Topic: Returning back to the game (Read 577 times)

Twelfth Man · « **on:** February 11, 2025, 06:55:07 PM »

Has anybody ever taken an extended break from cricket and come back to it years later?

I fell out of love with the game after almost playing too much of it including some trips overseas. After years away, I�ve found myself wanting to potentially have another crack�so my other questions are if you�ve been in the same boat:

- How do you deal with accepting you�re not as good as you once was?
- What�s the best way to jump back into it?
- What other struggles did you find coming back to it?

Ps. Hope everybody is well, I�ve been silent on here for a while myself but read from a far - it seems it�s a little quieter these days.

Ryan

thegowerwaft · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2025, 07:19:32 PM »

Did exactly the same. Probably lost my prime playing years but no regrets because I stopped loving it/ having the time/ prioritising playing - a bit of all three.

Came back because my son started playing. Now play 2nds for a local village - lovely grounds, 40 overs (not too much for the body to cope with) and played in the right spirit by slightly older players.

For me it's the escape from life for a couple of Saturdays a month in a beautiful setting. My bat is far lighter than it was, my bowling is non-existant and my fielding is woeful but I love our crazy, silly but amazing game again.

swark · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2025, 08:36:02 PM »

Stopped playing at 24 due to injuries and life in general getting in the road. Starting playing again in the over 50s comps a few years ago and having an absolute ball.

My best advice: Just jump back in! Oh, and compression garments. And anti-inflammatories.

Purist90 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2025, 10:44:03 PM »

I stopped playing regularly aged 21 due to work. I also moved town at the time and didn�t really like my new club. So I assumed it was an area thing and I wouldn�t get on with another club so might as well work weekends instead.
Big mistake.
I filled in once a year for a mates team in London and I enjoyed playing with them.
But weekend time was short for me so I couldn�t commit. Id buy test match tickets and that�s a tradition I have with my dad since a boy.

I played football for a works team instead. So 18 years later with weekends finally available I joined a club to give it a go. Best thing I ever did!
The fitness improvement, the camaraderie, the tours, even this forum! Aaaaaand! Was very very close to nearly having a cricket match with the guys on this forum has been the best hilight too.

Plenty of beers with great people.
The family feel of a local club is unique. From playing with 13yo to 66yo and everything inbetween. I�ve played with and against women of all ages too which I thoroughly enjoy and encourage. I did my ECB level 1 in the 90s so I occasionally help out with youngsters.
And I enjoy helping and learning how to prepare the pitch.

I�ve only played regularly for 3 years but I just ended up jumping into every element of cricket again. I think it�s because I care so much for the people involved. Whether it be my club and families or even this forum now. There�s so much goodwill volunteering in cricket. And I do believe the ECB seem to completely ignore it, rather like our politicians do whilst trying to run a country! (Naughty moan I know and will never mention politics again 🛑)

Yes the body aches and hurts next day. Yes despite playing and running around so much you still always feel out of breath fetching the ball or running 3!
And yes, the hangovers are terrible 😩.
But I love it. I never have big expectations on my performances like I did when younger. But the more I play the luckier I seem to get 😜

I regret not seeking the club I play for today. I regret not playing in my peak fit 20s & 30s.
I regret not continuing the primary school and youth club coaching sessions I did voluntarily.

But cricket found me again. And there is always someone else who inspires you so much. Whether it�s because they are 25 years older than me or they have a physical disability or weekly time is so short and jet lagging.
I joined my club to just have nets originally but was instantly thrown into matches.

Id beg anyone to not ever quite cricket. Cut it down, move club, just do nets, just do tours, try coaching, try pitch preparing,
Contribute on a forum and play the yearly fixture, watch your mates and put money behind the club bar.
Anything! Just don�t stop being a cog in the cricket world. Pleeeease. You are NEEDED & WANTED.

thedon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2025, 10:51:36 AM »

After about 5 years out I tried going back a couple of season ago. 3rd game and I tore my calf.

