September 26 Thursday 2002
WI trainer using psychology to raise fitness

COLOMBO: Ronald Rogers is using a bit of psychology along with his training methods to raise the fitness level of the West Indies cricketers and keep them there. "I've been reading a book by a motivational speaker who used Michael Jordan's example to show how his attitude to work contributed to his success," Rogers said as he put the team through its regular exercises in Colombo in preparation for the forthcoming tour to India. "I'm now including comments made by Jordan in programmes I give to players to work by, on his reaction to being cut from his university team, on his work ethic and on his general attitude.

"I just want to emphasise to them that even a sportsman as great as Jordan didn't become great by just having natural talent. He worked hard to get there and, even when he got there, he worked hard to get better all the time." 

Once that takes root in this team, we can move from there."Rogers, formerly with Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force and with the West Indies 'A' and youth teams, is now on his sixth tour since his appointment in February, 2000. He has put his charges through their paces in the three weeks they have been in Colombo for the ICC Champions Trophy. He has had them exclusively to himself over the last five days prior to handing them over to coach Roger Harper for detailed technical work in the nets prior to a three-day practice match with Pakistan this weekend.

The team leaves for India on October 1 for a tour from October 4 to November 24 that includes three Tests and seven One-day Internationals. "I've been really encouraged by the response from the guys. It's been fantastic, really tremendous. If we can keep this up and add to this whole approach, we're well on the way to turning the corner," he added. The programme involves daily sessions at the well-equipped fitness centre at Hilton Hotel, just down the road from the team's Taj Samudra Hotel, and sprinting, running, skipping and more specialised training at the Nondescripts Club grounds. It involves weight training for two hours with three groups of four players each along with time on the cycle before and after.

Outdoors, he undertakes an individual strengthening routine with some players. Rogers sees Colombo as ideal spot to prepare for India and Bangladesh. "The heat here has taken its toll on the guys and they've taken some time to acclimatise," he said of 32¡C temperatures and high humidity, usually above 80 per cent.