Youth Cricket Coaching: How to Play, Coach and Win by John Stern

Coaching young cricketers is a demanding role no matter how experienced you are. Youth Cricket Coaching provides an authoritative, practical, one-stop guide for all cricket coaches, teachers and players looking for ways to improve both young players' game and their own coaching methods. Using clear, jargon-free language, it starts with the fundamental principles and philosophies (such as outlining what makes a good coach and how to communicate with players and their parents), and takes the reader through managing practice sessions with various-sized groups or individuals, season-long planning and how to add value to your club. Coaching on a match day is addressed in a detailed section that focuses on selection, how to maintain a good relationship with the captain, and the importance of allowing players to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes. Other topics covered include: * Structuring a coaching session * Keeping the kids interested and involved * Finding the balance of instruction vs participation * Planning and developing season-long practice programmes * Maintaining interest and participation as players' skill levels develop at different rates * How to get to the next stage as a coach. A broad variety of drills are included - all clearly illustrated with detailed photographs to ensure good technique - and broken down into sections on batting, bowling and fielding (including wicket-keeping), making this the must-have book for any youth cricket coach.