There is a gap in attitude between the amateur and professional games.

Club cricket players, after they have finished in colts/youth teams are left to fend for themselves. This usually leads to players rarely practicing, never correcting their mistakes and never striving to achieve more.

How much are standards kept at 1960s levels in the club game while first class cricket makes great leaps forward in fitness, fielding skills and innovative tactics?

While net practice has become more common in the last 10 years, fitness is virtually laughed at.

In my own club I have only ever seen one other player warm-up before games. When he suggested the idea to others, they politely declined. He was an Aussie.

That shows the difference in attitude at club level in other cricket countries.

The Answer: Young Players Training Groups

Ideally all players would take more serious practice and fitness training, but many players with entrenched attitudes would find it hard to change.

Instead, why not have a Young Players Training Group in every club?

Players too old for youth cricket (say 16-24) could continue to train under a coach once or twice a week.

Technique, fitness, desire and mental skills would all be higher in this group which would improve the overall standard of club cricket as the filtered through the 2nd and 1st teams.

Additionally, potential late developers would get the coaching they need to break into the first class game. There would also be less drop outs from within the group compared to those left to sort themselves out.

In short, everyone wins: Especially the game of cricket itself.

I'm interested in your feedback on this idea. If you have an opinion, or know a cricket club where something like this happens please leave a comment or contact me.

(Picture is taken from the cSwing website who are a great example of how it is possible to be serious and innovative in club cricket)