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Neuro Batting- Enhancing Batting Performance Under Pressure: The Neuroscience Behind Effective Cricket Training

The Brain on the Cricket Field: Training vs. Game Conditions

Understanding how the brain operates under different conditions can revolutionise how we train athletes, especially batters in cricket. By tailoring training methods to activate and optimise specific brain areas, we can significantly enhance a player's ability to remain calm, focused, and effective when it matters most.

In a relaxed training environment, several brain regions are primarily engaged

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3 months ago



Just over a year ago, I published the piece below on the ongoing importance of dynamic movement for peak batting performance.

My purpose was to provide a counterpoint to a disturbing trend over recent years towards batting coaches focusing on stillness and stability at the expense of dynamic movement.

My concern, in particular, was for young batters between the ages of 8-16. It’s vitally important that youngsters learn full-body, fluid, dynamic movement when batting. There is plenty of time to stabilise and refine later. But if you miss the opportunity, for example, to become a dynamic ‘skip-stepper’ and ‘spring-backer’ against spin bowling during that period, it is very, very difficult to acquire the skill as an adult.

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3 months ago



In cricket, the ability to perform under pressure is paramount. Whether you're a budding youth player or an experienced professional, the link between physical readiness and mental ability is undeniable. The Neuro Batting Program recognises that to achieve peak performance, every link in the chain must be strong. While vision, cognitive, and mental skills are crucial, the physical attributes from the shoulders to the toes play an equally vital role.

By focusing on holistic development, the program ensures that no part of the batter's performance is left to chance, preparing them to handle pressure and excel in every game. Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the Neuro Batting Program ensures that every link is strengthened for success.

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3 months ago



Unlock Your Batting Potential with the Power of Writing!

Did you know that something as simple as writing by hand can benefit your batting performance?

Our Neuro Batting Program integrates handwriting into training to boost memory, sharpen focus, and fine-tune motor skills. Imagine remembering strategies better, staying laser-focused during crucial moments, and having impeccable hand-eye coordination.

It's not just about batting; it's about becoming a smarter, more confident player on and off the field. So, let's pick up those pens and write our way to batting excellence!

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4 months ago



As the bowler moves in from the top of his mark, I focus on the 156g red projectile in his right hand. Fingers evenly spaced on either side of the seam as he prepares to send down another thunderbolt.

Keeping my mind clear is the Ronan Keating song I have jammed in my head.

"The smile on your face let's me know that you need me,"

It is all so calm and peaceful as the bowler drops it short

"There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me"

I instinctively transfer my weight onto the back foot and cut the ball

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4 months ago



The very best batters are fearless in their intent and confident in their mindset, talent, and training to score runs.

Even so, I’m sure at some stage of their careers they had their doubts and found runs hard to come by. They might also have experienced some level of FOGO (fear of getting out).

As a conversation starter and to assist others, if you have experienced FOGO, I'd like to know what strategies or plans you've implemented to help you overcome it.

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4 months ago



Looking to take up that batting average?

Every batter, regardless of whether you're playing at the MCG or the local park has to hold a set of essential skills that can take their game to a whole new level. Let's talk our top five tips:

🏏 Stance and Grip: Start with a balanced stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold the bat firmly but not too tight, with your top hand’s thumb and forefinger forming a ‘V’ pointing down the back of the bat.

🏏 Watch the Ball: Keep your eyes on the ball from the bowler’s hand until it reaches you. Anticipate the ball’s trajectory and decide your shot early.

🏏 Footwork: Quick and decisive footwork is crucial. Move your feet towards the pitch of the ball to play it with control and precision.

🏏 Backlift and Swing: Maintain a consistent backlift, bringing the bat up and back in a smooth motion. Swing through the line of the ball, ensuring a full follow-through for power and accuracy.

🏏 Head Position: Keep your head still and in line with the ball. This helps maintain balance and control, making it easier to place your shots.

These are your simple, repeatable steps to push those numbers up every time you step out onto the pitch 💯

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4 months ago

My son is 15 and loves cricket. During the off-season last year, he worked really hard on his batting.
He was opening the batting and really enjoyed it and wanted to get a lot better. But after two games and he scored 33 and 41 the coach said he batted too slow and for the rest of the season he was batting down the order and didn’t get many chances.
No, he says what’s the point of training this off season. It’s sad as he really does love batting and the game. What advice could anyone offer?

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6 months ago



Cricket typically spans six months, from September to March, during which each club, team, and player must contend with factors such as player availability, weather, pitches, fast and slow outfields, and dropped catches.

What makes it undeniable to play semi final cricket and win premierships is the need to have a connected team with a strong work ethic who play good cricket with the bat, ball, on and the field.

It’s true that catches win matches, but it’s the bowlers who create the chances. Bowlers rely heavily on the batters to score the runs needed to win the game to capitalise on their good efforts when they bowl first and score enough runs to give the bowlers a target to bowl to when the team bats first.

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6 months ago



What's your IPF batting index?

If you know the number of innings you've played at any level and the number of scores above 50 you can calculate your Innings Per Fifty Batting Index.

Don Bradman played 338 test and first class innings and scored 117 centuries and 69 half centuries. 186 scores above above 50. 338 innings divided by 186 scores above 50 gives Bradman a IPF Batting Index of 1.82

Former South African Test batter Barry Richards played 576 test and first class innings and scored 80 centuries and 152 half centuries so his IFP Batting Index is 2.48.

