Polly Umrigar's tips can help kids even now

MUMBAI: India's great allrounder Polly Umrigar has passed into history but he has left something behind that the aspiring cricketer might cherish: a little coaching booklet for private circulation.
It can be argued that cricket has changed a lot since his playing days or since it was first published in 1999. True.
Also read:
Fond farewell for 'Polly kaka'
But the game itself hasn't really changed; the implements are the same while the rules are not too different either.So what Polly wrote years ago should still stand the test of time.
Here's some 'gyan' from the general observations of Polly's booklet:
Coaching
It is not absoultely essential for a player to be coached in order that he may rise to become an international. Given natural ability and the opportunity, plus the desire to learn, one can reach the top. Some coaches try to alter a player's natural gift which is quite wrong unless there is some glaring fault.
That is certain to bring disaster. It is dangerous to suppress originality and enterprise just for the sake of orthodoxy. If a young player with a good eye and gift for the game has some unorthodox shot, which is nevertheless always successful, it is wrong to coach him out of it.
Roadblocks
One of the coaching problems is to find suitable wickets. One cannot attempt to teach a man billiards on a table that is not level. Good practice pitches must be provided. I would recommend indoor nets which are fast and true and with a bounce.
Batting
Batsmen should see they get opportunities for batting against the type of bowling they dislike or find difficult in playing.
Bowlers
Bowlers whistle while bowling at the nets which is not good. They should have a proper run-up and treat practice seriously.
Fielding
Every day one should have fielding practice, especially in catching and throwing. Slip fielding machines are useful but have certain limitations as one soon gets accustomed to the machine and can tell which way the ball will come.
Therefore it is better for slip fielders to practice with a man throwing the ball to a batsman who is deflecting it.
Watch and improve
It is always advisable for a player to watch others and note their methods and learn by observation and example.
Players should note that the best teacher is yourself. Analyse things sensibly, work out what suits you personally... practice and observe.
Self help best help
No coach can give you ability and judgement. He can only tell you what to do or how to do it, the execution rests entirely with you. Immediately after getting your century do not ask for a drink, especially if your partner is in the nineties as such an interruption is likely to disturb his concentration.