Akolade is like many 15 year old boys. He has a burning ambition to play professional cricket. Unlike many others he has a plan to do it.
He emailed me from Nigeria to outline what he was going to do and ask for my help. I could see he wanted to make it, but I had to tell him there was nothing else I could add.
Here was the plan Akolade sent me:

1. I have contacted County Academy Directors regarding joining the county academy system. I learned that I should send my performance on a DVD with references.

After several hundred posts I thought it was time you got an introduction. Or, more specifically; Some of the ideas and people behind the practical tips on this site that make you a better player. If you understand these pillars, you understand the system I use and that's essential to your success.

This drill has been kindly sent to me by regular reader Lyndon. If you have a drill you want featured please contact me.

Aim for players: to get 10 wickets by either direct throw on stump or catching.
Aim for coach: to score the set amount of runs.

Coach and players decide in advance how many runs the coach needs to get. Lower the number the easier it is to score and harder for players to defend. Players throw ball at the stump. Other players back up throw. Coach can play shots to try and find gaps. If ball goes through or over fielders coach allocates a number of runs scored off that shot. Coach needs to try and aim for gaps to reinforce the idea of covering all areas. Also aim over the top if fielders get too close. To ensure it is competitive allow a few free throws at the stump and give catches. Try to make sure there is no time taken over lining up a throw (like in a game situation). Always praise good fielding and backing up, not just throws but backing up other fielders.

photo credit: diongillard

It's long been known in the world of weight loss that the better your social support the more success you have in losing the pounds. It part of why weight watchers is such a successful business.

Why can't we use the same principles to improve our cricket?

I think we can it's something that, in my experience, can make a massive difference but is underused by club cricketers.

If you like all the free advice I have given you on this site, why not buy me a beer?

Running this site is my passion. I love helping you and every other reader of harrowdrive improve their cricket and not charge for it.

I need to cover the cost of running the site without forcing intrusive ads on you that annoy both of us. So instead of putting a load of adverts on the site or charging you to read it I'm going to ask you to donate a couple of quid.

photo credit: diongillard

If you want to know where you are going, a map is a good place to start.

That's what these elements of success are all about: The philosphy that drives this site. Hopefully you will understand a little more where I am coming from. Hopefully you will be able to start creating your own map.