📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Sangakkara's method: Building lasting confidence in technically gifted batters

• Inside Rohit's 27th-over strategy against Wood's telegraphed short-ball plan

• Deep dive: Five-phase progression system for mastering off-spin bowling

• Study: Small-sided practice games boost player engagement by 60%

• Has modern coaching stripped bowling of its natural instincts?

• Psychology: Why chasing form only pushes it further away

• Practice Tip: The 'blind batting' drill that sharpens decision-making

Sangakkara to Coaches: Solving the Performance Puzzle

The sight of a technically gifted batter dismantling bowling attacks in nets, only to falter in matches, remains cricket's enduring enigma. In a recent interaction through the Rajasthan Royals Academies, listen here to Kumar Sangakkara, whose career was built on both sublime skill and steely temperament, diagnose this challenge through a methodical process. The Sri Lankan great reveals how coaches can build lasting confidence in talented players, transforming promising prospects into consistent match-winners.

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FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

The Rohit Reading Room

Dissecting Rohit's 119 (90) transcended mere run-accumulation. His post-match articulation about "breaking it down into pieces" offered a window into how elite batsmen compartmentalise the game's complexities. The defining moment came in the 27th over against Wood: despite three deep leg-side fielders telegraphing short-pitch intent, Rohit's superior game awareness anticipated the full delivery, creating room to carve it through point - cognitive batting at its finest. View the Moment ▶

Between Two Pitches: Spinning Success Stories

Lyon and Kuhnemann's series-leading wicket haul frames our analysis of distinct spin approaches. While Australian conditions demand overspin to beat batters in the air, subcontinental wickets reward accuracy with a square seam, allowing balls to grip or skid through at pace. Drawing from his subcontinent experiences, Smith highlighted how the most threatening bowlers deceive through subtle variations in arm position and crease use, complemented by mechanics demanding full-body engagement for drift and turn. Success across these contrasting conditions hinges on these adaptations.

COACH’S CORNER

Grip. Rip. Drift.

WATCH HERE → A detailed technical analysis of off-spin bowling mechanics, demonstrating a five-phase progression from imparting revolutions and finger control through to memory foam elevation drills and alignment channels. The sequence examines wrist positioning, front-foot duration, proper setup angles, and action integration for maximising turn, bounce, drift and dip.

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

The Science of Situational Learning

Research shows reducing player numbers in practice boosts individual actions by 60%, whilst spatial adjustments shape positioning and decision rates. Studies confirm confined spaces lift technical interactions, while expanded formats drive higher completion rates through tactical rotation. Testing across development stages proves decision-making improves when combining positional pressure with scoring outcomes - emphasising match-relevant moments over isolation.

Have We Programmed the Instinct Out of Cricket Bowling?

The striking imbalance between batting and bowling evolution reveals a fundamental truth: batting embodies skilful behaviour while bowling has retreated into habit. As Rob Gray notes, "Skilful behaviour is not rote, repetitive, and automatic." Batting demonstrates this through constant perception-action coupling, while bowling's reliance on motor engrams and programmed movements has diminished its adaptive capacity. Through the Reticular Activating System, bowling remains 'cold' while batting evolves through active sensory engagement.

BETWEEN THE EARS

When Form Eludes Us

IIn cricket's ethereal connection with form, we often reach for it like grasping at mist when it fades. Yet experience teaches that forcing performance only creates tension that clouds natural talent. The path back lies in patience and process – maintain your routines, trust your training, and let excellence flow naturally. Form always finds its way back to those who wait.

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JOB OF THE WEEK 🏏

Coach Development Specialist, Cricket Australia

We have an exciting opportunity for a Coach Development Specialist to join the Community Cricket and Capability division. Coaches are integral to the success of the game, and we need you to join Cricket Australia and lead..

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BETWEEN THE EARS

The Early Read

Coach throws down from 18 yards. Batter watches ball release, closes eyes at mid-pitch (on coach's "shut" call). Must complete shot based on initial trajectory read alone. 20-30 quality balls, building pace gradually.
Value: Sharpens initial ball reading, builds decisive footwork, eliminates second-guessing. Elite batters win matches through early decision-making - this drill isolates and strengthens that skill.

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