Dennis has been involved in Indoor Cricket since he was 15 years old and is currently the NSW 50’s and National 50’s Indoor Masters Cricket Coach. He has won four national titles for Indoor Cricket both as a player and a coach across his career.
I have been involved in indoor cricket since I was 15 years old. This year marks 40 years in the sport. I started as a junior player and played all the way through to masters division. I stopped playing masters in 2015 and took up coaching as I felt I had more to offer as a coach rather than a player. I have coached the NSW State 45s and 50s during this time. Last year I was appointed to National coach of the over 50s and I am currently the NSW 50S and National 50s coach.
My favourite thing is the mateship and friends that you make. Whilst the masters division is still very competitive we always find time to enjoy each other's company after play. also get to travel to places that I probably wouldn’t have been to had I not been involved in the sport.
My biggest accomplishment in the sport would have to be winning four national titles. One as a player and three as a coach. Being selected as coach of an Australian team is high on the list as well.
Seeing the development in my players is the greatest highlight and achievement for a coach. When you see one of your players go from being a reserve player to a first team player and then to represent at an Australian level. This gives me the greatest buzz of all.
Hopefully still involved in coaching at both State and National level. Unfortunately at our age you never know what is around the corner.
There are always setbacks in the coaching of any team. It's how you respond to these and learn and grow that sets you apart from others. Covid was a large setback as it stopped us playing for two years and our team was in its prime. One of
Believe in yourself and be patient. Enjoy the ride and experience. If your not happy with what you are doing in life then change it
I'd love to say that we are a professional sport however reality is that we are an amateur sport and all costs are paid for by the Players and coaching staff. This is quite challenging as sometimes our better players miss out.
I started in indoor cricket with some of my school mates and never looked back. I loved the fast pace of the game and the fact that it challenged you in all aspects of cricket, batting, bowling and fielding. You require all of these skills to be successful.
You must enjoy what you are doing and do it for the right reasons. Coaching is about what is best for your athletes and team it's not about you. Coaching has no set hours you must be prepared to put the hours in. Coaching is not something you do, it’s something that you are. Set goals that are realistic and achievable. Have fun along the way.
It's tough at times as I live two hours from training. I think you have to enjoy the game and the people involved in your core group. If you do this then it is easy to turn up each week. As a small business owner it is easy to get carried away with work and long hours. Having the sporting commitments gives me a reason and purpose to step away each week and to enjoy the sport. Having great support from my family also helps
I became interested in painpod firstly for my own benefit and some issues that I had with my feet. After using the product and doing some research I realised that it could greatly help our team. As a coach I am always looking for an edge and new ways to do things. Painpod is important in managing minor injuries and helping with our recovery. If this can keep our players on the pitch for the tournament and keep them fresh then I see this as a major benefit.
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