Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2013

11 From these results, we then go about getting the players reintroduced to cardiovascular and body weight control training with the aim of getting them to an ‘acceptable’ base level of fitness by the end of December. Once achieved, we then look to push their training to a higher level in the New Year, in accordance with their skill specific training with the Yorkshire coaching staff. January & February 2012 Following the previous two months training, we start to see the light of pre-season training. During this period we start to consider building the player’s fitness work around their skill specific fitness but also start to consider factors such throwing conditioning and running on grass. The ‘throwing shoulder’ can lose its resilience fairly quickly post season so it’s important to build the throwing muscles up gradually and cannot be done safely if we started in March. This progressive build up considers safe throwing technique, distance, volume and intensity with each factor adjusted as the players get stronger. It is also important that the players are re-introduced to grass running before pre-season to ensure muscle like the hamstrings and calves are used to the softer ground of early season. This time period also sees the return of ‘The Hills,’ led by Tom, an aspect of training I’m sure the lads secretly enjoy! Oliver Hannon – Dalby being screened for flexibility Joe sayers being assessed for ‘lunging’ competency Players being screened for ‘pressing’ endurance The Hills March March 1 st sees the start of pre-season proper, a period when skill work begins to dominate training as we get ready to start in April. It is also important though that the players are able to sustain the fitness gains they make in the winter in order to stay competitive and as injury free as is possible through the summer. The middle of the month has seen us travel to Barbados for the last 3 years, a vital aspect of our preparation whereby the virtually guaranteed good weather for 2 weeks allows the squad to become ‘match fit,’ hone their skills and develop team spirit, all vital to the