The Smash Play Approach is based on six pillars for coaching:

A simple guide to plan and deliver a session and combine sessions to create a 4-6 session programme.

NZC recommends:

• a session length of 30-45 minutes, with the shorter timeframe for younger age-groups.

• In each session, include up to three games (10 minutes per game), with ‘free play’ and a chance to reflect at the end

• To have a sustainable impact, 4 – 6 sessions are recommended

You can learn more here

Simple-to-use example sessions for Smash Play junior-tamariki focused on skill level or complexity.

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Simple-to-use example sessions for Smash Play junior-tamariki focused on values, rather than a specific cricket skill.

These sessions are ideal for a school environment, or for coaches and whānau wanting a new and different focus for their session.

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Simple-to-use 6-session programme for Smash Play junior-tamariki, outlining how to combine weekly sessions together to create a fun and engaging programme over multiple weeks.

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Dr Ian Renshaw, a globally-renowned game development expert, provides his insights into the principles behind the design of Smash Play junior-tamariki;

For too long, sports have over emphasised teaching techniques through repetitive practice in junior programmes, at the expense of learning to play by playing games. The desire to drill skills to develop ‘the basics’ is often the norm in many environments, and cricket has been no exception. Sadly, we have seen the effect of this with falling participation rates and disengagement as children move through the ‘system’. Clearly, these existing approaches are not meeting the needs of children.

NZC have decided to evolve the way the game is being delivered to young New Zealanders.

NZC’s Smash Play approach to skill learning has gone ‘back to the future’ by combining some of the traditional ways that we have learned to play cricket with contemporary ideas in skill acquisition.

Dr Barrie Gordon, from Victoria University of Wellington, provides his insights into the values approach which is the core of Smash Play junior-tamariki.

For many years sport has been seen as an ideal way to teach life skills or to develop what is often described as ‘good character’. Most sporting bodies vision statements will identify ‘positive child development’ or something similar, as an important outcome of participation in their sport. This is based upon the underlying philosophy that sport creates good people. New Zealand Cricket have gone a step further and have brought values and social development to the forefront of their approach through Smash Play.

Smash Play places an emphasis on values and culture, striving towards “Playing the Kiwi Way” by building better people. NZC understand that to achieve this it requires a full commitment to the goal and a careful plan to achieve it. As a result, they have introduced a philosophy, programme, resource and coaching structure, with carefully developed games and activities, that will achieve this outcome.

Keen to learn more?
Complete a free, online course covering the key philosophies of Smash Play junior-tamariki and simple tips for delivering the programme.
The course takes approx. 30 minutes to complete.