Although the start of the winter nets has been put back by 2 weeks, it is now time to start thinking about what you want to get out of the sessions.

There is no point turning up and just going through the motions. To get the most out of it, you must approach the sessions with personal targets.

At the very least, bowlers should be looking to gain greater control and consistency. The aim of every bowler at our level of cricket should be to bowl at least 5 good balls per over. Although bowlers will always work on variations and surprise balls, the real work is in perfecting the “Stock” ball. Younger and naïve bowlers often get caught up in developing variations before they can bowl their stock ball consistently.

Batsmen need also to get some focus in their approach to practice. Just turning up and trying to smash everything straight back at the bowler is pointless. A good batsman will work on his shot selection, and make sure he gets the balance right between preserving his wicket and “cashing in” on bad balls. Batsman must also practice the very important art of leaving the ball alone particularly early into their allotted batting time, as this will help simulate the longer format games where this art will get you acclimatised to match conditions.

Banter and fun will also be in evidence, but please go into the sessions thinking about your long term personal goals for the season. Do you want to score your first 50 for the club ? Do you want to take a 5 wicket haul ? Do you want to spend more time at the crease ?

Whatever your goal, the winter net sessions will help you get closer towards it.

By the way, those that have put their name down for the sessions will be emailed shortly and asked to make the £50 payment. Details of how you can pay will be in the email. (Please do not mess about though, as the money is now due and club officials do not want to have to waste time chasing late payers)