Winter programme going well

Head of Strength & Conditioning Crofton Alexander has given a unique insight into what the Leicestershire CCC players programme looks like over the winter.  

Several years ago, players would combine playing with having different jobs over the winter, but those days have long gone with the advent of full-time professional contracts.

So anybody who has not travelled abroad reported back officially on November 13 where they met new Head Coach Paul Nixon. Aadil Ali, Michael Carberry, Neil Dexter, Gavin Griffiths, Lewis Hill, Paul Horton, Richard Jones and Rob Sayer returned while Harry Dearden was also back doing rehabilitation work on his injured knee. 

Alexander said: “Upon the players’ return they undergo fitness testing and screening with different tests measuring different parts of performance. The players undergo the Yoyo test to assess their aerobic capacity.

“Then there’s strength tests are undertaken in the gym and skinfolds measure levels of body fat and assess player’s lifestyle choices. Once these tests have been completed the players visit Club Doctor Harj Singh who completes an annual medical on the players.” 

The return of the players begins part one of what Alexander describes a three-part season. Part one is the off-season, with the players completing winter training. This period allows the players to break down their games and make technical changes that are not possible during the summer and happens before Christmas.

“This part of the programme allows the players to complete high volume work as their bodies do not have to cope with the physicality of cricket,” said Alexander. 

“Essentially it allows us to complete an MOT on the players. It is the perfect time of year to do some extensive rehabilitation work on any issues that have developed over the summer.

“One example is that a scan for bowler Gavin Griffiths showed him to have a stress response in his back. Gavin can now focus on doing rehabilitation work until January, preventing further injury which will clearly benefit him in the future.” 

To ensure the squad don’t just see the same four walls at the Fischer County Ground, the players regularly visit Leicester City Football Club to do some work there and play basketball at Official Club Partner De Montfort University. 

At Leicester City the players work on their running efficiency while also imagining they are the next Riyad Mahrez or Jamie Vardy or in the case of Griffiths, who is a massive Everton fan, Jordan Pickford!

Alexander said: “The change of scenery has provided the players the chance to try new sports, as well as show their fitness levels.

“After the fitness testing was completed the players have been undertaking some light cricket sessions working with their specialist coaches. 

“All of the batsmen work with John Sadler, while both Rob Sayer and Aadil Ali are working closely with Carl Crowe and Lewis Hill has been working with Paul Nixon on his wicket-keeping.”

After Christmas the emphasis on cricket ramps up as more members will rejoin the squad that has stayed in the UK. The quick bowlers will begin bowling again and fielding training will start on the outfield. The players will also have a pre-season tour to look forward to, with details to be announced in the New Year.

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