Report on Coaching Experience at Surrey County Cricket Club
I recently had the opportunity to spend three days with Surrey County Cricket Club coaching staff around two T20 games and a training day at the Kia Oval.
The facilities at Surrey County Cricket Club are world-class. The Kia Oval is a magnificent ground, but the infrastructure that supports the team is equally impressive. From the state-of-the-art gym and indoor training centre to the meticulously maintained grounds, every aspect of the environment is designed to optimize performance.
The Surrey coaching staff is a highly skilled and experienced group of professionals all with different styles. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere is evident, with everyone working towards a common goal and having individual skills and strengths that complement each other with everyone having a input at all times. It was a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals.
The players are a credit to the club. Despite their obvious skill and success, they maintain a humble and hardworking attitude. The team spirit and camaraderie is hugely evident which helps create a positive, challenging and purposeful training environment.
The training sessions were characterized by a high level of intensity and focus. Players were engaged with high volume, and purpose to the fore. What was interesting was the different prep methods that each player had. From a batting perspective this varied from some players just having thrown downs and others having indoor and outdoor nets against bowlers and coaches. The emphasis on individual skill development combined with team tactics ensured as much as possible all players needs were met before game time. From a squad depth perspective, the next cabs are already banging down the door but in a healthy way and it was lovely to see a young academy player make his debut in the match with his family in the team huddle.
During the game which was a reduced match, some coaches sat in the dugout and some up on the dressing room balcony and this gave different perspectives for observation in both halves of the match. The analyst had input all throughout, especially as the goal posts changing mid match (10 overs became 8 overs) The ability to adapt to changing conditions and make quick decisions was evident by the players but the coaches still offered in game information.
Even though Surrey won, the coaches still met afterwards and looked at areas that needed work and what was interesting was they all had suggestions but with different lenses on.
My experience at Surrey County Cricket Club was overwhelmingly positive. The club, through a combination of world-class facilities, dedicated professionals, and talented staff, has created an exceptional environment where all their people can constantly thrive. I’d like to thank the MCU for supporting this experience and Surrey County Cricket Cub for the opportunity.
-Ted Williamson
