The Sports
Psychology Blog
Today's Sports Psychology blog examines the psychology of West Indian cricket and the effectiveness of the tactic of farming the bowling.
Cricket: The West Indies - Careless Or Carefree?
On Friday in the first Twenty-Twenty International, the West Indies showed a side of themselves that we haven't witnessed for some time. They were enjoying themselves. The quick-fire format allowed them to bat with abandon and verve.
Today at Lords, in the first of the one day internationals, familiar traits re-emerged. Characterised perfectly by the last wicket partnership between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Fidel Edwards.
Chasing about one hundred to win, Chanderpaul decided to decline runs to shield Edwards from the strike. He turned down half a dozen runs before comically, Edwards was run out. Edwards wanted a run...Chanderpaul didn't.
This is what is know in sports psychology parlance as a 'self-defeating strategy'. Farming the bowling to keep a lesser batsman, Fidel Edwards, from the strike, tells that player that he is not up to it. It puts all the pressure on Chanderpaul to hit boundaries. Under these conditions it is impossible for Edwards to have the belief that he can help take his side to victory. It informs the fielding side that this is a cheap wicket waiting to be taken.
Better to let Edwards take the bowling and try to grow in confidence. Sure he may get out, but he will be better prepared for next time. As he grows in confidence, doubts can surface in the fielding side. Doubts lead to pressure leads to mistakes.
The Sports Psychology Summary...
Winning teams back all their players to deliver. The players want to deliver because of the faith, trust and belief placed in them. The West Indies have a very long way to go before they are a side to be feared again. The long journey begins with building collective trust. Backing players, even in a losing cause.
