One difficult piece of coaching advice is this: Play one ball at a time.

It's a simple way to put the concept of mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the ability to stay in the moment with your thoughts and actions despite external distractions. In all cricket disciplines this is a skill that is more than handy. You are calm under pressure and less likely to make mistakes as a bowler, batsman or fielder.

The IPL is here. Cricket is big money. It's a new world and it’s time we as club cricketers responded to the challenge.

Modern cricket is built on excitement: Power, speed, athleticism and light speed tactical thinking. The whole game is changing thanks to the 20 over format.

Whatever length game you play it's time to consider some new ways of playing.

We have all been there: You can't hit the ball off the square. Every other delivery you bowl is a long hop and your catching has your captain placing you as far from the ball as possible.

If there is a 'zone' for cricket then you are in the exact opposite place: Stuck in a rut of bad form.

Try harder?

It’s time to take a leaf from the music world and become a rock star.

Rock stars, real stars that is, buck the trend and walk with a swagger. They ignore what came before and change everything that comes afterwards.

Cricket and golf have a lot in common: sports that go on in the head as much as in the body.

For example, there is a story about a famous golfer who lost his form. He decided to seek one of the finest golf coaches in the world to sort out his technique.

The coach took the player to the driving range with a bucket of balls and asked him to show him his swing. The coach sat down on a chair and watched as the player hit a few balls.

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.

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.

photo credit: mer de glace

Who comes to mind when you think of a player with class?

Perhaps your mind brings you to Micheal Vaughan's cover drive, or Shane Warne's constantly accurate variations. Whoever it was, you can be sure they went through some kind of slump in form during their career.

You can empathise with them, but you are not like them in your own game.

photo credit: gingerninjah

People have started to notice. Time is catching up on you.

As you get older the 'promising youngster' tag has slowly vanished and your waistline is making the creep towards middle aged spread. In the past a rut of form was written off, but now you find selectors dropping you down a standard. They tell you they are giving the younger ones a chance but you suspect they think your eyes are going.

photo credit: sujohndas

Today's guest post is by Liz Ward

What do you do batting in a situation like this?

Your team is 9 wickets down needing 43 runs to win. There are 9 overs left. How do you feel? Do you believe you can do it? Is it realistic? Although certainly not a walk over, it is not beyond the realms of possibility.