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.

Unlike weight watchers, I think 'average watchers' would be a failure. Who wants to get together one evening a week to weigh in how many runs you got on Saturday?

I have one possible solution, but I would like to know what you think too.

Find a guru

'Guru' is a term that is throw about a lot, but real gurus are hard to find. They are not wise old men. They are the people that can connect with you and teach you something about yourself long past the time you got formally coached as a kid.

It might be technical advice, tactical tips, a gym buddy or a plain old shoulder to cry on when you are out of form, but a guru is the person who always finds the right thing to say for you.

Think Terry Jenner to Shane Warne and you have the idea: mutual respect, understanding and friendship.

You can find these people if you are looking for them, but you can't force it either. If you are lucky enough to have someone on your wavelength then seek out their advice when you need some support.

That's my idea, but I want your feedback here.

• Do you have a social support system? How does it work?
• What's stopping you from using social support to improve your game?

Let me know by leaving a comment.