Many children are inspired by their parents interest in cricket and also the extent of coverage that the sport receives in the media. Playing cricket is a healthy and constructive past time, so let’s take this opportunity to encourage our youngsters to take part in something that can only be good for them.
- Children of a young age group have a very low attention span. Encouraging enthusiasm is more important at early stages than any skill development.
- Building confidence is all part of good preparation. The off-season provides an excellent time to make confidence more permanent. Confidence comes from quality practice and quality preparation.
- Develop inner strength and good levels of self-discipline.
- Develop a good work ethic at all times.
- Allow your kids to develop good basics and a solid foundation and more then give them enough freedom to grow.
- Enjoyment is vital. If they enjoy what they do, they will be more likely to make the sacrifices that are required to follow their careers.
- Be aware of relative strengths and weaknesses, be aware of potential and how to enhance upon this.
- Use goal setting: identify where your child wants to be and how they are getting there.
- Encourage and support without applying pressure.
- Kids don’t always enjoy the same sports that dad enjoys so rather allow them to grow into a sport then force feeding.
- All ball sports help to develop the skills that are required to succeed at the sport that your kid ends up choosing.
Promote the following values
- Fair play.
- To respect the laws of the game.
- To encourage teammates (everyone has different levels of self esteem).
- To never show dissent to an umpire.
- Always give your best!
- To accept defeat correctly and to congratulate the victor.
- To take responsibility for all their actions.
- Believe in themselves.
- Have as much fun playing as possible.
- Cherish the friendships that they make along the way.