Talent ID

Technically/Tactically Sound
Mentally Strong
Physically Fit
Learn Quickly
Team Player  

Technically/Tactically Sound
Players can be technically measured through video evidence as well as setting challenging targets and consistency of hitting areas. All the Leicestershire Young cricketers from the under elevens to the under seventeen’s are videoed playing six different shots, front, back and side view of their bowling action and the two handed interception during their fielding. This gives us visual evidence; the players are then put through a series of sessions built around developing the processes involved in improving the appropriate skill, which are progressive. After a summer of performance the players are videoed again to provide a comparison set of visual results. Tactics are harder to show measurable improvement but by introducing decision making options during the sessions and setting challenges of the amount of balls a player can last can show improvement. 

Physically Fit
Fitness tests provide the measurable evidence and results to show physical improvement. All the players within the young age groups are fitness tested and put through a series of tests, which include the bleep test, single sprint and the three sprints as well as their weight and height. The Academy players are tested at the same level as the professional staff which includes upper and lower body strength tests as well as their body fat index. All the young squads are provided with a generic core stability programme to help improve strength. The young squads are tested twice during the winter programme where as the academy players are tested three times pre Christmas, post Christmas and pre season.

Mentally strong
The introduction of mental rehearsal before the session is helping with the young players understanding of the power of the mind with regards to cricket. Performance and observation of situations gives more evidence to showing mental strength. The player who can assess a situation and react accordingly begins to show the right characteristics required. The lesson plans they are provided with also asks for their comments on routines which again can show understanding and how having a mental routine as well as a performance routine can show improvement and development.

Learn Quickly & Team Player
Observations made over a period of time will begin to show the players who are taking on board the process work as well as situations they are exposed to. This will begin to show the players who are keen to learn and how the players can use this to support their game. Situations that players are exposed to during their performances help with selection due to their ability to recognise, adapt and use and this can then provide good evidence as to whether they are team players.