Make your training complex

Cricket should be kept as simple as possible I think we all agree. To keep it simple is great advice but easier said than done. But as far as preparing for cricket goes I would like to see the implementation of more complex training sessions included. This is probably more so in the physical preparation side. My reasoning being, there is already enough complex maneuvers going on in the actual act of playing and training the skills of the game.

Look at the act of bowling. You have running, jumping, landing, balancing, bending, twisting and this is just the torso and the legs. The arms haven't even been mentioned yet. Now lets look at batting. Positioned ready and tapping the bat, lifting the bat and twisting the torso, legs moving, head moving and torso twisting, legs lunging and balancing in position and arms flailing the bat. All sounds pretty complex doesn't it. Yet watch the methods of most training sessions and you will see pretty straight forward training methods.

I would like to see more complex training methods that include multi faceted movements in the conditioning phases of training. So rather than running drills to get players fitter I would use resistance training even body weight and structure up a routine that stresses you just as much physically. But includes movements that the body has to try and piece together just as it does in a game situation. Make the time frame of the conditioning phase similar to that of the act of bowling and batting, you then have a closer training and playing regime which can only benefit your game fitness and energy production.

This form of interval training we use in all of our fitness training in our studio and outdoors. And with the interest it's generating it won't be long before clubs will start using it for preseason type of training. Any takers?