VOLUME 38 – June 2020

Northerns Cricket Union - SuperSport Park Centurion 012 663 1005 PO Box 7706 Centurion, 0046 [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Sibonelo Ngcobo NCU Coaching Manager CONTENT We are very excited to present you with the first edition of The Leading Edge Page 1 for the season 2020/2021. It has been a very challenging time for everyone Introduction around the amid COVID -19. I trust that you all are keeping well and safe during this Alert Level 3 Lockdown. Page 2 What Can Cricket Teach Us I am sure that most of you have rested well and you are now raring to go. About Effective Leadership We should be appreciative that cricket has been identified as a non contact Page 3 sport that can now cautiously resume with training. We will keep you on the The Power of An Introduction loop regarding the return to cricket plans as previously communicated to you

Page 4 via e-mails. Practicing Bowling Skills – Yorkers This edition of The Leading is mainly focusing on coaching and coaches matters and I am delighted to share material that will assist you engage with Page 5 Assistant Coaches And Their your players during this lockdown period. Roles Leadership is very crucial especially during this difficult period. The players Page 6 need us as coaches and leaders within our different capacities. The article The W – Sport & Wellness that we have put together will assist you in making smart decisions and give Centre you guidance to be a better leader.

Page 7 Dean Elgar’s Batting We have also given you cricket related articles that will assist you in your Masterclass coaching. It will also enhance your drills and skills when you start to work with your players again. Page 8 Northerns Celebrates We also acknowledge and recognise excellence by our players, Schools, Excellence Clubs, Hubs/RPC’s as we conclude the 2019/2020 season. Congratulations Page 9 & 10 to all the winners!! Thank You To All Our Partners & Stakeholders The Sport Wellness centre situated at SuperSport Park is ready to serve all Page 11 our sports men and women. Contact them for booking and more info. COVID- 19:Salute To All On The Frontline Health Care Workers I trust that you will enjoy reading this Edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Stay Safe! 1

In any sport, success is reliant on having a united team and strong leadership. In cricket, there are many leaders, from coaches, captains and vice-captains, to the bowlers setting the field.

It is the captain that plays the most important role in building a united team on and off the field. There is a lot riding on the leadership qualities of the captain. It is a combination on making decisions on the order of play, determining strategy, tactics and inspiring the team to keep learning and growing, means there is a lot riding on the leadership qualities of the captain. It’s no different for leaders in the business world. There is a lot of crossover between the desired leadership qualities of a cricket captain and a leader or manager in any organisation.

Being yourself Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Not everyone leads in the same way and our personality plays a big part in this. What makes a good leader is someone that knows when and how to play to their strengths.

“I think with captaincy you just have to do it your own way. You can’t copy someone. You can learn from different captains as you go along but in the end you have to follow your instincts and do the job the way your character allows you to do it.” Alastair Cook, Former England Cricket Captain

Leaders don’t need to overhaul their leadership style or follow the exact footsteps of others in the leadership team. What they need to do is to work at being the best version of themselves and only then can they get the best out of those they lead.

People management Man management and the ability to get the best out of every individual in the team is as important in the workplace as it is in cricket.

Just like any team, there will often be an eclectic mix of people with different personalities, behaviours, attitudes and experiences.

“The captain has to pull together ten different individuals with contrasting personalities and personality traits and get them all going in the same direction by treating them equally but differently.” Steve Waugh, Former Australia Cricket Captain

It's so important for leaders to understand these differing personalities so that they can adapt their leadership style to get the best out of each individual. This means being attuned to the feelings and nature of the people you manage. Tools like personality profiling can help leaders with this.

Adaptability In cricket, the ability of the captain and all players to adapt as new situations emerge in a match is critical. Whether it’s understanding when and how to utilise each individual’s strengths, adapting to a change of wind direction, or finding yourself in a super over in a world cup final, adaptability is at the heart of leadership. The same team can require different types of leadership at different stages in its development. A team in transition will require very strong leadership and direction, but as the team becomes more established , and the team members are more settled, this type of approach can be damaging to the team. In this instance, a more democratic and inclusive approach is required.

Leaders are forced to adapt to circumstances, people and technology on a daily basis and they need to do this quickly. There is no room not to be adaptable.

