Having the background of the test matches pounding away and the Australian media calling for changes in coaching staff captain players etc, just reinforces the vital importance of basics. many of the batsman have been criticised publicly on their poor technique – which has been exposed facing the English bowlers. One of the stations had a batting (technique) lesson on air – illustrating the poor technique. The issue appears that individuals, although massively skilled, have not been spending time on continually working on their technique – boring and repetitive it might be. As in most sports eventually they get found out, which is what has been happening with the cricket. How many times have you heard people comment on teams that ‘do the simple things very well’ rather than rely on one or two individuals performing.

If you look at goal kicking – it is much better never missing inside the red zone that being able to hit one from the half – way now and again! I recently worked with an individual player who was a goal kicker who got bored with repeatedly hit shots from 30 yards out and after several kicks wanted to hit from the half way and then from the corner – tough for a great kicker – let alone an aspiring kicker! If you practice the (basic)straight forward shots from between the 15ms. lines and the 22  line (as a pie shape) – you will be become that reliable player that everyone wants in their team rather than a hit and miss spectacular! It is a question of doing the simple(straight forward) things well – basics and correct technique grooved through repetitive practice.

Dr Dave Alred