How do you break through that awkward first few sessions at a new team?

It’s always the same. Nobody knows what to say and conversation feels somewhat forced. But you will be team mates, so its important that everyone feels comfortable at nets and during games, so that performance and outcomes can be maximised.

Every team environment is different. However, there are a few fail safe ways that you can make sure you feel comfortable straight away.

Understand the characters

Each team has its own make up, and within that there will be different characters. All the different characters contribute to the team in different ways.

Find a character similar to yourself - like a quiet person if you’re quiet, or the banter king if thats more your bag - this will make it easier for you to strike up and real conversation rather than the usual forced one. You will show you are willing to “muck in”. By starting with one person, it will naturally get you on board with everyone else.

Dodge the pitfalls

Whatever you do, avoid “general cricket chat”.

When you arrive you will be asked the usual questions: whats your role?, Where have you played before? What number do you bat? Who have you played with?

You are on thin ice. You don’t want to be to modest to the point where you undersell yourself, but you also don’t want to build yourself up to be a world beater.

The person asking the questions maybe asking for the wrong reasons. They may feel threatened, it may be their spot you take or they are worried a friend of theirs is out of the team. This can put you onto a loser straight away and also create friction at once.

Have fun

When you first arrive there will be that changing room, or pre session time, and this is the most important for you.

Rather than getting straight into cricket chat you have a few choices; after introductions you can either join in with the current conversation depending on whether you are well informed about it, or bring up general conversations such as the current situation with the national team. This will help bring out your personality and also endear people to you, as they will feel as uncomfortable as you at first.

When the warm up, or nets starts there will suddenly be a lot of banter. Whether it be about who is winning the warm up match or how many times the first batter has got out, it is important you get involved in this. It will break down the barriers between you and your new teammates and show that you like to get involved.

About the Author: Jordan Finney is a cricket coach and sport psychology degree student.