My advice would be work on your fitness first and strengthen your muscles then work your way back slowly

InternalTraining · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2025, 07:54:01 PM »

Quote from: Purist90 on February 11, 2025, 10:44:03 PM

I stopped playing regularly aged 21 due to work. I also moved town at the time and didn�t really like my new club. So I assumed it was an area thing and I wouldn�t get on with another club so might as well work weekends instead.
Big mistake.
I filled in once a year for a mates team in London and I enjoyed playing with them.
But weekend time was short for me so I couldn�t commit. Id buy test match tickets and that�s a tradition I have with my dad since a boy.

I played football for a works team instead. So 18 years later with weekends finally available I joined a club to give it a go. Best thing I ever did!
The fitness improvement, the camaraderie, the tours, even this forum! Aaaaaand! Was very very close to nearly having a cricket match with the guys on this forum has been the best hilight too.

Plenty of beers with great people.
The family feel of a local club is unique. From playing with 13yo to 66yo and everything inbetween. I�ve played with and against women of all ages too which I thoroughly enjoy and encourage. I did my ECB level 1 in the 90s so I occasionally help out with youngsters.
And I enjoy helping and learning how to prepare the pitch.

I�ve only played regularly for 3 years but I just ended up jumping into every element of cricket again. I think it�s because I care so much for the people involved. Whether it be my club and families or even this forum now. There�s so much goodwill volunteering in cricket. And I do believe the ECB seem to completely ignore it, rather like our politicians do whilst trying to run a country! (Naughty moan I know and will never mention politics again 🛑)

Yes the body aches and hurts next day. Yes despite playing and running around so much you still always feel out of breath fetching the ball or running 3!
And yes, the hangovers are terrible 😩.
But I love it. I never have big expectations on my performances like I did when younger. But the more I play the luckier I seem to get 😜

I regret not seeking the club I play for today. I regret not playing in my peak fit 20s & 30s.
I regret not continuing the primary school and youth club coaching sessions I did voluntarily.

But cricket found me again. And there is always someone else who inspires you so much. Whether it�s because they are 25 years older than me or they have a physical disability or weekly time is so short and jet lagging.
I joined my club to just have nets originally but was instantly thrown into matches.

Id beg anyone to not ever quite cricket. Cut it down, move club, just do nets, just do tours, try coaching, try pitch preparing,
Contribute on a forum and play the yearly fixture, watch your mates and put money behind the club bar.
Anything! Just don�t stop being a cog in the cricket world. Pleeeease. You are NEEDED & WANTED.

Great post!

kancell10 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2025, 02:50:45 PM »

Quote from: thegowerwaft on February 11, 2025, 07:19:32 PM

Did exactly the same. Probably lost my prime playing years but no regrets because I stopped loving it/ having the time/ prioritising playing - a bit of all three.

Came back because my son started playing. Now play 2nds for a local village - lovely grounds, 40 overs (not too much for the body to cope with) and played in the right spirit by slightly older players.

For me it's the escape from life for a couple of Saturdays a month in a beautiful setting. My bat is far lighter than it was, my bowling is non-existant and my fielding is woeful but I love our crazy, silly but amazing game again.

This is the way, similar to me. Come and gone a few times over the years. Since my last return when my sons started playing I'm now as committed as ever, in fact more so, if only I'd be as committed when I was playing for Scotland juniors. However now in my mid 40's and after a couple of years opening the batting in the 1s again, I'm dropping down to captain the 3s on a Sunday and focus on developing the juniors and having a bit of a laugh. Just get stuck in at whatever level is available and have fun first and foremost!

Twelfth Man · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2025, 09:25:45 PM »

Thank you all for the replies - some really great insights and taking the time to reply!

Had my first hit back today on a bowling machine, and felt better than expected! There�s the usual rust of reactions and trying to get up to speed but going to try and enjoy the journey of it all again and trust the process

Next time trying to stock up on anything and everything I could want to purchase!

Author Topic: Returning back to the game (Read 577 times)

Twelfth Man

Returning back to the game

thegowerwaft

Re: Returning back to the game

swark

Re: Returning back to the game

Purist90

Re: Returning back to the game

thedon

Re: Returning back to the game

InternalTraining

Re: Returning back to the game

kancell10

Re: Returning back to the game

Twelfth Man

Re: Returning back to the game