CRICKET THEN AND NOW

to a peak running into the season. As an all-rounder I have several

key areas to focus on, functional flexibility, core strength and stability, strength maintenance and aerobic programmes. There will always be pre-hab work to do as well with work on the rotator-cuff being crucial to protect the shoulder from a long season’s throwing workload. As a captain, I always thought

that the fitness element should be central to the development of team spirit and the commitment that individuals are prepared to show for the team. I translate confidence into preparedness and I have no doubt of the effects of physical conditioning on both individual confidence and also collective esprit de corps. Having an ‘external’ conditioning coach also allows them to play the ‘bad guy’ in training sessions but they are a vital cog in a tight and integrated management team who need to communicate clearly and regularly around the players. No matter how hard we train

in the gym over the winter months, the pre-season days of early April really take their toll. Hours of bowling in the indoor nets and batting away are no substitute for delivering the same skills in 14 layers of thermals and sweaters as the icy polar winds sweep across Grace Road. This is probably the only thing that hasn’t changed on the physical side of my career and perhaps the only way it might is global warming!

As I write this, I am as excited in my testimonial and nineteenth year as I was in my debut season. Cricket is a great game and every year, we prepare ourselves physically, mentally, tactically and technically for the challenges ahead. We all hope that in leaving no stone unturned, we may see another trophy in the cabinet in 2008. One thing’s for sure, Spiderman

will be using all his power to make it happen.

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THE MODERN APPROACH

BY SUSIE WOOLMER, BSc CLOSED SEASON

For me the closed season of the English County game is a very busy time. As the senior professionals disappear to pursue their winter

commitments, the young age group squads of Leicestershire arrive in their masses, most of them so small, they struggle to

negotiate their kit bags through to the dressing room.

At such a young age (under 11s

through to under 17s, boys and girls), sport must be fun to ensure continued involvement. My role as the strength and conditioning coach is to introduce the players to good practice, aiming to establish coordination, movement control and foundation strength. If we can achieve this at an early age, we inevitably make the job easier for both

As Jeremy Snape pointed out in the previous article, pre-season for cricketers has changed

dramatically during his career. Susie Woolmer, strength and conditioning coach at Leicestershire CCC gives a personal insight

into pre-season preparation for established and aspiring

professional cricketers and her role as the strength and conditioning coach.

the individual and ourselves in future years. As they get older, the young players buy into training because they have been educated about its importance in injury prevention and potential to reach optimal performance

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