Dambulla, Aug. 14: Blending the physical and mental sides of a high skill sport like cricket is a tough task. Thus the role of a physical and mental conditioning coach is manifold. For Paddy Upton, to inculcate an effective work ethic must have been a hard task.
“Fitness is an attitude. If you’re training because somebody tells you to train, then it’s difficult. One has to train if he wants to bring in discipline. We have to ensure the players understand the importance of fitness. It’s an attitude we want to inculcate,” explained Upton.
The South African who has been with the team for the last two seasons is clear about his role.
“We are not the bosses, we only provide support. Some youngsters we have come to learn and understand, like Suresh Raina who goes about his business the right way.
“A player like that is going to prevail. Strong principles stand the test of time. If younger players take short cuts, they will be found out. It’s a matter choice,” noted Upton.
At a time when murmurs have started about the national side playing too much cricket, fitness is a key component. “Fitness is everything, from having energy to remaining injury-free to be able to perform in an atmosphere of back-to-back ODIs. So there is a number of reasons for the players to learn the importance of being fit. The players will have to train on their rather than being asked to train,” said Upton.
Cricketers can be troubled by various factors. Injury, loss of form or a non-regular place in the side can all lead to a drop in confidence. This is where a mental conditioner comes in handy. Men like Yuvraj Singh who were certainties not long ago have hit a rough patch and look low.
“It’s in times like these an individual’s character is really tested. There is a natural process you go through. Periods of disappointment and frustration, sometimes even wanting to give up but to move through that is what we teach,” added Upton.
To think out of the box is vital, and Upton is not one to go strictly by the book. “Traditionally in cricket coaches try and tell players what to do. The coach thinks for the player. Yet when a player crosses the ropes he has to do all the thinking by himself.”