates: - an enthusiasm and love for the game - a personal motivation to improve their all round cricket ability through stretching themselves - an ability to be a team player - an ability to listen, discuss and act on coaching feedback Player regularly demonstrates: - an enthusiasm and love for the game - a personal motivation to improve their all round cricket ability through stretching themselves - an ability to be a team player - an ability to listen, discuss and act on coaching feedback Player consistently demonstrates: - an enthusiasm and love for the game - a personal motivation to improve their all round cricket ability through stretching themselves - an ability to be a team player - an ability to listen, discuss and act on coaching feedback Player does not relish the battle in: - tough competitive situations - within hostile environments Player rarely relishes the battle in: - tough competitive situations - within hostile environments Player occasionally relishes the battle in: - tough competitive situations - within hostile environments Player regularly relishes the battle in: - tough competitive situations - within hostile environments Player consistently relishes the battle in: - tough competitive situations - within hostile environments fight CRITICAL MOMENT CONTROL Player lacks ability to: - recognise critical moments in matches - make clear and effective decisions at that moment - successfully employ their skills to execute that decision Player rarely demonstrates the ability to: - recognise critical moments in matches - make clear and effective decisions at that moment - successfully employ their skills to execute that decision Player occasionally demonstrates the ability to: - recognise critical moments in matches - make clear and effective decisions at that moment - successfully employ their skills to execute that decision Player regularly demonstrates the ability to: - recognise critical moments in matches - make clear and effective decisions at that moment - successfully employ their skills to execute that decision Player consistently demonstrates the ability to: - recognise critical moments in matches - make clear and effective decisions at that moment - successfully employ their skills to execute that decision SELF BELIEF Player lacks a belief in their own ability which prevents them from: - refocusing quickly following mistakes - bouncing back emotionally after a performance failure - demonstrating an ability to remain confident when things are not going well - having positive interpretations of all situations Player rarely demonstrates a belief in their own ability which prevents them from: - refocusing quickly after mistakes - bouncing back emotionally after a performance failure - demonstrating an ability to remain confident when things are not going well - having positive interpretations of all situations Player occasionally demonstrates a belief in their own ability which allows them to: - refocus quickly following mistakes - bounce back emotionally after a performance failure - demonstrate ability to remain confident when things are not going well - have positive interpretations of all situations Player regularly demonstrates a belief in their own ability which allows them to: - refocus quickly following mistakes - bounce back emotionally after a performance failure - demonstrate ability to remain confident when things are not going well - have positive interpretations of all situations Player consistently demonstrates a belief in their own ability which allows them to: - refocus quickly following mistakes - bounce back emotionally after a performance failure - demonstrate ability to remain confident when things are not going well - have positive interpretations of all situations 10

PHYSICAL A talented County Age Group Cricketer should be able to: Demonstrate level of agility that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate level of balance that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate level of co-ordination that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate level of speed that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers Demonstrate level of strength that is currently and/or has potential to advance beyond their peers 1. NEVER 2. RARELY 3. OCCASIONALLY 4. REGULARLY 5. CONSISTENTLY agility Player lacks ability to change direction or move their body with any speed or control. Player rarely demonstrates ability to change direction or move their body with any speed or control. change direction of their body with either control or speed but needs to develop this further. Player regularly demonstrates ability to change direction with speed and control and move their body with great speed. Player has consistent and excellent ability to change direction and move their body with great speed and control instantly. balance Player lacks ability to maintain balance throughout movements. Player rarely demonstrates a balance in a number of activities and rarely maintains this through complex movements. Player occasionally demonstrates balance, however rarely maintains this through complex movements. Player regularly demonstrates balance through a number of activities and is generally able to maintain this throughout complex movements. Player consistently demonstrates excellent balance and poise in all movements and actions and can maintain this through more complex movements. co-ordination Player lacks ability to co-ordinate their movements in simple and complex tasks. co-ordinate their movements through simple tasks. However, rarely demonstrates ability to co-ordinate their movement through more complex tasks. Player regularly demonstrates ability to co-ordinate their movements through simple tasks and occasionally demonstrates ability to co-ordinate their movement through more complex tasks. Player consistently demonstrates ability to co-ordinate their movements through simple tasks. And regularly demonstrates ability to co-ordinate their movement through more complex tasks. Player consistently demonstrates ability to coordinate their movements through simple and complex tasks. STRENGTH Player lacks ability to maintain control of self and is unable to perform activities with powerful movements. Player rarely demonstrates control of their body and rarely demonstrates the ability to perform activities with powerful movements. Player occasionally demonstrates ability to control their body and occasionally demonstrates the ability to perform activities with powerful movements. Player regularly demonstrates control of their body and regularly demonstrates the ability to perform activities with powerful movements. Player consistently demonstrates excellent control of their body and is able to perform all activities with powerful movements. 11

