TOM JONES
With our cricket camp starting tomorrow, we thought it was time for you to ‘meet the coaches’. First up, we have Tom Jones. Tom is an experienced cricketer and qualified level 2 coach. He has designed, and will be leading, our cricket camps this week. They promise to be an exciting and fun-packed 3 days.
CAN YOU TELL US A FEW INTERSETING FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am a National Champion at 2 sports – Cricket and Rugby Union
I am currently going into my 3rd year of University at UCLan, studying sports therapy
I have been lucky enough to coach in Australia and be the head coach of a junior section, and assistant coach for the senior section.
WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING CRICKET?
I started playing U11s when I was in Year 5.
WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN CRICKET COACHING?
I have been around a cricket environment from a young age and saw coaching as an opportunity to give something back to the environment and clubs I’ve grown up in. If I can help anyone have the positive experiences I have in my cricket career, that’ll be more than worth it for me.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING THE CHILDREN WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THE COACHING SESSIONS?
That they will learn new skills, make new friendships and have fun; and just have a generally positive interaction and experience, after a pretty rubbish 18 months.
WHAT IS THE AREA OF CRICKET YOU LIKE TO COACH THE MOST?
I enjoy coaching fielding the most in all honesty. For me you spend the most time fielding during a game, so skills can always be analysed, improved, and refined. Fielding is quite a good one to get creative with too, to keep it fun and engaging.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE CHILDREN, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE COACHING SESSIONS?
Always ask questions. Be specific on how the task will benefit you, in what situation or scenario. This way it will be easier to go away and recreate the drill, or understand why it is important, relative to the individual and ultimately improve.