📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Mitchell sweeps spinners apart in Tri-Nation final victory

• Pre-release grip switch: Fast bowlers' deceptive weapon discussed

• England seeks solutions to lagging ODI batting tempos

• Quick feet to scoring zones: Straight from the Barbados Royals Nets

• Milliseconds matter: Elite sport's microsecond performance margins

• Lever mechanics: Optimal bat length's role in technique formation

• 'Responsibility': One word keeps Rublev's emotions in check

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Sweeping Changes: The Mitchell Way

In a commanding display during the Tri-Nation series final, NZ's triumph was highlighted by Daryl Mitchell's clinical sweep shot execution. The tall right-hander dismantled the spinners with a complete array of sweeps, from the delicate paddle to the power sweep in front of square. For spinners missing their length, Mitchell's reach advantage proved a nightmare - his long levers, coupled with decisive footwork, forced them to constantly reassess their lengths. Watch his range here.

Sleight of Hand

Beyond widely discussed variations like slower balls and knuckle balls lies a less celebrated craft. Consider this: A fast bowler presents the shiny side during run-up, visible to the batsman's scrutinising eyes, only to switch sides seconds before release. Watch Waqar display this sleight of hand! This split-second disconnect between what the batsman reads and faces is enough to induce that crucial error. This understated skill, despite its effectiveness, takes a backseat to today's more obvious bowling variations.

The Tempo Game

English cricket has long grappled with producing batters naturally attuned to 50-over tempo. The role of coaching to develop this natural feel remains crucial - but how do we get there? 50-over batting centres on rhythm, where success lies in working singles off good balls before capitalising on errors. Smart coaches can bridge this gap through structured phase-specific training, simulating match scenarios to build that crucial innings-construction instinct. What's your take?

COACH’S CORNER

Quick Feet, Sharp Mind

WATCH HERE → Coach Lahiri's session with the Barbados Royals spotlights the vital link between footwork and mental preparation against spin. When you're swift in getting back or forward, you're not just buying yourself time against quality spin - you're opening up the entire crease for scoring opportunities. That's precisely what Lahiri's driving at with the Royals' unit.

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Racing Time: Sport's Thinnest Line

Sport's finest margins are measured in milliseconds. In Formula One, pit stops demand split-second precision; in cricket, batters face 150km/h deliveries in under half a second; in Bolt's historic 9.58-second sprint, just 130 milliseconds marked the gap to second place. Across every field and format, these imperceptible moments define excellence, revealing how greatness lives in the whispers between heartbeats.

Levers in Cricket: A Coaching Perspective

Cricket batting involves multiple lever systems working together - from shoulders to wrists. Most of these are third-class levers, where force is applied between the axis (joints) and resistance (bat). While longer levers like bats can generate more power and speed, they require greater force to control. This explains why junior players benefit from shorter, lighter bats - allowing proper technique development without overwhelming young players' ability to control multiple lever systems effectively.

BETWEEN THE EARS

The Power of a Simple Reminder

"Responsibility" - written on tennis star Andrey Rublev's shoes and hands - serves as his personal reminder of self-control. Athletes across sports grapple with frustration and anger during challenging moments. These visual cues can be powerful tools, helping players maintain composure when facing adversity. It's a simple yet effective strategy for staying on track under pressure.

Job Board

JOB OF THE WEEK 🏏

Head of Schools & Young People, London

Leader of Surrey Cricket Foundation's department which is responsible for growing and improving school cricket initiatives within the state and private sector for both girls and boys.

🔗UK: View Complete Job Board 🔗

🔗AUS: View Complete Job Board 🔗

_{Coaching Pro - Cricket Edition is a Contentive Publication in the Sports Division}