What helps some young cricketers grow through adversity while others become stuck?

Why do some players lose confidence after a setback, while others use it as a catalyst for improvement?

In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood is joined by Faisal Shahid, Academy Manager for Warwickshire Women, to explore the psychology of long-term player development.

Drawing on his experiences as an England U17 player, MCC Young Cricketer, professional cricketer and high-performance coach, Faisal shares his insights on confidence, resilience, motivation, identity and the ability to "survive bad days".

Whether you're a player, parent or coach, this conversation is packed with practical lessons to help young cricketers navigate setbacks, maintain motivation and continue developing through the ups and downs of the game.

• What long-term development actually looks like

• Why confidence is about surviving bad days

• The dangers of becoming obsessed with outcomes

• How setbacks can become opportunities for growth

• Why some players thrive through adversity while others struggle

• The role parents play in shaping confidence

• How to balance ambition with enjoyment

• Why identity and performance should remain separate

• What boys' and girls' cricket can learn from each other

• The biggest myths in youth cricket

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

02:41 – Long-Term Player Development

12:37 – Confidence and Surviving Bad Days

21:47 – Setbacks, Adversity and Resilience

34:09 – Motivation and Enjoyment

45:43 – Identity and Performance

48:44 – Coaching Boys and Girls

53:27 – Quickfire Questions

Please subscribe to the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a player, parent or coach who you think might find it helpful.

Cricket Mind Online is hosting an online workshop for cricket parents on Tuesday 16th June at 7pm.

The workshop will explore practical ways parents can support confidence, resilience, enjoyment, motivation and long-term development in young cricketers.

Book your place here:

https://cricketmind.online/supporting-young-cricketers-workshop/

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