Matthew Forsyth

The most wonderful thing about coaching, and taking players to greater heights is that you really build long lasting relationships along the way... This young man in picture I met when he was grade 0, long story short, at u11, he was dropped to the B team, which one can imagine was earth shattering, his 'mates' in the A team were toxic & arrogant, and his nature was anything but... However, taking him on privately, I shifted his perspective and made him see the amazing opportunity. 'Which would you choose? A team batting at 8, or B team batting at 3?' He was now without question around a more supportive unit, he was now without question the strongest opening batsman in the team, and now more than ever, they depended on him. When the A and B team of this school played each, the game was decided by 6 runs. just to give you an idea that this team was just as good. that same year, or possibly the next he was brought back up to the A team, But he was 1 of 2 players from the school that didn't make the regional team, which again was earth shattering... but this is the character of the man: the following year, he opened the batting for the regional team for the entire week long festival, he ended that week without a batting average, because no one got him out. Based on those performances, he was selected as 1 of 32 out of the entire province of Gauteng in South Africa. (At junior level Gauteng have the strongest set up if nothing has changed since I was around) This young man went on to play for the titans academy at u/19. The key take away: - Time at the crease is more important than the status of the team classification - Heartbreak forces character and growth to take place more than anything else - Keep playing, because we have no idea what can be achieved if we just stick with it. Have a stunning day!

New comment Oct 8

Lucas Jansen van Vuuren

Sep 27 •

General discussion

Roelan Age 5

Did a bowling session, Roelan loves aiming at a target, He sometimes jumps off right foot, sometimes left foot. Does not have the same rhythm so needs to practice to see what is comfortable

New comment Oct 8

Matthew Forsyth

1 like • Sep 28

Beautiful straight arm. Higher front arm. It's all very good. You are correct with the jump. The fastest way to correct it is with a reverse chaining technique. Roelan stands directly behind a hurdle or stacked comes, his leading foot is the left, and he focuses only on landing his right foot and then left foot... Once he feels ok with the new jumping technique, we put a ball in his hand, and he then jumps and releases, then we give him 2 steps, jump then release... Then full run up. It's really lovely to watch.

Lucas Jansen van Vuuren

Sep 27 •

General discussion

Janru’s training session

Lessons learnt Playing the ball late on front foot Pull shots, just getting used to the moments

New comment Sep 28

Matthew Forsyth

2 likes • Sep 28

Janru on fire. I wouldnt worry about timing now, I would prefer more speed from back swing and power from the finished position... Because the focus on keeping the ball was interpreted as playing defensively. However, all my players that spent more time on the drill at hand improved their timing by default without me inforcing much. I would ask a single question: ' you are hitting the ball great, what do you think you need to do to make sure it goes on the floor?' That question would be asked weeks or months after they had masted the pose and big back swing. And only after that, we would play a game: 'If the ball touches the net before it's bounced, then (points, sprints, push ups, whichevee incentive works the best)' BUT, the first 12 balls are free for you to figure out what you need to do. I loved the pull as well. Lucas, you are doing a lovely job.

Lucas Jansen van Vuuren

Sep 24 •

General discussion

Boys learnt to keep the pose after hitting their drives,Straight bat, balance in tact

Thanks Matt for helping with giving the suggestion to work on this, The Pushup reward game made all the difference

New comment Sep 26