Resilience We have seen it time again, the enormous amount of pressure put on our national sports teams as they head into any tournament. In the cricket world, if a captain doesn’t deliver in a personal capacity, people will start to question their leadership skills. we need resilient leaders who have the strength and courage to lead people through the good times and the bad and can stop negative criticism from putting them off their game. Think how Eoin Morgan has withstood criticism for not singing the national anthem...

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SET THE TONE You're here to train. It's great for players to catch-up with each other or do their own thing for a bit but when you start your intro, that indicates to them that it's time for them to dial in. If you still have players dawdling about when it comes to starting your first drill, they are likely to carry this into that drill and who knows when they'll shake it off. An introduction can be the time where they switch on and head into the first drill ready to work.

DON'T WASTE TIME Precious minutes can be lost at the start of the session. Don't let this happen! You probably don't get very long together to practice in between matches, therefore you need to make the most of the time that you do have. An introduction can help gather your players together and save time organising and explaining going into the first drill. Also, be consistent with your introduction start time. Players know what time they need to be there, so don't let latecomers delay the start of it. For the same reason that other factors might delay the start to training, keep your words short but sweet. Spend too long on it and you could have lost 10 minutes before you get going on drills.

REVIEW

After the dust has settled from a game and you've had time to reflect on your team's performance, the start of training is a great time to give feedback and discuss what went well and what could have been done better.

This doesn't have to all come from you, invite your players to have their input and share their feelings on how the team performed. This will help you understand what they thought of their own performance and if your thoughts match up. Reviewing can lead onto what you might be doing in the upcoming session to correct mistakes or build on a strong performance.

GIVE IT MEANING What do you want your players to get out of the session? It might be mastering a specific skill, rectifying something that didn't go well in a match or just to ensure they go away with a smile on their faces. Tell your players this! You're then both on the same page and both working towards a common goal. On top of this, go over the drills that you are going to cover in the session, why you have chosen these drills and how these drills will help you to achieve the session goal.

If you haven't given your training session a meaning, players can leave unfulfilled. Let them all leave feeling like they have achieved something and there was a reason that you put that session together for them.

RECOGNISE ACHIEVEMENTS One of your players might have reached a landmark in number of appearances or runs scored or wicket/ catches taken, don't let this go unnoticed. It should be celebrated. It can also be someone that you thought put in a good performance, who doesn't usually get all the accolades. This can build a positive environment and will set the training session off in the right manner.

Try to share the recognition out amongst your team every time you do this, don't let it be the same players you are calling out, otherwise this could start having the opposite effect. This doesn't just have to stop at someone's performance on the pitch, you can also recognise someone’s achievements off it.

An introduction is a small but powerful element to any session and can have a big impact on the way the rest of the session plays out. Try adding an intro and see how it can give your training a boost.

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ThisThis isis aa funfun andand competitivecompetitive drilldrill thatthat willwill enhanceenhance thethe skillskill ofof your bowlers even more. The drill can be conducted in the middle – toto makemake it it more more realistic realistic or or you you can can do do it it at at the the nets nets with with your your bowl bowlers.ers.

Increase the level of competition and intensity within your practice. The drill is aimed at achieving the following:

• Bowler staying calm under pressure but at the same be able execute the skill consistently. The drill is aimed at achieving the following: • Executing the skill well under pressure. • Bowler staying calm under pressure but at the same be able execute the skill consistently. • Maintain consistency on your bowling. • Executing the skill well under pressure. • Be decisive when resorting to a yorker and trusting your skill. • Maintain consistency on your bowling. • Enhance your delivery groupings when bowling yorkers. • Be decisive when resorting to a yorker and trusting your skill. • Enhances bowler’s stamina and concentration. • Enhance your delivery groupings when bowling yorkers. • Increase the level of competition and intensity within a practice. • Improve• Enhances decision bowler’s making whenstamina before and concentration. • Increase the level of competition and intensity within a practice.

• Improve decision making when before EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Cricket balls: 6 or 12

Cricket stumps: one full set Cones: 2m height (preferably) Single bar

THE SET UP: The bowler bowls 18 balls (3 overs) – you can let the bowlers bowl in pairs or single. You can let the bowlers take turns to bowl overs.

