Elite Cricket Coaching » News

February Fast Bowling Program With Wayne Holdsworth

Mark Atkinson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:08:26 +0000

Designed for fast and swing bowlers, the program is an ideal way to increase your skills and learn more about the art of fast bowling.

Headed by Wayne “Cracker” Holdsworth this intensive, structured program focuses on developing the correct technique to optimise performance and prevent injury featuring video analysis and a customised individual high performance strategy.

The program will run on Sundays February 12th and 26th 9am-10.30am at St. Ignatius College, Riverview.

Please note that places are strictly limited.

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

Ignatius College, Riverview – 12th and 26th February 2012

The program runs 9am-10.30am.

February Wicketkeeping Boot Camp With Mark Atkinson

Mark Atkinson — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:39:04 +0000

A good wicketkeeper is critical to the success of any team. They need to be reliable, fit, skilful, tough and at times brilliant but this key position can often by occupied by the player who is, at times, a forgotten man at practice. A good keeper can turn a game their team’s way with an outstanding catch, stumping or run-out and in order for a wicketkeeper to excel they must put in quality time and effort to work on all aspects of their game.

This intensive program is most suitable for aspiring wicketkeepers who have already had some experience in match play situations, covers all aspects of the art of wicketkeeping and leaves players feeling confident and ready for their best season behind the stumps.

Features video analysis.

Coached and designed by Mark Atkinson

St. Ignatius College, Riverview – 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th February 2012

The program runs 9am-10.30am.

Elite Cricket Testimonial Competition – The Top 10

Mark Atkinson — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:48:51 +0000

Congratulations to Billy McGuinness who is the winner of 3 High Performance Individual Coaching sessions from Elite Cricket for his testimonial. The response was overwhelming, it was great reading, thanks guys! Keep up the great work one and all!

The winner!

#1

I heard from a friend how good Elite Cricket was, but hesitated to send my son, as I had shelves of books & DVDs on how to play the game, & was already paying for ”top quality” coaching. Big mistake.

I just wish I hadn’t wasted so much time & money, & gone straight to Elite Cricket. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made.

Mark’s methods are totally different, & a quantum leap above what the other coaches offer.

Right from the 1st session, my son Billy has hit the ball harder, had better footwork, & the difference in his wicket keeping has been astounding. Billy’s technique, & mental approach, are now 100% better.

He continues to improve with each session.

If you aren’t being coached by Elite Cricket, you are missing out!

Rex McGuinness, Bowral, NSW, Australia.

#2

Elite cricket helped me become a professional cricketer

Sandy Rogers, Tasmania

#3

Mark Atkinson and Elite cricket were the major force in transforming my game and helping me achieve my cricket goals. Through structured sessions and years of experience, Mark built my technique and honed my thinking. Elite Cricket not only developed my batsmanship but my awareness of the game in general. Its influence has undoubtedly made me a better cricketer and, more importantly, helped me to appreciate the game as a whole.

Sam Perry, Melbourne

#4

The coaching staff at Elite Cricket has helped me become a better cricketer by correcting flaws in my technique and by helping me understand that there is more to being a successful cricketer than having a good technique. The coaches act as mentors and are very clear in explaining their points; they find the perfect balance between seriousness and enjoying your cricket. It is has been expressed to me by the coaches that cricket is a sport which is predominantly about your mental ability as opposed to your technical skills.

Paddy Dinham, Sydney

#5

There are six ways my batting has improved due to my eight sessions of training with Elite. My backlift has shortened. My balance at the crease has improved. I have learnt to keep my head still when batting. i have become more confident and attacking as a bat. I have learnt to be more selective in my shots. I have become better at making strong shapes at the crease.

My bowling has improved in three ways. I raise and pull down on my left hand a lot more when I bowl. I have learnt to push my right arm through when bowling to help control my natural inswing. I have started to follow through a lot more.

Nikolai Dale

#6

I’ve been to two Elite Cricket coaching clinics and it has definitely improved both my bowling and batting.

Whilst at your clinic, I was instructed in basic bowling techniques and this has definitely helped me to bowl with more control.

