There is something magic about the first ten overs.

The start of a forty or fifty over match dictates how it will develop. Getting a flyer or taking early wickets puts pressure on the opposition. If you "win" these crucial overs, it makes you far more likely to win the game.

So, it's important to focus on this phase strongly and look to gain an early advantage. Here's what you can do.

What is winning?

The first stage is to know what winning looks like.

If you are batting first in bowling conditions and have top order who like to play the anchor role rather than take risks, you might consider 30-2 as a win. If you have a flat wicket, blue skies and power hitters up to, you might be happy with no less than 65-1.

So, at the start of each match get together as a team and judge the wicket and conditions. Plan, discuss the roles for the day and be confident you can do it from the first ball. You might be required to take a brilliant catch, so you better be ready!

Winning with the bat

One you know your tactics for the day, walk out with confidence you can do it within your style of play. You should have practised this many times already.

Look to score in your strong areas and avoid your weak ones. Be ready to leave the ball with as much intent as playing the ball. If boundaries are hard to come by - which they are most of the time - then look to rotate the strike. Respect the conditions and the bowling but maintain an intent to score as quickly as possible while remaining safe.

You can be patient where necessary. Bide your time if the game situation allows. Do not attack the good ball out of frustration. The bad ball will come. Until then, be aware of the gaps and weaker fielders and look to score from these.

Setting targets can help, but can also restrict you if you reach the target early and mentally relax. Instead, consider the word "intent" to score at the rate that the game allows. Sometimes you will be ahead, and you can keep going. Sometimes you will be behind and you need a cool head to get back on track. Never be a slave to the number.

Winning with the ball

The best opening bowlers work together and pressure new batsmen, even if conditions favour the batting side.

As an opener you must be ready to bowl at your best from the start. Looseners are a waste of those incredibly valuable 60 balls. Make sure you are warmed up and have bowled as much you need need on the morning of the match.

Your role here is also important. When bowling first, you are showing the opposition middle order what is possible. Get it right and they will be intimidated. Even if you are bowling on a belter, aim to frustrate the batsmen with consistency, stringing the dot balls together. Frustration causes mistakes, particularly if they feel the ball coming on to the bat but are not scoring.

It's also better at this stage to get your basics right instead of experimenting with new ideas. You will miss length from time to time even when you are bowling your stock ball, so minimise this by getting as good as possible with your best delivery. Stick to the game plan. Make it as hard for the batsman as possible.

Let's not forget fielding too.

Every fielder should take the chance to back up your bowlers in the first 10.

Stop, chase, throw and catch everything like the game depends on it. Anticipate every ball coming to you. Back up throws and other fielders when they are fielding. You are almost always in the game when the ball is live.

Warming up your skills before the game is crucial here too. You need to feel sharp from the start. Just as much as a bowler.

Finally, use positive talk and vibe. You don't need to shout "come on lads" or sledge after every ball, but you can always do something. Keep on-field talk positive and directed to boost teamwork. Work hard on body language being strong. Let your fielding do the talking.

And if you have someone with a sharp wit who can comment to the batsman, all the better.

Whether batting or bowling, it's really all about focus. If you have a powerful first ten you can take the advantage into the rest of the game. So never start slow. Always look to hit hard and fast.