Decide the line of yorker to work on with your bowlers.

Bowler can also call out the type of yorker to ball before bowling it.

Have a point system – you can use your discretion depending on what you want to achieve with your bowlers:

-1 for a wide (bowl again) 0 points for hitting bar 0 points for hitting cones 1 point for getting the ball under the bar & missing the stumps. 2 points for getting delivery under the bar and hitting

any of the stumps. 3 points for getting the ball under the bar and hitting the intended stump.

*You can use your discretion and modify the drill the way you want.

Have Fun and Enjoy!! 4

Assistant coaches are critical to your team’s success. But if they’re overstepping their bounds and focusing on the wrong thing, they can hinder your team’s progress.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY: Assistant coaches aren’t going to step on your toes purposely. If they’re crossing into coaching territory you don’t want them to, the problem may simply be that they’re unaware of what your expectations and their responsibilities are. Sitting down with your assistants and discussing the expectations with them is vitally important. That way, you’re both on the same page. Just like coaching players, you need to give your assistants clear and defined roles and responsibilities .

PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS: If you know that your assistant excels in a certain area, allow them the opportunity to take ownership of that role. It’s important to consider your assistant’s strengths. It’s then your job to put the assistant coach in the position to use those strengths to benefit the program.

TOUCH BASE: Making sure your assistants don’t overstep their bounds isn’t something you can do once at the beginning of the year and then forget about the rest of the season. Check in regularly with your coaches, both formally and informally, to be sure that they understand what their role is. Daily huddles with your assistants is advisable. These should only take between five and 10 minutes, but they give you the opportunity to get everyone’s ducks in a row. Ask your coaches what their key priorities are for the day and talk to them about the metrics you want them to meet. This will ensure they focus on the right things each day.

MANAGEMENT MATTERS: During the season, write down and document metrics and roles for your coaches, and then scheduling weekly and monthly meetings with assistants to discuss how well they are meeting them. This can provide them with valuable feedback and let them know when things need to change.

“I put myself around good people, including my assistant coaches. A lot of head coaches are intimidated by their assistant coaches, they'd rather get people that are far less talented than them because it's not threatening” Tony DiCicco

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The W – Sport & Wellness Centre was established in 2015 with the vision on providing a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of sport injuries and chronic conditions.

Mission Statement • To educate and generate awareness on health and wellness • To provide evidence based, high quality health services to the public

MEET THE TEAM Anca Wessels - Biokineticist & Sport massage therapist

Anca is a BASA (Biokinetic Association of South Africa) and HPCSA registered Biokineticist as well as a certified Sport Massage Therapist. She completed her honours degree in Sport Science in 2006 and her honours degree in Biokinetics in 2007 through the University of Pretoria and completed her Sport Massage Therapy qualification in 2006.

Anca has a keen interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, pain related to pre- and post-natal as well as working with kids and the elderly. Her passion for wellness and overall health advice has increased over the years and Anca prides herself on the wide spectrum of services provided by he r practice.

Dr. Gert Ferreira – Chiropractor

Dr Gert Ferreira qualified with his Master’s degree in Technology of Chiropractic at the University of Johannesburg in 2014. During his studies he was privileged to work at UJ’s Chiropractic clinic as an

Assistant Clinician, he was also President of the Student Chiropractic Sports Council.

Dr Gert Ferreira always had an intense passion for sport. At school he played u/15, u/16 and u/18 Blue Bulls youth clubs. Dr Gert Ferreira was involved with the Golden Lions Female rugby team in 2014. With Chirosport South Africa he has treated at numerous sporting events including the Africa CrossFit Regionals

in 2013 and 2014 as World Powerlifting championship held in Potchefstroom, Masters World Squash championship etc. Dr. Lebogang Khesa – Chiropractor

Dr. Lebogang Khesa qualified with his Master’s degree of Technology in Chiropractic at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in February 2020. During his studies he was privileged to be selected to work at sport

events such as the ABSA Cape Epic, Mandela Marathon, 702 Walk the Talk, Germiston Lake VLC Sprint. After the completion of his internship, he was honoured to get an opportunity to work with the first team of the Kaizer Chiefs football club in December 2019.