During the many batting lessons, my stance and foot movement not only improved my balance, but allowed me to accurately dispatch balls to all areas of the field. These lessons have also allowed me to occupy the crease for increasing periods of time.

My coach wants me to be more aggressive with my stroke play because my scoring has been slow.

I feel much more confident in attempting shots since attending your clinics and feel with more tuition, I should be able to achieve a greater scoring repertoire.

Both Mum and Dad have seen such improvement since first attending your clinics, they have agreed to allow me to attend the 5 High Performance Individual Coaching sessions for $400.

On top of all that, I really enjoy the time spent at your clinics learning this wonderful game.

Happy New Year and Thanks heaps for all you’ve done for me and my cricket!

Jack McGrath

#7

I love cricket and want to play for my country when I grow up. When I went to Elite Coaching in the holidays they helped me with my batting, bowling and wicket keeping – it was really good. I am a pace bowler and my favourite batting stroke is a sweep.

Alex Cormack,

#8

A couple of sessions with Mark and his team really changed my batting. In the space of a month, my average improved by over 20 runs! I posted my personal best score immediately after the first coaching session and I’ve beaten that every time I’ve gone out to bat since. The sessions are great, they’re fast paced and adapted to your skill level and really focused on getting you to be the best you can. I can’t recommend Elite Cricket enough, I’ve got 2 more sessions paid for and I’ll definitely be back to work on my bowling.

Sebastian Graham

#9

I am 9. I am writing on Dad’s computer – he pays for my lessons.

Last year was my first cricket season. I had one good score. After your class I became second best player in my team(in batting and bowling). After everything you taught me(the skills)I practised them over winter. I am still only second best player in my team but the best is a reps team player, and I made reps too!

In reps I am first-change, and was second highest wicket taker for my team.

I led the attack with my club U10s side and have been asked to help at the U11s too. They even gave me the new ball when I stepped up to the U11s. I have the best economy rate in U10s and U11s.

The batting skills you taught me helped me to hold my end in our reps quarter final. We won by just two wickets.

I would like to win these lessons as I would like to continue to improve my skills and become as good a player as Shane Watson (my favourite).

Alexander Deller

#10

In the years I have been going to Elite cricket, I have not only improved my batting but also my bowling. I always get opportunities to bowl to the other kids at Elite Cricket.

Mark and his team have been so supportive and encouraging that I not only improved my ability and technique but I am also more disciplined, and I am a more confident player. This is easily demonstrated on the field in my leadership qualities.

I would like to thank Mark and his wonderful team at Elite cricket for the excellent coaching, support and encouragement given to me and also for the numerous opportunities presented to me.

I would recommend Elite cricket coaching to any young aspiring cricketer as they will be guided and supported to be great cricketers and receive proper coaching and discipline in all aspects of the game.

Thanks and Regards

Brandon

January 2012 School Holiday Program

Mark Atkinson — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:51:25 +0000

School Holiday Programs are cricket coaching events that offer an enjoyable and challenging program of both individual and group skill development cricket activities and match play for players aged 7 -12.

Our talented and experienced coaches work under the guidance of Elite Cricket founder and former Australian XI and Australia ‘A’ representative Mark Atkinson (Level 3 Coach).

Players will participate in a program of enjoyable, yet challenging age and skill appropriate development activities including:

Attacking and defensive batting
Pace, swing and spin bowling
Short catching and out-fielding
Wicket-keeping
Modified games including Kanga pairs, Super 8’s, diamond cricket, centre wicket and net scenarios
Sessions on strategy, tactics and performance
Coaching ratio of 1 to 8
Players will receive tuition in the innovative and proven Elite Cricket method, techniques and principles.

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

January 2012

St. Ignatius College, Riverview – 9th, 10th & 11th January

Shore School, Northbridge – 16th, 17th & 18th January

Woollahra Oval, Woollahara – 18th, 19th & 20th January

The program runs 9am-3pm.

Cheers

Mark

January 2012 Boot Camp Program

Mark Atkinson — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:51:05 +0000

This program is specifically for those cricketers with good skills and fitness and who are self-disciplined, highly motivated and looking to take their game to the next level.

