A message for all cricket players, coaches and parents
Paul Ryan | December 18, 2024
It is absolutely okay—essential, even—to coach young players on the value of a solid technique. It’s okay to teach them the importance of batting time and how this skill lays the foundation for scoring big hundreds.
It’s okay to emphasize patience—to encourage them not to feel pressured into hitting every second or third ball for four or six.
Take Sam Konstas as an excellent example. He has scored hundreds at every level of cricket he’s played. He has scored hundreds in school cricket, Green Shield (Under 16s), Under 17s and Under 19 pathways, Poidevin Gray (Under 21), Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Third Grade, Second Grade, First Grade, and in Sheffield Shield Cricket for NSW.
Sam has the technique to open the batting and the discipline to bat for long periods. He has a huge appetite and the mindset to build an inning and score runs. He knows you can't score runs sitting on the sidelines.
He’s arguably the next batter in line for Australian test selection, yet, in his BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder, he demonstrated another dimension of his game, scoring 56 off just 27 balls.
It’s only one game—but it highlights an important point. A batter cannot score consistently, succeed long-term, or adapt to higher levels of cricket without:
- A solid defense.
- A sound technique.
- The patience and willingness to bat for long periods.
Coaches, remember: these fundamentals don’t limit players; they liberate them. A strong foundation gives batters the tools to adjust, innovate, and excel in every format of the game.
Let’s not undervalue these timeless lessons.
I’m with you Ryano.
I coach 9 to 16 year olds the basic fundamentals to build a sound technique. Only once that is attained, I then allow them to be a bit more liberated on the right ball to execute on more of a risk taking shot/s.
Having a great technique is the building block for any style of player AND format of cricket played.
Totally agree. I am currently running a winter academy for the best 13-16 year old's at my club. We spend the winter focusing on the basics in batting, bowling and fielding. We also talk a lot about the game and different scenarios so they improve their cricket knowledge and awareness. Been doing this for nearly 30 years, it pays huge dividends in their cricketing development.