Hertfordshire Development Programme 2018
The Hertfordshire Development programme runs across an 18-week scheme split either side of Christmas (9 Pre Xmas, 9 Post), and works across three different age groups: U13, U14 and U15. Altogether for the Winter 2018/19 Scheme we have included a total of 132 players across the three different age groups, running across 7 groups situated at either Beaumont School in St. Albans or Rickmansworth School, both providing excellent facilities for the players to work in.
Within these sessions, we look to work with cricketers that have been identified as promising players and provide a pathway for some into their respective County Age Groups. The programme looks to improve the participants technical skills across Batting, Bowling, Fielding and Physical Fitness, whilst also looking to help them gain more of an insight into the mental aspect of both cricket and teamwork. All players work closely with highly skilled coaches during this period and have access to contact them throughout the Programme in order to find out Strengths as well as area’s for improvement.
The Development Scheme acts as a pathway for players looking to progress from their clubs into the County Age groups and, as a result of this, Coaches are in regular discussion on the progress made from the Development groups across the course of the programme. On a number of occasions throughout the duration of the winter training, if we feel that certain players have shown enough progression in both their technical skill’s and mental understanding, then there have been opportunities available to send players to train with their respective County sides.From personal opinion in running many of these development sessions, we have seen this act as extra motivation for those attending.
At Hertfordshire Cricket, we feel that the age groups that we are covering within the Development Programme are vital as it gives coaches an opportunity to work with bright, energetic, talented players over a sustained period of time, allowing them to take back what has been taught within the sessions to either their club or school training. This in turn will ultimately give them the best possibility of progressing to a high level with their cricket in years to come. Within all of this however, we look to make sure that the players attending enjoy every session. We thrive on making sure the environment is one of positivity, learning and energy.
Ben Waring
Hertfordshire Development Lead Coach
