The Mental Game – How to Stay Focused and Confident on the Field
While there are clearly some physical skills involved, the sport of cricket also has a strong mental side to it.
Unlike other sports where contests are over in under an hour, cricket matches can span multiple days and therefore require participants to stay focused and confident on the field.
Here is some advice on how to stay mentally sharp during matches – which will better prepare you to react and make plays on the field.
1. Be present in the moment
It’s important to stay in the moment in cricket, especially when fielding.
You might have earlier dropped a catch or messed up a throw back to the wicketkeeper, but dwelling on past mistakes won’t help you going forward.
Try to stay mentally tough and not worry about past mistakes or potential future ones.
If this is occurring and your mind begins to wander, try to bring your focus back to your breathing and the bowler’s run up.
2. Take short mental breaks
Being mentally turned in for a few minutes can be difficult, let alone an entire cricket match.
When the ball is dead in-between deliveries, allow yourself to take a mental break and relax a little before returning to 100 per cent concentration when the bowler begins their run up.
Allowing your mind to wander a little between deliveries is not a bad thing – as long as they are not negative thoughts – and can help keep your mind fresh and ready for the next ball.
This strategy is not only good for fielders but also players when they are batting and bowling.
3. Engage with your teammates
When you are fielding, you are one of 11 players from your team on the oval.
If you are batting, you have one teammate at the other end of the crease.
Engaging with your teammates can help you stay focused and confident during matches and be more mentally involved in the game.
If a teammate near you does some good fielding work or takes a catch, let them know about it.
If your team’s bowler is hitting the spot ball after ball, celebrate them and let them know that results will come.
If your batting partner is nailing great shots at the other end of the crease, congratulate them.
As a bowler or fielder you can also engage with teammates about setting the field and voice ideas to the captain or bowler.
These types of actions can help you stay focused on the match and if you encourage your teammates you might also have them build you up more in return – improving your own confidence levels.
4. Consider a pre-game routine
A lot of sportspeople like to maintain a consistent pre-game routine to mentally prepare themselves.
Whether it is meditation, listening to your favourite pump-up music or simply getting to the ground nice and early so you are relaxed for the day ahead in the field, a pre-game routine could help with your focus and confidence.
Want to improve your cricket game?
If you are determined to improve your cricket game, you have come to the right spot.
At Cricket For All, we are an Adelaide-based cricket centre with an experienced team of nationally-accredited coaches.
We offer one-on-one coaching along with Academy programs for children and we can help improve both the mental and physical sides of your game.
Get in touch with us today to discuss our coaching options.
