Foxes step up preparation
Tue 6 Mar 2018
The FCG was recently under a blanket of snow but that hasn’t stopped training from being stepped up a gear in preparation for the new season.
Leicestershire CCC’s coaching structure is now complete with Tom Smith the most recent appointment as Second XI Coach.
Head Coach Paul Nixon is also supported by Assistant Coach John Sadler, Head Bowling Coach Matt Mason and Spin Bowling Coach/Head Scout Carl Crowe. Nixon’s backroom staff has also seen two further arrivals in Will Garvey, who has taken the role of Lead Physiotherapist and Greg Hollins as Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Player training programmes set out a clear structure to the week. On Mondays the players bat in pairs, working with Sadler on specific parts of their game, and bowling also sees one-to-one sessions. Leicestershire’s seamers work with Mason while the spinners also work on their games individually with Crowe.
Tuesday sessions are based around batting with fatigue. Prior to batting the players undergo a physical challenge before facing either the sidearm from Mason, the Merlyn bowling machine - a device that helps develop strategies against spin - or the pace bowling machine. If the players get out they have to run a six as a consequence!
Since the turn of the year fielding practice has also intensified with the players using an indoor facility that replicates outdoor conditions at Leicester City Football Club on Friday mornings.
The sessions combine hard work – fielding drills – with some football fun, although the players also take that seriously as it becomes a competition!
Players who spent time abroad over the winter are also returning to the FCG. Aadil Ali and Rob Sayer both spent a month in India and Harry Swindells also came back recently following five months with Balwyn CC in Australia.
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