Stephen Stubbings says he’s settled into his role as First XI Support Coach well and feels as if he hasn’t been away since his last stint at the Club.
Since retiring in 2009, Stubbings has had several coaching roles in the professional game including Second XI coach at Derbyshire and most recently Batting Coach at reigning NatWest T20 Blast champions, Northamptonshire.
He has now returned to Derbyshire to take on the role as First XI Support Coach, helping Club Captain Billy Godleman and preparing the squad for the season ahead.
Stubbings said: “It was great to gain a different perspective during my two-year spell with Northants, experiencing a different environment and having the opportunity to work with some great people and talented players.
“But in many respects, it’s like I’ve never been away. There are loads of familiar faces, and everyone has made me feel extremely welcome. It’s also great to be involved again with the guys who have come through the academy and 2nd team and have joined the senior playing staff over the last couple of years.
“Pre-Christmas the players’ skill work was largely optional, but the majority chose to take every opportunity to practice and make the most of whatever facilities were available. This kind of hunger has been typical of the lads so far in pre-season and has been a privilege to be part of.
“If we can ally their drive with purposeful and specific practices, we are well on the way to squeezing the maximum out of our winter training.
He added: “Personally, my basic plan is to support our Captain Billy Godleman and the lads as much as I possibly can. Obviously our planning is geared towards preparing optimally for the 2017 season.
“This involves a gradual and deliberate build up in all aspects of our training sessions, aimed to peak at match intensity as our competition phase begins in April.
? #DCCC squad been taking part in fielding drills with Steve Stubbings this week. Nice work lads, @tom_wood @TPMilnes8 @w_davis44 ??#P2bD pic.twitter.com/2P6qNQ00fr
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) January 26, 2017
“Once March begins we will have our Briggs of Burton Pre-Season Marquee up and running out on the pitch. It’s important that the guys are as comfortable as possible with their skill-sets in order to make the most of the opportunity to train outdoors for the best part of a month in English conditions, an opportunity Derbyshire have probably never had leading into a season before.”
Stubbings concluded: “We have quite a diverse squad in terms of age, and experience in the first-class game. From Wayne Madsen who is regarded as one of the finest batters in the country, to our young and talented players trying to make their way, everyone has a very specific and individual focus when it comes to developing their own game.
“It goes without saying that the different formats call for different skill sets and tactics, and they are constantly practiced and rehearsed. Even this early in pre-season we differentiate between white ball and red ball practice. However, the basics of the game also hold true across all formats, so each player needs to own and refines their own technique within these practices.
“Whilst I can’t talk about specific plans for the new season, I will say that the squad are working diligently towards their own personal targets and those of the Derbyshire team in every format of the game.”
Join your county cricket club today. The Club has reduced its price and simplified its categories to offer one single Club Membership at only £139 if purchased before 1 February Early Bird deadline (£159 from 1 Feb).
