Introduction to Psychology

1. What is concentration?
2. When do you start thinking about your innings?
3. What aspects of the game do you take into consideration before and during your innings?
4. What is your game plan in the following situations, and how will you achieve it?
(a) 10 overs remaining, 50 to win
(b) 10 overs remaining, 80 to win
5. What is the most important procedure/focus as the bowler starts to run up to bowl?
6. Why is a batsman confident?
7. How do you regain confidence?

Write down a short explanation on each of the above points.

HOW TO SCORE 100
I want to score a century - How do I achieve this?
Just bat away and it will happen? No!
You must have a strategy, a personal game plan

Put the thought of 100 away to the BACK of your mind
Believe you can do it, but set yourself a series of smaller targets

REMEMBER! CONCENTRATION / PATIENCE / DISCIPLINED SHOT SELECTION / CONFIDENCE / BE POSITIVE.
TIP (Relaxed in body alert with mind.)

Before thinking about your plan, take the following into consideration:
1. The present game situation.
2. The type of wicket, and its condition.
3. The type of bowler and what type of deliveries he is capable of bowling.
4. The fielders and their positions.
5. Who you are batting with, and how long he has been in.
6. Have a mental game plan for the various match situations that you might have to face.

Your Game Plan:
1. Where am I going to get my first run? Not! I must not get out.
2. Break down your century into a series of small, realistic targets which are easy to achieve (e.g. a series of 10-run targets).
3. Only play at the balls on the stumps. Leave the balls outside off stump.
4. Score off bad balls and leg side deliveries.
5. Play in a narrow V.
6. Look for quick singles. Do not look to hit boundaries - they will come anyway. Stroke the ball with the correct technique, and keep the score ticking over (one-day cricket).
7. Switch on as the bowler turns to run in and bowl and switch off between deliveries. Conserve mental energy.
8. Think game plans between deliveries, think ball during deliveries.

How to achieve the above consistently and successfully?
1. Focused, relaxed concentration on the centre of the ball.
2. Overall awareness of all of the above.
3. Disciplined shot selection. Contain your eagerness, and be patient.
4. Positive attitude and self-belief: "I can do this".
5. Guts, determination and being hungry for success.

"When I reach 50 I will concentrate even harder - I will not be impatient and try to hit my way to 100". REMEMBER - Discipline starts off the field: Punctuality, Dress, Practice, etc. Condition your practice to simulate live match conditions. Practice regularly, with a purpose and in a disciplined manner. Above all, enjoy your cricket!