Dr. Lebogang Khesa prides himself on having a “patient first approach” to healthcare, meaning that he

considers the patient as a whole and thus he loves to work in multi-disciplinary settings such as at The W Sport and Wellness Centre. He is passionate about sport chiropractic and continually works on getting him self in a position where he is considered as one of the best sport chiropractors in South Africa. Under the mentorship of Dr. Gert Ferreira, he firmly believes that he will be able to achieve this goal.

Lucas Breedt – Podiatrist

Lucas Breedt is a HPCSA registered podiatrist who is currently the National Executive Secretary for the Podiatry Association of South Africa (PASA). Lucas completed is Bachelors in Podiatry at the University of Johannesburg in 2016, Lucas has a keen interest in clinical biomechanics, sports medicine, custom foot orthotics, running shoes and clinical diagnostics. 6

TAKE YOUR BATTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH

-DEAN ELGAR- • A pregame routine is a crucial part of every cricket match, here's how Dean Elgar prepares. • Enjoy it, be confident, prepare well. Momentum Multiply Titans batter Dean Elgar talks about prepping for a new ball. • Learn how to hit a cricket ball like a pro with Momentum Multiply Titans batter Dean Elgar!

You can follow the link and download the full video on the masterclass:

https://we.tl/t-hUQVDpVL4c

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LINK IS VALID FOR 7 DAYS ONLY*

– RAHUL DRAVID – TOUCHING BASE WITH FORMER INDIAN BATSMAN -RAHUL DRAVID- Rahul Dravid is a former Indian cricketer and captain of the Indian national team. He is the Director of Cricket Operations at National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, India. He also monitors the progress of India A and India under-19 cricket teams

“The wall”, “Jam”, and one of the most well known good boys in Indian cricket. We get to know the other side of this champion. In conversation with Gaurav Kapur, Rahul Dravid tries to dispel his good boy image, shares how his test journey came true, his days in the “Fab 5”, and how he works to inspire the next generation of cricket. Enjoy the chat!

You can follow the link and download the full video on the talk:

https://we.tl/t-1a9L8v2jQu

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LINK IS VALID FOR 7 DAYS ONLY*

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The 2019/20 Northerns Cricket Union virtual awards took place on Friday 19th June 2020, to honour those who had stood out during yet another action-packed summer across Tshwane.

The awards evening is usually one for collective camaraderie and a chance to reflect as a union, with clubs, schools, officials, provincial cricket and stand out players and administrators honoured for their efforts to keep the game going.

"The Northerns Cricket Union Awards are an integral date on our calendar, as it provides us an opportunity to salute those who have served our game with distinction at the various levels that feed into the professional ranks," Northerns Cricket Union President Tebogo Siko commented.

"We sadly couldn't be under one roof as the Northerns family this time, but that doesn't diminish the work that has gone into another long and competitive season right across our structures. We salute all winners, and also all who play a role in keeping the game of cricket going under the Northerns crest," Siko added.

On the night, the major winners included Police Cricket Club, who received the Club of Excellence award, as well as Irene Villagers (Women's Premier double winners, and Club Incentive Award) Assupol Tuks (Men's League winners and T20 co-winners).

Individually, Eliz-Mari Marx's excellent season with bat and ball was recognised with Batter of the Year, Bowler of the Year and Senior Women's Player of the Year. In the men's senior club category, Conrath Meiring won the Promotion League Batsman of the Year, as well as the Club Player of the Year for his excellent season at the crease.

Kyle Simmonds was the Senior Provincial Bowler of the Year, as well as the Provincial Player of the season. The 19 NORTHERNS PPP U17 IDENTIFIED SQUAD NORTHERNS PPP U19 BOYS IDENTIFIED SQUAD national representatives, ranging from the SA Deaf team, to the various age-group national teams, SA Emerging and Proteas Women's players were also recognised, for the honour that they have brought to the Union.

The full list of recipients is attached.

Awards Video Link: https://bit.ly/316dqla

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COVID-19: SALUTE TO ALL ON THE FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE WORKERS!

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