Every parent wants to see their child improve in cricket, whether to hit the ball cleaner, bowl faster, or take sharper catches. Naturally, it’s tempting to measure that progress through numbers: runs scored, wickets taken, or averages compared week to week. But while stats can offer helpful insights, they don’t nearly tell the whole story.
When it comes to young players (especially those under 16), development in cricket is about far more than what the scoreboard looks like. Here’s how you can track real progress, the kind that builds confidence, resilience, and long-term success.
Focus on Process, Not Results
Reflect on performance by asking questions such as “What went well today?” or “What can you learn from today's performance?”, rather than merely discussing the outcomes.
These questions shift the post-match focus from outcomes to that of the process taken, helping young players understand that every game is a chance to grow, not just a test of current ability.
Progress often happens in small, less-visible ways:
- Developing a sustainable batting routine
- Bowling good balls for longer periods
- Remaining composed after making mistakes
Regardless of what the scorebook says at the end of a match, if players can note improvements made, or areas they can improve for next time, the day can be viewed as a success.
Keep a Simple, Positive Journal
If your child works well with a high degree of structure, encourage them to keep a short cricket journal to monitor progress..
After each match or training session, they can jot down:
- One thing they did well
- One thing they want to improve
- One goal for next time
This practice builds self-awareness and allows them to visualise their progress over time, without the pressure of chasing numbers.
Look for Patterns, Not Perfection
Numbers can still play a role, especially over the course of a season. But rather than dissecting every statistic, look for long-term trends.
For example:
- Is your child’s strike rate improving overall?
- Are they bowling fewer wides as the season goes on?
Whilst these patterns won’t necessarily tell the full story, they can show steady growth and reinforce that progress is a journey, not one single performance.
Value Attitude as Much as Ability
Some of the biggest leaps in development happen off the field, in mindset, focus, and teamwork.
You might notice your child:
- Taking more ownership of their warm-ups
- Showing leadership in the field
- Handling mistakes with maturity
These traits are essential for development both on and off the field and deserve recognition far more than scoring runs or taking wickets.
Celebrate Growth, Not Just Success
Every season has brilliant ups and resounding downs. By helping your child see progress in multiple ways beyond the stats - skill, confidence, attitude, or resilience - you’re teaching them to enjoy the process and stay motivated through challenging times.
At the end of the day, cricket development isn’t just about becoming a better player. It’s about becoming a more confident, capable, and grounded young person, both on and off the field.
Key Takeaway
Track your child’s cricket journey like you would a story, not a scoreboard. Look for the effort, attitude, and small improvements that add up over time, because those are the real signs of growth. Book a session with us at CricketLAB today to fast-track development both on and off the field!