MENTAL DEVELOPMENT TOOLS Mental development tools Stated below are various methods by which coaches can influence and develop the key attributes around the mental aspect of a players make-up. These methods are given as a guide as useful tips to work on including in your coaching programmes and are by no means exhaustive. Indeed it is the imagination of the coach as to where the various methods can be extended. ATTITUDE/ DESIRE Allow players to take ownership and responsibility of their session. Ask questions and listen to answers. Lay on optional extra sessions/golden hours where player chooses tasks. Give opportunities for leadership to take place, without direction from coach, e.g. lead warm up. Does player put themselves into the stretch zone, i.e. does player actively choose harder tasks in order to test themselves and improve? FIGHT Set up challenges between teams, individuals, disciplines and themselves. Competitive situations where there is a winner and a loser. External rewards included - be careful of when and how. Examples - Out you re out nets, 1 v 1 fielding drills, tennis scoring net system. CRITICAL MOMENT CONTROL Competitive situations where outcome is based on singular activity. Decision made is point of observation for coaches, not success of outcome. Is decision logical and has reasoning behind it? Not is it what you would do. Examples - Hit the stumps once in last 3 throws, otherwise you re out of the game. Yellow ball fed (usually ball fed is red) = boundary option - what shot was played, not whether it went for 4. SELF BELIEF Confidence peaks chart. Observe behaviours - do players sulk, take last ball into next ball, do they accept criticism as way of helping them improve? Where is players attention? Do they talk about things in their control? Observation over time - not taking singular behaviour, look for continual consistent behaviour. 12

GLOSSARY A number of the terms used within the Talent Identification Guideline document are listed below, together with meanings and descriptions around them: Discipline WORDS MEANING Effective movements When the batsman is moving forwards or backwards, depending on the length of the ball, they do so in quick, precise movements, with feet moving into the correct position determined by the line and length of the ball. The correct position is one where the bat is then able to be presented to the ball with minimal changes to body position and/or foot position needed. Play competently This relates to the player making appropriate foot movements either forwards or back in nature, allowing player to get into line and correct positions with ball in order to assist in consistent execution of the shot decided upon Balance in stance Player has head still with eyes level when standing awaiting bowler to deliver and is in position of dynamic balance, i.e. is ready and able to move in any direction when required Balance at point of release Player has head still with eyes level when bowler is at point of delivery and is in position of dynamic balance, i.e. is ready and able to move in any direction when required batting Balance in shot execution As player makes contact with the ball they are able to keep head still and eyes level and there is minimal movement in balancing body parts and player remains in this position of balance throughout the execution of the required shot and after contact with the ball is made Effective contact Player makes contact with the ball in the middle of the bat allowing ball to go to intended target Excellent timing Player gains power in contact with the ball and does so whilst making the movements look effortless Appropriate shot Player chooses the appropriate shot to the ball that is delivered and the situation of the match 13

