Peter Wellings: Cricket History
After gaining an Honours Degree in Leisure Management, Peter Wellings joined Ealing Cricket Club in 1993. Three years of consistent performances for his club resulted in him signing professionally for Middlesex, whom he played for in 1996 and 1997.
After retiring from First Class Cricket, he set up 'Coaching Cricket Excellence' with the aim of providing top quality coaching to both children and adults of all ages and abilities.
As well as coaching, Peter still plays at a high level and in recent years has captained the Minor Counties U25 XI, Middlesex Cricket Board and Middlesex League representative side, and has also represented the England Amateur XI on eight occasions.
Peter is now an ECB Level III coach and is still heavily involved with youth cricket at Ealing CC where he is Head Coach of the Ealing CC Academy. He believe passionately that cricket in the UK is on the up and that by giving as many youngsters as possible the opportunity to play cricket backed by good coaching,the England team can experience a sustained period of success whilst cricket at grass roots level thrives.
"We started being coached by Wello on his Easter 1999 Cricket Course at Ealing CC. We enjoyed them immensely and now attend them all. We were helped in all aspects of cricket and still continue to improve".Mylo Wilkin, Ealing U16's
Coaching Philosophy
To me the most important aspect of coaching is to enhance the natural ability that a cricketer possesses. For some that will mean making adjustments to their technique to enable them to best utilise their skill whereas for others, simply encouraging them to play as feels natural is the best course.
Good technique is desirable but it's not the only thing - mental toughness, will to win and staying calm under pressure are the real keys to being a successful cricketer. If I was to give one piece of advice to a cricketer or team above all others, it would be to practice as you play. Whether you're in the nets, bowling to a keeper or doing some fielding practice, you should train with the same intensity as you would do in a real match.
As for coaching children, the best method is to challenge them to find out what they themselves are capable of whilst giving them bags of encouragement. "You've caught 10 balls on the trot - now let's try 15", "Great shot, can you do it again?" Children will instinctively want to do something better - showing them ways they can achieve that goal then letting them work it out for themselves is the key.
From the young star who excels in all aspects of the game to the child who lacks real ability but simply enjoys playing cricket, we should all do everything we can to foster their love of the sport. Enthusiasm, involvement, congratulations on doing well, a kind word when the game goes against them - all of these will inspire children to fall in love with cricket, and once that happens, the rest takes care of itself.
Wello
