June 8th, 2006

Improved Cricket Performance

Cricket is a game where variety of factor’s come into play. Some we have control upon, others we do not. What we surely have control upon, are our physical and mental strength. Mental strength is the crux of the matter.

Prior to a sporting event, one must prepare mentally and physically. To cope with the stresses of the day, an individual sports person must think in lines of preparing for the well being of oneself, in mental and physical terms.

While mental strength is genetically and environmentally determined, it can be influenced and improved by training and by provision of a healthy and positive psychological atmosphere. This is a gradual process as it takes nurturing and time. The physical aspect is very much in individual control. With commitment, this process is fairly quick and easy to achieve. The process is continuous. It involves nutrition, flexibility and strength training.

Nutrition: Is the most important factor. Unfortunately, it is the aspect most frequently ignored. Briefly, approximately two hours prior to the game, a player must have a high carbohydrate meal with plenty of fruit juice. During the game, quick energy requirement is required. A banana or two every 30 to 45 minutes or so suffices. To prevent dehydration in Las Vegas heat, one must frequently intake water, preferably electrolyte drinks. It is important to have scheduled 15 – 20 minutes breaks so that everybody replenishes with drinks and bananas and where possible to use this time to sit down in shade and cool ones body temperature. Nutrition is of primary importance for efficiency in the field. After the game, repair of body tissues is needed. This is best achieved by high protein diet and undisturbed sleep.

Flexibility: An important aspect of training. This is achieved by frequent focused stretching. One needs to start by gentle stretching. As the body warms up, further stretching will go a long way.

Strength: Also a very important aspect. This is achieved by free body exercises and weight lifting. Nutrition, flexibility and strength overcome physical stresses of a game and indirectly nurture mental strength.

Take Home Message

Prior to match

  • Get a minimum of 8 hours of undisturbed sleep
  • Upon waking, eat high carbohydrate meal with plenty of fruit juice Forty five minutes prior to the game, start stretching.
  • Finish stretching 5-10 minutes before commencement of the game

During the game

  • Take quick breaks to eat bananas and drinks i.e., water and electrolyte
  • When there is a break in the game, go to a shaded place and cool down

In between innings

  • Rest, feed and hydrate. Stay in shade and cool down
  • Do gentle stretching

 

Submitted by: Anis Khair

Disclaimer
The above article Improved Cricket Performance is provided only for general information by the author Anis Khair and should not be treated as a substitute for professional supervision or, advice. Before starting any regime outlined in the article Improved Cricket Performance, you should consider consulting a qualified physician, fitness or, sports adviser to ensure the regime is suitable for you. If you have medical condition’s or, you are taking medication’s or, are in doubt whether you should or, should not undertake to use the general advice in the article Improved Cricket Performance or, have any other concerns, please consult your doctor.  If you have or, had asthma, heart condition, growth condition or, have experienced chest pains or, dizziness the author of the article Improved Cricket Performance strongly advices that you do not try any of the regime’s without prior health clearance from your physician.  Do not undertake any exercise program, diet or treatment provided by the author of the article Improved Cricket Performance without professional or, qualified supervision.  Any regime involving weights, workouts and apparatus may put strong physical demands on any child who is still growing, so supervision by physician is obligatory.  The author of the article Improved Cricket Performance and Las Vegas Cricket Club can not be held responsible for any injuries, discomfort or, inconvenience which may occur as a result of the advice in the article Improved Cricket Performance.  The Las Vegas Cricket Club website is not a medical facility and no information contained in this website should be used to prevent, treat or, diagnose medical conditions of any kind. The author Anis Khair of the article Improved Cricket Performance and Las Vegas Cricket Club are not liable for the content’s of the article Improved Cricket Performance