Discipline WORDS MEANING Individual action Each player will possess an individual action that is unique to themselves and requires no cognitive activity to produce, i.e. is a natural and unconscious movement Aggression in approach Player drives towards the target, particularly in the final stages of their approach, reaching the crease at their optimum speed and demonstrating an intent to bowl with pace with momentum maintained through action PACE BOWLING Appropriate tactics Positive body language Take wickets through their own doing Player has a knowledge of a variety of tactics and selects the tactic to meet the situation Player demonstrates behaviours such as head is held high, body is standing tall and hands/arms would be by side. Player would appear fully engaged in the match situation and would be maintaining eye contact with opposition batsman when necessary. Player would not have head down, looking at ground, arms crossed across body and giving a 'distant, sulky' impression. Player takes wickets by forcing the batsmen into an error. Examples include hitting the seam causing the batsman to miss the ball and bowl them, finding the outside edge of the bat and having the batsman caught in the slips, building pressure through dot balls and enticing the batsman into selecting an inappropriate shot. This statement is designed to highlight the different between bowlers taking wickets through poor bowling, but equally poor batting, e.g. long hops/wide deliveries being hit to fielders in the ring or on the boundary and equally inept batting where batsman struggle to hit ball and are bowled through lack of ability. Individual action Each player will possess an individual action that is unique to themselves and requires no cognitive activity to produce, i.e. is a natural and unconscious movement SPIN BOWLING Aggression in approach Appropriate tactics Positive body language Take wickets through their own doing Player drives towards the target, particularly in the final stages of their approach, reaching the crease at their optimum speed and demonstrating an intent to bowl with spin/flight with momentum maintained through action Player has a knowledge of a variety of tactics and selects the tactic to meet the situation Player demonstrates behaviours such as head is held high, body is standing tall and hands/arms would be by side. Player would appear fully engaged in the match situation and would be maintaining eye contact with opposition batsman when necessary. Player would not have head down, looking at ground, arms crossed across body and giving a 'distant, sulky' impression. Player takes wickets by forcing the batsmen into an error. Examples include enticing the batsman to advance down the wicket only to miss a well flighted, spinning ball and be stumped, beating the bat through the ball spinning to either hit the stumps or effect an LBW decision, building pressure through dot balls and enticing the batsman into selecting an inappropriate shot. This statement is designed to highlight the different between bowlers taking wickets through poor bowling, but equally poor batting, e.g. long hops/wide deliveries being hit to fielders in the ring or on the boundary and equally inept batting where batsman struggle to hit ball and are bowled through lack of ability. 14

Discipline WORDS MEANING Simple chances A chance that is hit directly to fielder, with no or minimal lateral or vertical movement required and the ball is travelling at an average or below average speed FIELDING Difficult chances Diving stop method A chance that is either side of the fielder where they have to make significant lateral or vertical movement and the ball is travelling at higher than average speed and power Player goes to ground with safe diving technique, where player remains chest on to ground and lands on big body parts (thighs, chest and forearms), not on side, i.e. elbows, shoulders first Effective set position Player is balanced at point of contact with both feet on the ground, equal weight distribution between right and left feed, head is still and eyes are level with their body weight slightly forward Energy and intensity in field Player either gives energy and intensity through verbal encouragement of team mates and/or gives energy and intensity through actions, e.g. moves between field positions quickly, wants the ball to come to them, constantly asking for the ball from the wicket keeper, demonstrates a hunter mentality where they are always attacking the ball both in the ring and on the boundary Anticipate actions of batsman Player can pick up signals from the batsmen as to their intent to either attack or defend and has an understanding of where the ball is likely to be struck Simple chances A chance that is hit or passes directly to the wicket keeper with no or minimal lateral or vertical movement required and the ball is travelling at an average or below average speed WICKET KEEPING Difficult chances Required footwork Required position A chance that is hit or passes either side of the wicket keeper where they have to make significant lateral or vertical movement and the ball is travelling at higher than average speed and power Footwork that allows the wicket-keeper to move head and hands into required position quickly to take the ball and is, when stood up, able to keep an anchored foot by the stumps in order to return the ball This is the position required to effectively catch the ball. When stood up this generally equates to staying still when line of delivery is within wicket keepers body width, moving outside leg into line with ball when line of delivery is outside of wicket keepers body width and moving inside and outside legs appropriately when line of delivery is down leg side. Balance is maintained through movements and is kept when ball is taken for each of the described movements. 15

