Cricket coach and PitchVision columnist Sam Lavery tackles how to integrate running into net sessions.

Runs are the currency we value the most. So how do we go about improving how many runs we can score?

There are two simple ways:

Either improve our ability to hit the ball with a range of shots, improve our ability to run, or both.

This article is part of the Cricket Fitness Workouts series. For the full list, click here.

Like all cricketers, to be a good spinner you need a base of fitness, especially in strength and power. Maybe it's not the same as smashing sixes and bowling bouncers, but a ripping ball is equally destructive.

But spin also need a lot of time bowling spin, which leaves you with the gym as a secondary concern. You want to get in, get it done and get out so you can go back to bowling.

You want as much as you can get in as little time as possible.

Is your pre-game warm up helping your cricket?

We all warming up is important and we are looking for new ways to make it fun and relevant for the match.

But if you want to do it right you can't just throw down a few cones, hit up some catches and hope for success. It's important to keep it simple, but simple is nothing unless it is also effective. To be effective you need a deeper undertanding of both the "why" and "how" of warming up, so you can select the correct drills at the correct time.

So, here is a collection of the best articles on warming up from PitchVision Academy to help you understand the warm up, and use it to boost your game while preventing injury. It can be used by coaches and players alike.

Take you time to go through these, take notes, and come up with your plan.

This is guest article from Steffan Jones

Warming up can get pretty scientific nowadays. Here's a simple, effective game day warm up that I use if I want to be at my best.

The first point is this: we know that you can "warm up" your mind and nervous system a long time before you start playing. So the warm up on game day starts as soon as you wake up!

Don't worry though, I've tested all this myself and know it works well if you have prepared properly through the week.

This is a guest article from Steffan Jones.

You're bowling speed can drop in a just a week.

It's no good training all winter for speed, coming to the start of the season and losing the vital physiological qualities that enable you to bowl quickly. That's why understanding the timing of training is crucial if you want to stop wasting your off-season.

You don't need to be fit to be a skillful cricketer, and you don't need to be skillful cricketer to be fit. But, both elements together will feed off each other to make you a better player.

This is a guest article from former professional bowler, and current Strength, Conditioning and Fast Bowling Coach Steffan Jones.

Go easy on the hard work.

The only way to improve your fitness, pace and stamina is by stressing the body to the limit. You have to train hard. However, the body can only tolerate so much. Flat out effort is draining.

So how do you train and play hard without breaking yourself? Read on to find out.

Stronger forearms give more power in your shots and the ability to go on and on.

But a few wrist curls at the end of the workout like a bodybuilder doesn't cut it. For batsmen who want to score runs, isometric grip training – rather than growing your forearms - holds more importance. This is because flexing and extending your wrist with added resistance will do precious little for increasing cricket-specific grip strength.

So, why do you need a stronger grip to bat?

It starts a virtuous circle.

This is a guest article from Strength Coach, Fast Bowling Coach and Former First-Class Cricketer, Steffan Jones.

If a fast bowler isn't being physically stressed, you're wasting your time.

 Wouldn't you like to know a way to get miles in your legs without 10 rounds of the ground?

While, most ex-cricketers and coaches will tell you that stamina is good for bowlers, a long jog just isn’t the way to do it. Long jogs are sure recipes for disaster.

Still sceptical? Have a look at the stats.