Preparation
Focused Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
January 2021
The Indian International Panel and Nitin Menon in one of many PCT preparation sessions with their ICC Coach.
August 2020
The England International Panel PCT discuss their preparation with ICC’s Adrian Griffith
July 2020
Michael Gough and Alex Wharf discuss their bio-secure bubble preparations at Old Trafford with other members of the PCT, before they travel.
To plan (details and method of approach) out, to put together, to learn and become ready.
Preparation is individual and specific - designed for you by you.
The objectives of preparation include:
Increased confidence
Positioning yourself to perform better
1. Planning
2. Knowledge
3. Fitness/Diet
4. Relaxation
5. Focus
6.Skill Development/Self Evaluation
7. Simulation Activities
What are the elements of Focused Preparation?
What are some of the things that you have done to prepare for success in the next 12 months?
August 2020
Richard Illingworth has a simulated 3rd umpire session with his coach, using Skype.
What are the elements of Focused Preparation?
Plan/Practice Skill Development Activities
Physical Skills (stamina, mobility, energy)
Mental Skills (routines, relaxation, visualization)
Personal Skills (empathy, conflict resolution)
July 2020
Michael Gough relaxes in the bio-secure area of Old Trafford.
What are the elements of Focused Preparation?
Consolidate strengths in your game.
Identify which parts of your game could be improved (weaknesses)
Plan skill development exercises e.g.,
Practice getting into position at training.
Calling no balls at club practice.
Practice concentration or counting in matches (goals for the day/match).
Develop regular revision routine for laws and playing conditions.
What are the elements of Focused Preparation?
Review performance after each match.
Self evaluate performance HONESTLY.
Keep and maintain records of performance.
Adjust plans or preparations as a result of performances.
August 2020
Richard Kettleborough. Fit and Alert
Diet and Fitness
Fitness Program designed for you.
Program to include:
Cardiovascular Routine
Flexibility Exercises
Core Strength Exercises
Fitness program is to fit in with your lifestyle and goals.
Look after your body to improve flexibility, mobility and endurance.
Diet and Fitness
Fitness program to have 3 to 4 sessions per week of 30 mins duration.
Select what works for you - ways of cheating include…
Walk more
Lose the remote control
Take the stairs
Exercise while watching T V
Make a commitment and reward yourself.
Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
Eat plenty of breads, cereals, veg and fruits.
Eat low amounts of saturated fats - read labels <10%.
Limit alcohol intake. (No beer until it’s clear!)
Limit intake of sugars and salt.
Reward yourself after eating the right food groups with treats.
Plan
Take time to develop a plan.
Umpire Skills Matrix
Ask yourself the following:
Where am I now? (strengths/weaknesses)
Where do I want to get to? (goals - short term and long term)
How will I get there? (planning).
Focus
Focus on your goals and what motivates you - visualize and display your goals.
Focus on your commitment to carrying through your preparation and plans.
Avoid distractions to your preparation.
September 2020
Martin Saggers in a focused simulation session with a HawkEye Engineer, and his Coach.
Focus
Focus on why you are umpiring, what you want to achieve and get out of it.
Focus also means being honest about your preparation - no short cuts.
September 2020
David Millns in a focused simulation session with his Coach.
Planning for your next appointment
What are some of the things that you do to prepare for a tour?
Planning for your next appointment
Umpiring away from home
Take your own pillow to help you sleep.
Take your own favorite music.
Don’t eat unusual foods that may upset
Don’t stay up late or go out too much.
Maintain similar nightly routines as if you were at home.
Take your favorite reading material.
Planning for your next appointment
What are some of the things that you do to prepare for a match?
Planning for your next appointment
Pre-match planning to be undertaken and include:
Know all the participants in the match.
Know where the venue is and how to get there in plenty of time.
What playing conditions will be used.
What you want to work on in the match.
What pre-game routine you’ll use (be ready for the first ball).
Prepare all your equipment and clothing.
Plan simulation sessions with your coach.
Am I mentally ready for this match?
Am I focused for the start of the game?
Do I have a preparation routine leading up to the game?
Do I have a plan to manage distractions?
Do I know what it takes to perform at my best?
Am I confident in my 3rd umpiring routines?
Plenty of sleep prior to a match.
7 to 9 hours sleep is ideal (normal routine that suits you).
Preparation is not all about hard work - you must plan relaxation time and activities.
Wake up at the same time and in positive frame of mind.
Laws of Cricket (the latest code)
ICC and Home Board Playing Conditions
Policies of Governing Body of the Match including:
Code of Conduct
Clothing and Equipment
Concussion Replacements
Duckworth-Lewis Stern-Calculations
Anti-Doping
Anti-Corruption
Planning for your next appointment
Pre-match planning to be undertaken and include:
Physical preparation - warm up
3rd umpire simulation activities
Mental preparation - visualization
Focus on your objectives
Relaxation routines - do you mix or keep to yourself?
Other thoughts on preparation:
Develop strong routines
The differences in performance come down to mental skills and preparation
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