Game sense refers to a player's ability to understand a sport at a strategic level. Within cricket, this involves elements such as:
- Situational Awareness - the current score, runs required to win, overs remaining, wickets in hand etc.
- Environmental Awareness - awareness of pitch conditions, weather, light etc.
- Opposition Awareness - field positioning, bowler / batter strengths and weaknesses etc.
One of the challenges cricketers face is the majority of batting and bowling training taking place in the nets, which brings a challenge in developing game sense relative to other sports that train where they play. This article outlines some ways to develop game sense in a net training environment, to ensure that your skills can translate to meaningful impact on matches.
1. Simulate Match Conditions
To develop game sense, elements of your net sessions can replicate real-game scenarios as closely as possible. Ways we can do this are:
- Field Placements - By adding fielding positions we immediately add the game specific feedback of where a ball has gone relative to a set field. Bowlers can set fielding positions by using markers on the ground or hanging from the nets. Alternatively a whiteboard can be used. This is equally important for batters and bowlers, with batters being able to receive feedback of whether a ball has gone in a gap and therefore scored runs, and bowlers being able to gain feedback on whether a certain delivery is creating dot ball pressure or often being scored from.
- Scenario-Based Drills - Create specific match situations, such as needing a certain number of runs in a number of balls, or defending a small total. If you are short on ideas, use real situations that you have found yourself in. This practice will help you think strategically and react under pressure.
2. Focus on Decision-Making
Quick, effective decision-making is a hallmark of good game sense. Incorporate these practices into your nets:
- Shot Selection - Practice choosing the right shot for different types of deliveries. Assess the length, line, and type of ball quickly to make better decisions. Always challenge yourself to find ways of scoring from different types of deliveries.
- Running Between Wickets - Simulate match conditions with live fielders to practice calling for runs, judging quick singles, and running aggressively.
3. Face Varied Bowling Styles
Facing a variety of bowling styles in the nets is essential:
- Spin and Pace - Practice against both spin and pace bowlers to understand how different deliveries affect your shot selection and timing.
- Left and Right-Handed Bowlers - Adjust to different angles and lines bowled by left and right-handed bowlers to enhance your adaptability.
- Bowling Trajectory - ensure you face different trajectories to prepare for the wide range of bowling you might receive in a game. This might vary between tall and bouncy, or short and skidding for pace bowling. For spinners this might vary between high and looping balls, or low sliding balls.
If you are not able to face bowlers in a certain net session, work on creative ways of facing different styles with your coach or thrower. This might involve using different types of training ball, or throwing from different heights and angles.
4. Seek Feedback and Reflect
This is potentially the most important point of the article. Regular honest feedback and self-reflection are key to continuous improvement.
- Self-Assessment - During net sessions with fielders and game scenarios, ensure that your self-feedback each ball is honest and realistic to what would occur in a real game. Always reflect on your performance after each net session, trying to identify key areas of learning and challenge.
- Coach’s Feedback - Seek constructive feedback from your coaches on your decision-making and situational responses. This feedback is always more effective when sought after by a player.
Developing game sense is an ongoing process that requires intentional practice and strategic thinking. By simulating match conditions, focusing on decision-making, facing varied bowling styles, and ensuring regular and positive feedback loops, you can significantly improve your game sense. This will not only make you a more intuitive and responsive player but also prepare you better for the complexities of competitive cricket.