Some thoughts on the captain’s role

1. Objectives
• Ensure all players play to the club mantra. “Trust, Respect and Humility” to each other, the opposition, the umpires, supporters, and the crowd.
• Establish clear goals and encourage team members to work together.
• Get the most out of every player
• Allow the team to enjoy the journey and have fun.

2. Some typical common goals you agree on
• It all about “A weekend in March” – to make the final!
• Bat the full overs, convert 50’s to 100s, survive the first hour, never throw your wicket away, 1 ball at a time, really focus after fall of a wicket, drinks, lunch, tea breaks
• Bowl to the plan, in the “corridor of uncertainty”, “hit the top of off”.

3. Some Key strategies
• Discuss team and individual goals, and how to achieve them. Ensure they’re realistic and measurable. Talk about them often. Make sure everyone knows what is expected.
• Talk to every player individually, regularly. Encourage and give feedback. Listen to their feedback, give them as many opportunities as you can.
• It’s a team game, so to succeed you want everyone to contribute. Let the others take the glory but be ready to step up and take responsibility when necessary.

4. On the field
• Ensure everyone knows the bowling plans.
• Watch the fielders constantly, make sure they are where you want them. Make subtle changes, it keeps players involved.
• Never be afraid to make major changes, rather than just letting the game roll on. Try things.
• Talk to the bowlers between overs, encourage, reinforce the plans.
• Find someone who you can talk to, who can see things you might not. Usually it’s the keeper, first slip or mid-off).
• Encourage – “It only takes one ball”, “one wicket brings two”.

5. The umpires
• Talk to them when they arrive at the ground, get to know their names, invite them to afternoon tea, talk to them after the game, take them a drink. They're good people, interested in cricket.
• Above all, treat them with respect. Everyone makes some mistakes. Accept it and move on.

6. In the change rooms
• Encourage everyone to stay at the end of the day. Be positive, even after a loss, talk about the game, especially the good bits, recognise the good performances, avoid blame or failures. Everyone is going to make mistakes. Learn from them.
• Remember it is a game. We play to enjoy (and to win) but mostly to have fun and enjoy time with our mates. Nothing wrong with having a few scars. And there is always next week