CONTROLLING MOMENTUM

- the winning factor -

Tied Test: Australia v West Indies
The ability to change momentum during matches is
more about mental awareness and understanding how
games are played, than it is about technical proficiency
or, ability to play

Teams and Players that consistently win matches
are able to:
1. Anticipate when momentum is likely to change
2. Identify when the momentum shifts
3. Respond tactically to the momentum change
4. Take over control of the match momentum
Being forewarned is being forearmed,
so when players know WHAT TO DO when the
match momentum shifts they have an even
chance of stopping that change and taking
control again

If they can visualize their opponents plans
and intentions they may be able to alter their
play so they negate the other teams tactics
Drawn Test: Australia v West Indies
There will never be, the perfect instruction from
coach to player in any sport, but, there are definitive
ways coaches can speak to players, that is in specifics
rather than generalities

Example: What is the difference between a coach saying?

watch the ball or leave well
keep it tight or bowl in the alleys
stop the singles or be aware of the angles
dont lose a wicket or talk to your partner
bowl your stock ball or dont go for 4
WORKSHOP:
Listed are some generally recognizable game
dynamics scenarios that can shift momentum
quickly from one team to another during cricket
matches

Your role as a coach is to formulate what to do
strategies for players/teams to combat these
scenarios:
Lawson to Dujon
Lawson to Dujon No-ball !
GAME DYNAMICS SCENARIOS
A strong partnership between two confident batters
A dangerous developing partnership between tail enders
A surge of boundaries, especially from a new batter
Losing 2 or 3 wickets in quick succession
a) opening spell
b) after a long partnership
A slow/stubborn partnership, but not many runs
Dropped catches
a) new batter
b) established batter
GAME DYNAMICS SCENARIOS
Repeated bowling changes
Run out of an established batter
Increasing number of quick singles
A spectacular catch
A succession of maiden overs
Breaks in play, and weather
Condition of pitch
Sloppy fielding and a drop in intensity
The 2
nd
new ball
Poor form of specialist bowler
Disruption to bowling roster in under age championships
The following are some SKILL SPECIFIC MOMENTUM
GUIDELINES coaches can provide for players and teams
that may help develop on-field awareness to control
momentum when:

BATTING
BOWLING
FIELDING
BATTING
Watch the ball
Make contact with the ball (bat or pad)
Call early and clearly
Run the first run hard, look for two
Communicate with your partner all the time
Set small achievable targets together
Notice bowlers methods and variations
Be aware of changes in bowlers intensity/consistency
Notice gaps in field where can I score
Take note of the good fieldersleft or right hand
How aware is the fielding captain?
Tune into the tone of the fielding team
Listen for the silence in the field
Never lose sight of the scoreboard and the score
Viv Richards
BOWLING
Have a plan and a method
Look at new batters grips, stance and demeanor
Anticipate what they are thinking facing you
Bowl through to the keeper, dot balls
Sundries are runs, eliminate them
You are a zonal fielder
Maiden overs stifle partnerships
Wicket maidens are gold
Only bowl what you can controlvariations?
Consistency is about basic standard deliveries
The next ball after taking a wicket is vital
Enjoy taking wickets, celebrate after taking 10

Lance Gibbs: hat trick
FIELDING
What is the score at the fall of every wicket
Watch your captain, every batter is different
There is always eleven (11) against one (1) in the field
Mistakes and dropped catches happen, dont apologize
Run outs are fielders opportunities
Run outs are bushfires for the batting team
Continually talk to the man fielding next to you
Throw hard and positively, never softly
Good angles save time and runs
Dont over concentrate and be too hyper all the time
Team talk must be natural/combativenot trash
Acknowledge outstanding fielding, expect the basics!
Always watch the scoreboard
You need ten (10) wickets to win cricket matches
World Cup Victory