I shared my weekend wins in the recent post “How to mentally prepare for an inngings” But as the English summer has ended for myself, I’d like to say a big thanks to Alf for putting a lot of time into helping improve our games this summer! I know myself, I have seen a big improvement in my cricket- in the nets with my technicals but most importantly, improvement in my runs. That’s why we play the game, not to look good in the nets or for a few balls in the middle, to score runs. I’ve had no coaching this summer just soley worked on my mental muscle and I’ve found a spark, a considerable amount of more runs scored than last year. next year with more work on the inner game and incorporating some coaching back into my game, im going to properly kick on and achieve a lot more. Phase 1 complete.

How to mentally prepare for an innings. Too many batsman make the mistake of trying to be perfectly ready to bat. This leads to panic and fear in the batsman. See, many batsman doubt themselves and believe if they do the perfect routine before they go out to bat they will score runs. They attach to their routine and think they have to do it to bat well. But the truth is although this works for some it does not work for others. A famous psychological theory knows as the ‘Type A behavioural pattern theory’ Staes that there are two types of personality A and B. Type A personalities seem to be more on edge, ambitious and prone to nerves. Type B personalities are more laid back, relaxed and prone to laziness. Once you understand this and who you are your batting will change. I believe a Type B made need a more strict routine to increase their focus before going out to bat. However, a type A made need to chill, relax and not worry so much. But this is the truth. As a young player I was desperate to find the perfect pre innings routine and would copy everyone. But the truth is, you need to find what works for you and stick to it. For some, that’s worrying less and having jokes before going out, for others thats getting in the contest and looking to pick a challenge. Experiment for what works for you.

- Is it run scoring - Is it training - Is it technique - Is it mindset - Is it game plan Let me know in the comments to this post to what it is. I will respond to every comment with support and what I can do to help.

Quack quack 🦆 Duck for me aswell Alf, inner game felt good - not 100%. I don’t think I was 100% present and I ended up playing a bad shot. I think I was still in a good enough place to let self 2 play but I didn’t give self 2 all the required inputs.

It has been pointed out that I knkw fully trust the inner game - there is no doubt about its capability in my mind. This is vital for my consistency. Run’s will come when they come. Performance = potential - interference. I’m getting that interference really low at the moment.