Examples of other batters IPF in first class cricket

Sachin Tendulkar - 2.48
Ricky Ponting - 2.63
Jacques Kallis - 2.65
Graeme Pollock - 2.68. 437 test and first class innings
Steve Smith 2.70 currently
Mark Waugh - 2.76. 622 test and first class innings
Chris Rogers - 2.80
Kane Williamson - 2.81
Kumar Sangakkara - 2.87
Viv Richards 2.88 - played 796 test and first class innings
Matthew Hayden - 2.88
Brian Lara - 2.88
Damien Martyn - 2.93
Greg Chappell - 2.93. 542 test and first class innings
Allan Border - 2.95
Mike Hussey - 2.96
Joe Root - 2.97
Babar Azam - 2.98
Steve Waugh - 3.13
David Warner - 3.23
Virat Kohli - 3.23

Examples of existing first class players around Australia

Ollie Davies - 2.67. Has only played 16 first class innings
Marnuis Labuschagne - 3.14
Usman Khawaja - 3.22
Travis Head - 3.49
Peter Handscomb - 3.56
Daniel Hughes - 3.89
Nic Maddinson - 3.96
Cameron Green - 4.00
Marcus Harris - 4.01
Kurtis Patterson - 4.05
Nathan McSweeney - 4.21
Tim Ward - 4.31
Cameron Bancroft - 4.44
Matt Renshaw - 4.83

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6 months ago



Cricket is a statistical game, and while statistics don’t always paint the full picture, they’re a pretty good place to start.

Hundreds are the treasure, the gold nuggets we all strive for, but you can’t score a century without first passing 50 or worse, still sitting in the sheds watching your team mates out in the middle.

The very best in Australia since the 1990s has been Ricky Ponting, who scored 50 or more in every 2.63 innings of first-class cricket (including test innings).

Young Ollie Davies from NSW has only played 16 first innings but is a shining light, scoring 50 or more every 2.67 innings.

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6 months ago



I was talking to a mate who’s also a level 3 cricket coach, and he shared a batting tip I hadn’t thought of or heard before.

“People talk about the importance of a batter’s weight and hands moving through towards where they want to hit the ball when driving, and they’re correct. Another way to look at it is to keep it really simple and ask the batter to focus on making sure the toe of the bat is heading towards where you want to hit the ball.”

I like it.

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7 months ago



Developing vision, cognitive, and mental skills is crucial for batting in cricket due to the complex and dynamic nature of the game. Each of these areas plays a significant role in enhancing a batter’s performance.

Vision Skills:
• Accuracy and Precision: Good visual acuity helps batters in accurately judging the speed, spin, and trajectory of the ball, enabling them to time their shots better and place them more precisely.
• Quick Reaction: Enhanced visual processing speed allows batters to react more swiftly to fast deliveries, increasing their chances of successfully hitting the ball.

Cognitive Skills:
• Better Decision Making: Cricket involves split-second decisions about whether to play a shot, what type of shot to play, and how aggressively to play it. Strong cognitive skills help in making these decisions quickly and correctly.
• Concentration and Focus: Batting requires sustained concentration over long periods, often in varying environmental conditions and against different types of bowlers. The ability to focus intensely on each delivery is key to a successful innings.

Mental Skills:
• Handling Pressure: Cricket, particularly in its longer formats, is as much a mental game as a physical one. The ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, maintain confidence, and manage anxiety is vital for success.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The game’s conditions can change rapidly due to factors like weather, pitch deterioration, and the bowling team’s tactics. Mental resilience and adaptability enable batters to adjust their approach and overcome challenges.
Impact on Technical and Tactical Aspects:
• Technique Improvement: Enhanced vision and cognitive skills directly contribute to aiding a batter’s technique, including their footwork, and shot execution.
• Strategic Gameplay: Advanced mental and cognitive abilities allow batters to understand the game situation better, anticipate the opposition’s tactics, and adapt their batting strategy accordingly. This includes selecting the right shots, rotating the strike, and building partnerships.

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7 months ago



Unlock Your True Potential with Neuro Batting! 🏏

Over the next 8 weeks we will explore the Neuro Batting Principles and fundamentals. Our academy players have been using it for a number of weeks and I am very impressed with not only their progress but also their commitment to this concept.

1️⃣ Neuroplasticity Training: Ever imagined reshaping your brain to master those tricky shots? Neuroplasticity makes it possible! Through targeted practice, we're not just improving; we're evolving.

2️⃣ Cognitive Skills Development: Think fast, play fast! Enhancing your cognitive abilities means sharper decision-making and unparalleled focus when it matters most.

3️⃣ Stress Management: Pressure? What pressure? Learn to stay cool and collected in the hottest moments, turning stress into your secret weapon.

4️⃣ Motor Skill Optimization: It's all about moving smarter. Fine-tune your batting to perfection with the latest in motor skill science.

5️⃣ Visualization & Mental Rehearsal: See it, believe it, achieve it! Use the power of your mind to prepare for every delivery, building confidence and skill even off the field.

Fundamentals at the Core: Wrapped around these principles are the unshakeable fundamentals of batting - technique, physical conditioning, tactical awareness and mental toughness. Master these, and you're not just playing cricket; you're redefining it.

Every swing you take, every run you make, neuro batting is shaping you into the cricketer of tomorrow. Ready to transform your game? We will share this journey with you!

Andre Burger Cricket - /

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8 months ago



THE V Precision Challenge No.3 Top hand drill.
The introduction of zone markers to THE V net has created target zones for precision training.

We have designed a series of targeted 9 shot drills

By focusing on specific shot selections and target zones batters will develop a comprehensive skill set.

The unique V net design generates a repeating absorb deflect return action during use. This allows for continuous shot play and quality repetitions fast tracking key batting skills including rhythm, timing and strike power.

Repetition is the key when it comes to learning. THE V creates a unique immersive training environment that is inherently linked to cognitive motor learning.

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10 months ago
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