Our intensive one day coaching program is designed to enhance existing skills and provide specialist training in the disciplines of wicket keeping, batting, pace and spin bowling. The program also includes:

Video analysis of bowling action
Extensive bowling machine batting technique work

Our talented and experienced coaches work under the guidance of Elite Cricket founder and former Australian XI and Australia ‘A’ representative Mark Atkinson (Level 3) with specialist coaches.

Places are limited to 20 players per program.

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

Five Dock Indoor Sports centre – 19th January – players 12-15

The program runs 9am-3pm.

Cheers

Mark

January 2012 ‘On the Ball’ Program

Mark Atkinson — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:51:47 +0000

‘On the Ball’ is for girls and boys from 5 -7 years, who have perhaps never played cricket or who have just begun their cricketing career. In these sessions our aim is to have some fun, some fitness and learn about the game of cricket.

Is an excellent way to introduce young players and beginners to basic cricket skills and have fun through a range of skill development activities and modified games
Encourages physical activity while providing a fun cricket experience to all participants
Great for beginners and keen young players and is a great complement or addition to Milo – ‘Have a Go’ program

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

January 2012

St. Ignatius College, Riverview – 9th, 10th & 11th January

Shore School, Northbridge – 16th, 17th & 18th January

Woollahra Oval, Woollahara – 18th, 19th & 20th January

The program runs 9am-12pm.

Cheers

Mark

September-October School Holiday Program 2011

Mark Atkinson — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:54:09 +0000

Our talented and experienced coaches work under the guidance of Elite Cricket founder and former Australian XI and Australia ‘A’ representative Mark Atkinson (Level 3 Coach).

Players will participate in a program of enjoyable, yet challenging age and skill appropriate development activities including:

Attacking and defensive batting
Pace, swing and spin bowling
Short catching and out-fielding
Wicket-keeping
Modified games including Kanga pairs, Super 8’s, diamond cricket, centre wicket and net scenarios
Sessions on strategy, tactics and performance
Coaching ratio of 1 to 8
Players will receive tuition in the innovative and proven Elite Cricket method, techniques and principles.

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

Shore School, Northbridge – 26th, 27th & 28th September 2011

St. Ignatius College, Riverview – 5th, 6th & 7th October 2011

Lough Playing Fields, Double Bay – 5th, 6th & 7th October 2011

The program runs 9am-3pm.

Cheers

Mark

September-October ‘On the Ball’ Program 2011

Mark Atkinson — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:30:09 +0000

On the Ball’ is for girls and boys from 5 -7 years, who have perhaps never played cricket or who have just begun their cricketing career. In these sessions our aim is to have some fun, some fitness and learn about the game of cricket.

Is an excellent way to introduce young players and beginners to basic cricket skills and have fun through a range of skill development activities and modified games
Encourages physical activity while providing a fun cricket experience to all participants
Great for beginners and keen young players and is a great complement or addition to Milo – ‘Have a Go’ program

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

Shore School, Northbridge – 26th, 27th & 28th September 2011

St. Ignatius College, Riverview – 5th, 6th & 7th October 2011

Lough Playing Fields, Double Bay – 5th, 6th & 7th October 2011

The program runs 9am-12pm.

Cheers

Mark

October Boot Camp Program 2011

Mark Atkinson — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:53:15 +0000

This program is specifically for those cricketers with good skills and fitness and who are self-disciplined, highly motivated and looking to take their game to the next level.

Video analysis of bowling action
Extensive bowling machine batting technique work

Our talented and experienced coaches work under the guidance of Elite Cricket founder and former Australian XI and Australia ‘A’ representative Mark Atkinson (Level 3) with specialist coaches.

Places are limited to 20 players per program.

Note: Please read our frequently asked questions before booking.

SCHEDULE

Five Dock Indoor Sports Indoor Sports – 4th October – players 12-15

The program runs 9am-3pm.

Cheers

Mark

Tour Report – Mid Year NT Cricket Carnival July 2011

Mark Atkinson — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:18:22 +0000

12 boys were given a great opportunity to represent Elite Cricket in the July 2011 Mid-Year Carnival. The team was coached by Mark Atkinson and managed by Steve Pryde.

