This is a common question put to me, particularly from parents of junior female players.
Female cricket in central and northern Victoria is in great shape. To the point where associations such as Gisborne, Bendigo, and Goulburn Murray Cricket can offer young players the option of mixed competitions with the boys, all girl junior competitions, and open age women competitions as well.
As good as this is, it can all get a bit overwhelming for players and parents trying to decide which path is best to take for the player to develop.
In my opinion, having seen some of the best junior talent come through country Victoria over the past ten years, staying in junior cricket for as long as possible is key.
If players are comfortable with it, play both mixed and all girls where possible and get two games in each week. Playing is the best form of practice.
In regards to open age women's cricket, don't feel pressured by your club to participate simply to make up the numbers. Play whenever you feel you are ready.
If you are to play women's cricket, I would advise you to keep playing juniors as well. Keep in mind that a lot of open age players are very new to cricket and sometimes the standard may not be all that high.
We need to ensure that the player is not only enjoying themself, but also being challenged.
In regards to the amount of cricket your child plays, let them be the driver. We don't want them burnt out at an early age. 

If they say they need a break or you see some signs of burn out, slow things down. Cricket will always be there for when they are ready.
​- Paul

Last night was supposed to be my first training session with my son's Under 12 team. It hasn't barely rained in Bendigo for the last two months it seems. Sure enough it rained yesterday morning and didn't stop all day.
As a kid growing up in Melbourne I was always devastated whenever it rained on training nights. October always seemed to be the wettest month of the year.

Sometimes as a coach it can be tempting to cancel training after a little bit of wet weather, particularly if the nets are unusable.

Have a think about what else you can do instead:

- Are there netball or basketball courts that can be used.
- Is the oval in good enough condition to do some fielding.
- Can you head indoors to chat about some of the technicalities of cricket.

With younger players they will always get something out of anything cricket related.

And remember, for a lot of kids training is one of the highlights of their week.
- Paul

The KISS Principle is a great way for inexperienced coaches to approach working with young players.

Keep It Simple Stupid

Sometimes when a parent gets thrown in at the deep end and takes on a role at their child's club it can be very daunting. It can be very easy to overthink things and convince yourself you need to be some sort of super coach or the kids will be scarred for life.
Keep it really simple. As long as they are hitting, bowling, catching, and throwing lots of balls you can't really go wrong.
Also where possible, mix up the drills slightly each week and try to ensure the players leave with a smile on their faces. A fun activity at the end of a session is key.
Oh, and avoid drills where players are waiting a while for a turn. You'll lose the players, particularly young boys. Split the drill into two groups if needed.

There are many great resources available online to help with drills and activities for all ages and skill levels, and Cricket Australia has a fantastic coaching app that will be one of your best go to resources.
- Paul

A common thing we see as junior coaches is young players using equipment that is too big and heavy for them.
Don't get me wrong, cricket gear is not cheap. However it needs to suit the size of your child or they simply will not get the opportunity to fully embrace this wonderful game.
If the bat is too heavy or long they will not be able to swing it effectively and score as many runs as their teammates. If the pads and gloves are too big they wont' be able to run as fast or hold the bat comfortably.
Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find cheap second-hand gear. Much of it in brand new condition having had little use due to kids falling out of love with the game. Something we are trying to avoid in this situation with our own kids.
Bats in particular are not like a t-shirt where our kids will "grow into it." They may need a new size each season depending on growth.
Please don't let your kid's cricket journey start with one hand tied behind their backs.
Below is a bat sizing chart to help you.
​- Paul

I've been involved in coaching at both senior and junior level, and have watched from the sidelines with my own kids playing under other coaches.
I'm always intrigued with the idea of at what age with juniors do you start to become more structured from a team point of view and results become more important than all players being given equal opportunity.
For me personally, coaches should never mention win or loss at any level. The players are out there trying their best and that's all that matters. Whatever happens, happens.
Coaches with a large core of young players at senior level can get caught between wanting to develop players individually, but then also wanting the winning result. For mine, I'm not sure you can have it both ways.

The only thing consistent about young athletes is that they're inconsistent!

I believe if you develop the individual, the rest from a team point of view should take care of itself. All players develop in their own way and time. You can't force it.

In regards to juniors, I've seen coaches fall into the trap of pigeon holing players very early. Even as young as 10 years. These are kids that aren't even sure if they like the sport yet or not.
With so many other sports and activities grabbing the attention of kids, we have an obligation to ensure that they enjoy themselves when playing cricket and hope they come back the next week for more.
It's a catch 22 at what age you start to help kids try to find their place in the line-up. 
I tend to think at the Under 14 age group we start to look at where players are most suited. E.g. top order bat, opening bowler, wicket-keeper etc.
Speaking with the kids and getting a gauge on what they want to do and enjoy is your first point of call. At the end of the day if they're not enjoying it, they won't ever perform.

The first sign you're doing a good job as a coach is if the players return the following season.
​- Paul

Welcome to official cricket pre-season.
While many of our players have been working hard training through the cooler months, clubs are dusting off their equipment and preparing for the new season.
Here in Bendigo the weather is beautiful and clubs are enjoying getting outdoors for a run with winter sports coming to a close. Hopefully the weather is good for cricket wherever you may be in Australia.
At Top Edge we are preparing for our Junior Camps that will once again take place in Gisborne and Bendigo during the September school holidays.
Head over to our Camps page to register, or contact us with any queries.
​- Paul