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[Danny]

I wrote an article today based on information I had found out during the day. I found out that routine can directly benefit the performance of sport participants.

Thought it would make for interesting reading.

Do you have a pre-inning routine? What are your thoughts on the theory?

The article: http://clubcricketer.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/get-into-a-routine-psycological-preparation/

[Jamieh]

Interesting article, what's your background? Blogging for fun? would be happy to give you some thoughts as a chartered pscyhologist.

[harry kovert]

Repetition is the pathway to the subconscious mind. [famous quote though don't ask me who said it]

Within the context of cricket I've found shadow batting....as in practising shots in front of the mirror over and over is of great benefit.....your muscle memory gets used to the way the shot should be played....it's then down to practice in the nets and ultimately on the pitch in a match situation.

Slightly deviating from the article however I think that if your prepared for all eventualities then you don't have to think too much...it becomes instinct.

[Danny]

Jamie, the blog it mainly for fun, but will be used as a marketing tool for when my website is fully functional.

Your input into the blog would be highly appreciated, thanks.

[Danny]

Also, anyone wishing to contribute to the blog, please just send me a little message to d.atherton92@gmail.com or PM me. I will link to your site in return.

Cheers.

[Mr Cricket]

Neil Mckenzie who played for SA was the worst for this sort of thing, he used the make sure all toilet seats were closed in the changing room before he went out to bat, wrap his bat up in a sheet to take it from the bus to the dressing room and at one stage he used to tape his bat to the ceiling of the dressing room (because one time his team mates had done it for a joke and when he found the bat he went out and made 100.) Also at one stage he had a fear of white lines and would not step on them at the crease! after he lost form and got dropped first time around he stopped all this and came back,when reselected, a better player, he thinks it was because he was trying to control the uncontrolable, which i think is a good point.

managed to find an article on it if anyone is interested: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/cricket/article4232263.ece

[Danny]

Like I said in my little article, there is a difference between mental preparation and just sheer superstition. That example is clearly the latter!! Good story though

[Jamieh]

God to see someone who's interested in the mental side of sport!

The key is having any activity or action in a routine that has a direct positive impact to performance, unlike the example above or Rafa Nadal and his waterbottles!

Here's a link to an article I wrote for Todays Golfer a while back relating to golf pre shot routines and difference between that and superstitious behaviour... http://www.kphconsultants.co.uk/luck.pdf

[Biggyd63]

What are people's personal superstitions in cricket? there must be a few..
e.g I always tie my shoelaces up twice before i play a match.

[Mr Cricket]

if i have a bad run of form i have to change the grip on my bat, and when padding up its always left pad first, im sure theres more but i just cant think of them now lol

[Washington]

Same left pad first, then when im at the crease touch my left and right foot with the bat before tapping it on the wicket in between my feet

[tommo256]

left shoe first, left pad first,helmet doesnt go on til at crease. tap my left pad twice after i take mark

[niceonechoppy]

Put my pads on which ever way they come out of my bag! No superstitious techniques at the crease other than messing around with my thigh pad/pads from time to time. However before the game, say a couple of hours i always like to knock up to get myself into a decent rhythm with both bat and ball, also examine the wicket before hand and visualize bowlers running in, angles of ground are checked (This is mostly for field placements though when bowling).

[Tumo]

I normally pray to the Gods that I last more than one ball, and then walk out... As a habit from years of football I also bang the doorframe on the way out, never really know why though!

[Mr Cricket]

stop being so modest bt! i remember that ponting esque pull shot off davey g, why should a batsman need to pray with shots like that?