Tom Andrews, Adrian Byrne (captain), Tom Burt, Lachlan Condon, Rory Fereday, Cameron Holmes, Brandon Jayasinghe, Ben Knight, Ronnie Lawrence, Sameer Murthy, Pirenu Nirmalendran and Liam Robson.

Game 1: Elite Cricket defeated Darwin Rays by 5 wickets

Darwin Rays 156 – Cameron 4-21 and Pirenu 2-19
Elite Cricket 5-157 – Lachlan 42no, Tom Burt 30 and Adrian 26n0

A tremendous spell from Cameron (click here to see Cameron in action!) was well supported by spinners Lachlan and Tom Burt to dismiss the Rays for a competitive total of 156. We were in trouble early at 4/48, however Lachlan and Tom Burt combined in a superb partnership to turn the game. Skipper Adrian hammered a dominant 26 no to steer his team to victory against strong opposition.

Game 2: Elite Cricket defeated Alice Springs by 81 runs

Elite Cricket 9-247 – Ronnie 77, Sameer 42, Ben 41 and Tom Burt 38 no
Alice Springs 166 – Cameron 4-18, Pirenu 4-50 and Sameer 2-11

After an early wicket, Sameer and Ronnie combined establishing a dominant partnership. Ben continued the good work and Tom Burt finished the inning strongly. Pirenu, Cameron and Sameer made early inroads to have Alice struggling at 3/40 however a spirited partnership brought Alice right back into the game. At 3/122 a 3-wicket burst in 1 over by Pirenu and another 4-wicket haul for Cameron sealed an emphatic victory by 81 runs.

Rest Day

A bye allowed most of the boys an opportunity for a cruise to see ‘spectacular jumping crocodiles’- a fascinating experience which the boys will surely remember for a long time. The evening saw the boys watch (but not enjoy) the State of Origin game.

Game 3: Elite Cricket defeated Darwin Bulls by 10 runs

Elite Cricket 173 – Sameer 20, Tom Burt 23, Adrian 18 and Rory 26no
Darwin Bulls 163 – Cameron 3-23, Pirenu 2-46, Brandon 2-18 and Tom Burt 3-22

Elite Cricket found the going tough batting first on a green, uneven wicket in the face of strong bowling. Rory rescued the innings and steered the innings to a competitive total. The Bulls batsmen found the going tough also as Cameron, Tom Burt and Brandon reduced them to 9-111. A win appeared imminent but the last wicket pair batted superbly until Pirenu’s 2nd wicket gave us a narrow win by 10 runs.

Game 4: Elite Cricket defeated Darwin Sharks by 23 runs

Elite Cricket 123 – Cameron 23 and Ben 16
Darwin Sharks 99 – Cameron 3-22 and Lachlan 4-30

Cameron showed great determination with the bat to top score with 23 but had little support in a total of 122. The local batsmen showed application however Cameron provided the usual early breakthrough as he opened the bowling with spinner Tom Burt. At 2/72, the Sharks required just 51 to win and our boys’ were right up against it. However Lachlan came to the rescue with an outstanding spell and along with Cameron triggered a collapse to dismiss the Sharks for 99 and secure a second consecutive tournament victory for Elite Cricket in Darwin.

Cameron, Tom Burt, Lachlan and Pirenu fully deserved their selection in the Team of the Tournament. Cameron was also voted Elite Cricket’s player of the tournament by his team mates. Well done boys!

Each player will look back positively on his time in Darwin it was a great experience on and off the field.

A big thanks you is due to sponsors CCTyres Penrith, Exilesoft and Gulliver’s Sport Travel.

Thanks to Mark and Steve for their outstanding coaching and management-they are an excellent combination and the results are a great credit to both of them. Thanks also to all parents, the opposition and the local organisers. The rapidly developing facilities and excellent climate make it certain that much more cricket will be played in Darwin in the future. Those who have the opportunity to join an Elite Cricket tour in the future should seize the chance.

Raghu Murthy