Fitness in cricket is vital to improve performance. While playing and practicing are the most important part of the game, players looking to develop need to spend time in the gym too. This means that in part of your pre-season training should be dedicated to developing your pure sport strength. Before you begin on this programme here are a few key points:

Have you ever wondered how to make yourself invaluable to the team?

Runs and wickets are vital of course, but a good fielder becomes a critical member of the team. If you can save 20-30 runs and take great catches your place in the side becomes vital.

This is especially true for younger club players who may find themselves pushed to the first team purely on their fielding skills. Once you have that chance you can keep yourself in the team.

How can a humble balloon be an aid to improving footwork and agility?

Cricket is a game that requires fast feet.

Agility and quickness are vital elements of your overall training and a balloon can be a key element in improving:

• Coming down the wicket to spinners
• Turning when running between the wickets

By now you should have your skills sheet filled in with all the skills you require (including the ones you already have).

The next step is to create a number to add to the Score column.

This is so you can monitor improvements, which will not only motivate you but give you a clearer picture from which to set your own training.

Before you can improve your game of cricket you need to assess your own strengths and weaknesses.

Once you know where you are you can set yourself some targets for the coming few months to improve in those areas. Without the initial overview you are not getting the best out of your nets, gym work and practice games.

This post is part 2 of the wicketkeeper training session series. To go to part 1 click here.

The wicketkeeper is a unique specialist position and requires unique practice. A keeper needs to practice just as hard as a bowler or batter but they often don't in club cricket. To combat this, here is my series on practices wicketkeepers can incorporate into training: Either in a team session or in a smaller group.

Visit the exclusive "Countdown to Summer" Preseason training page for more exclusive tips and content to help you prepare for the cricket season.

Cricket is a game of planning and plotting from captains, batsmen and bowlers. Why should your preparation for playing be any different? A good plan will allow you to develop your cricket fitness and cricket skills as fast and effectively as possible. Quite simply: Cricketers who plan and prepare are fitter, faster, stronger and more skilful.

Where to begin?

Why do you have to ensure you have a proper warm up before cricket matches and training?

• Warming up increases your flexibility.
• Warming up increases your power.
• Warming up improves you coordination.
• Warming up reduces the risk of injury.

A warmup is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make a difference to your cricket.