It’s Your Game

Why trusting the right coach might matter more than the team you’re picked in

Let’s talk straight.

In sport, especially cricket, there’s this unspoken rule: “If you’re in the system, you’ve made it.”

Rep sides, academy squads, and state programs—for some players and parents, these become a badge of honour and the end goal.

But here’s the truth:

How many players get into the system and actually improve?

How many walk out of it dominating high-level cricket? Not many.

And if you’ve been around long enough, you’ll know that’s not just bad luck.

How many players from these programs actually go on to represent their state or county First XI? If these systems are built to identify and produce the best, but few of those selected are even breaking into top-level teams, doesn’t that tell you something?

Same System. Same Message. Same Result?

Rep programs are full of good people, but often run off a single way of thinking.

Players hear the same cues, do the same drills, and get taught the same shapes.

And when you’ve got 14-year-olds all being told to bat the same way, bowl the same way, field the same way - what do you think happens?

Confidence gets shaken.

Individual strengths get lost.

Some start doubting what made them good in the first place.

Others stop growing altogether.

The Best Players Don’t Wait - They Choose

Now read this slowly: The best players nearly always have someone outside the system.

Not a random voice.

Not just a rep coach they’ve been assigned.

Someone they chose. Someone who’s invested. Someone they trust.

That’s not a coincidence. That’s reality.

They take ownership.

They work with coaches who understand how they move and think and what they need to thrive in the long term.

I’ve seen players go from overlooked to top performers in a single season - not because of a magic drill, but because someone finally listened, challenged them the right way, and backed them.

The Comeback Story Nobody Talks About

Here’s a pattern I’ve seen too often:

• A talented player gets into a system

• Their game goes backwards - quietly, not overnight

• They leave the system (sometimes by choice, sometimes not)

• They find someone who listens, who gets it

• They work hard, rebuild their game, and rediscover their edge

• They go back into the system and dominate

  
  

This happens constantly - in Australia, the UK, India, everywhere. It’s not luck. It’s a smart choice.

So Here’s Your Reminder...

You don’t have to agree with everything a rep coach tells you.

You don’t have to shape your game around a program that doesn’t know you.

You don’t have to wait for someone to permit you.

It’s your game.

Put your trust in someone who has your back.

Someone who doesn’t copy and paste advice.

Someone who knows how to develop you, not just coach a group.

Because being in the system at 15 can break your game if you’re not careful.

Final Thought

Being in the system is excellent, but you do need to think for yourself inside it.

Challenge the norm.

Ask questions.

Own your development.

If this resonates with you, consider speaking with someone you trust.

Even one conversation with the right coach could change everything.

Your future self will thank you.

Cricketer joyfully receives his cap, marking his debut in First Class cricket at Adelaide Oval