A children's cricket coaching programme run from the Sports Zone on Stoddard Road in Mount Roskill, and deliberately small. CricZone keeps its places limited so each child gets proper attention, and it says its coaching is designed by international coaches. Sessions are one hour long, on Monday and Wednesday from 4.00pm to 9.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 3.30pm.
The drills work on timing, footwork and shot selection, and the coaches also train the mental side of the game: confidence, resilience and staying calm under pressure. The programme is built as a clear pathway, so a child can move up as their skills grow. Membership packages are offered to make coaching affordable for families.
The club also talks about life skills, teamwork and sportsmanship, and it uses mindfulness and a growth mindset as part of training. It suits children who want to learn cricket properly and build a habit of practice that lasts beyond the season.
Our pick in west Auckland for a young cricketer who wants structured coaching in a small group.