Discipline WORDS MEANING MENTAL WICKET KEEPING Powerful posture Positive body language Energise the team Bravery Personal motivation to improve Team player Relish the battle Tough competitive situations Hostile environments Player adopts the 'Z' position, i.e. a 1/4 squat position where knees are flexed and back is kept straight with head up and level. This position allows player to move with speed and precision in all directions. Player demonstrates behaviours such as head is held high, body is standing tall and hands/arms would be by side. Player would appear fully engaged in the match situation and would be maintaining eye contact with opposition batsman when necessary. Player would not have head down, looking at ground, arms crossed across body and giving a 'distant, sulky' impression. Player is able to energise the team through positive body language, as described above and will either be highly vocal giving encouragement and praise to team mates or will be highly energetic in their movements within the over and also between overs. Will either be the "drummer in the band" - high noise and action or the "conductor of the orchestra" - high intensity of activity without being overly noisy. Player shows a willingness to stand up to the stumps, not only continually to spin bowlers but also to medium pace and occasionally the pace bowlers and put their body in line with the ball. Head stays focused on the ball and player does not 'flinch' or take a backward step when taking the ball, either with gloves or by taking a blow to the body. Self awareness, personal responsibility in training/preparation etc., honest evaluation of their current level of skill Player is focused on achieving success for the team more than for themselves. i.e. prepared to risk wicket for quick runs Willingness to compete, unwavering determination, commitment to the task Willing to put themselves forward to compete against the better players from the opposition and face the toughest bowlers Will vary dependent on age group and is essentially to highlight match situations where competition is fierce and no player is taking a backward step, i.e. all players are committed to being victorious and successful in match and their actions Critical moments The moments in close games when the outcome is decided, for example the last over of the game, when a wicket is needed, when a boundary is needed, when the team has lost several wickets in close succession Clear and effective decisions Player makes decisions that are rational, logical and are based on clear thinking around the situation that the player finds themselves in. Is usually the decision that most people would make, however be aware of the player that thinks outside of the box and makes a different decision to most, however has rational reasoning behind it. 16

Discipline WORDS MEANING Execute that decision Player has the required skills to produce the outcome of the decision, for example decision made is to bowl a yorker and then bowler possesses the skills to then produce a yorker delivery Belief Player has confidence, which is stable, in their own ability to deal with the situation and produce the necessary skills for that situation Refocussing quickly Player is able to put the previous ball or event behind them and focus on what needs to be done for the next ball or event MENTAL Bouncing back emotionally Remain confident Positive interpretations of situations Player is able to put previous failures or unsuccessful actions where their emotions have been negative behind them and is able to move back into a more positive emotional state, i.e. not remain angry or frustrated or sad and move back into being aware of the situation and what emotional state will be required for them to be successful Player is able to maintain a stable level of confidence when dealing with both success and failure, especially failure and does not fluctuate wildly in their confidence levels Player views the situation that they are in as an opportunity to be successful at all times, for example when batsman walks out with score at 40-5, they view the situation as an opportunity to bat for a longer period of time and an opportunity to display their courage and their determination to succeed in what is a tricky situation Balance Complex movements Player is able to keep body and head still when either static and/or when in dynamic movement Complex movements would be when multi-changes in direction are required within a short period and where precise movements are required Simple tasks Simple tasks would be when player is not cognitively or physically challenged, i.e. task is well within their ability PHYSICAL Complex tasks Control of body Complex tasks would be when player is very cognitively and/or physically challenged, i.e. task is likely to be outside their current ability and so overloading is taking place and player may well fail at the task Player is able to move all parts of their body in the required pattern to achieve success in the task Powerful movements Player demonstrates ability to move body and body parts by exerting force in an extremely efficient manner, not always due to excessive strength 17