Peter Moores will be asking his players to focus on their strengths, not weaknesses, when cricket recommences following its current enforced sabbatical.
Speaking at length in an interview with Dair magazine, the Nottinghamshire Head Coach highlights the importance of positivity as a key strand of the coaching philosophy he has carried through his career.
“As a Head Coach you’ve got to be an all-rounder,” he says. “When coaching you’re in the people business and you want people to get better.
“My number one priority is trying to help people build belief in themselves.
“You’re spotting weaknesses (as a coach) but sometimes you’re missing the goal – which is that they’re brilliant in their own way.”
After two decades working with and competing against the best the game has to offer, Moores believes there are two key questions a coach must ask about their methods.
“The two things for me are: Does it make you better? And does it help to keep you on the park?”
“The two things for me are: Does it make you better? And does it help to keep you on the park?” he says.
“That’s pro-sport. If it’s not getting you better what are we doing it for?
“You can have all the analysis in the world, but the only thing that ultimately matters is: did they save, make or cost us runs?”
Alongside accentuating the positive and clarity of purpose, Moores also places enjoyment high on his coaching agenda.
The pressure-cooker of professionalism can lead a sportsman to forget the reason he fell in love with his game in the first place.
Whether playing in a cup final or looking to earn a first professional deal, he believes the prizes at stake can blunt an individual’s enjoyment.
Moores says part of his job is to ensure that doesn’t happen.
“I go and watch a trial and see these kids absolutely crapping themselves, but if you try and get them relaxed and do two or three sessions, you can see the real person,” he says.
“Pro sport is no different. How do you spot rhythm? It’s about relaxed efficiency. It’s who is enjoying it.
“Sometimes you look around and people aren’t having a good time and then maybe you’re doing something wrong.
“David Parsons said to me at Warwickshire: ‘Mooresy you know you’re at your best when you are your natural child and when you’re having some fun’.
“Part of that fun tempers the desire to push and win. I’ve always had both, but you try and get that balance right.”
Read the full interview with Moores here.