Confucius was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher. I bet he was a decent coach too! He knocked around the Lu State in China and passed away in 479 BC.

Millfield head to India on Saturday with 30 boys and 15 girls to play in 15 limited over games over 11 days.

Sure, there is going to be a lot of learning about how to play spin but I’m also interested in how our seamers fare in a new cricketing environment.

At training last night one of my team was clearly "not up for it". He wanted to put in his usual high work ethic but he was flat and unenthusiastic. Nothing felt right.

When this happens, how do you get out of the slump?

How good are your cricket skills under pressure?

It’s said that pressure either makes you 15% better or 15% worse. The good news is that you get to choose which way you go with some simple work in training.

I’m a huge fan of rebound nets for self reliant individual or paired practice when working with keepers and fielders. The Crazy Catch helps sharpen reactions, builds technique and can be used to unlock movement patterns.

In Twenty20, you have to get a move on. Traditional practice won’t cut it. So use this routine instead.

How do we increase someone’s throwing speed in a safe fashion?

“The Magnificent Seven” is a drill that you can do with a variety of feed options dependent on the level of experience and skill of the cricketer that you are working with at the time.

Wouldn't it be handy to know the exact natural spell of every bowler? As a captain, coach or even bowler, you will be able to use your best time, and rest when you know you are tiring. Every bowler - no matter how fit - has a natural spell length.

Do you recognise this practice situation?

Nets, minimal equipment, 90 minutes and an abundance of players eager to hone their skills. This is a common scenario for club coaches both during the season and over the winter period.