This is a guest article by Daniel Maddocks of T20Kids.com: Promoting Cricket for Kids. Daniel is an ECB Coach with experience in coaching young cricketers in the North West of England.

Kids often play adult club cricket. But how do we make sure they enjoy it and do well?

Over the years I've watched my younger brothers develop from playing cricket in the garden to being first team regulars by the age of 15. They have shown a rare enthusiasm for the game and have been eager to train.

And the better you train the better you play in junior games.

It doesn’t take long before word starts spreading and the player is drafted into a senior game. This is when the behaviour of fellow teammates can impact on the young player.

Parents, coaches and teammates can all have an influence on a player's development. Offering support, guidance, advice and the right type of motivation helps young player's to further grow in confidence.

When playing alongside a youngster it is important to act as a suitable role model.

Direct influences such as words of encouragement and advice are important. A pat on the back from a senior player makes a huge difference to a nervous youngster. The player can also pick up indirect influences such as body language and behaviour; if the team is chirpy and energetic then he or she will be too.

It's inevitable that inexperienced players will have their good days and their not so good days.

This part of the learning curve and the captain should not be quick to drop a youngster for having the odd bad innings or bowling spell.

I’ve been there myself, played really well for a period of time but dropped after one bad game. If this happens to a young player then it can result in a huge loss of confidence.

Show patience with any young player and give them guidance and praise when they need it. It will pay off in the long run!

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image credit: doogsta