The parent on the boundary

I’ve watched thousands of matches over 27 years.

And I can tell you something with certainty.

The most stressful person at a junior cricket match is rarely the player.

It’s the parent on the boundary.

Shoulders tight.

Arms folded.

Calling out instructions between deliveries.

I understand it completely.

They want their child to succeed more than anything.

But here’s what I’ve learned.

The player who feels watched performs differently to the player who feels supported.

One is trying not to fail.

The other is free to try.

Your presence matters enormously.

How you use it matters even more.

What does your body language say to your child from the boundary?