Being a cricket coach
with James Hibberd
Who is the man behind the 8 coaching titles, 573 wickets and XL cricket jumper? South Wilts CC senior head coach, James Hibberd, took the time to let us know a little more about himself, his coaching philosophy, and what the future may hold for South Wilts CC.
“Hibby” has had an illustrious playing career, which is rapidly being caught up by his coaching record with South Wilts CC, Hampshire junior age groups and through his own coaching programme “Hibberd Cricket Academy”. Many a player has fallen to his somewhat mysterious bowling style, mysterious in the way that no one understands why it is so successful. He’s not that quick, he doesn’t create huge sideways deviation, but somehow he always seams to get the better of you, and I am one of many to have fallen into that category.
Q: What is your proudest moment as coach of South Wilts CC?
A: Last year beating Lymington away with a an average age of 20 and 9 home grown players
Q: Teams you have played for?
A: Hampshire, Wiltshire, Kent 2nd XI, Calmore, BAT, Totton and Eling and South Wilts, MCC, Minor Counties Rep side, Brunswick (Aus) and Applecross (Aus)
Q: Which is more challenging, coaching South Wilts CC or your weekly Pilates class?
A: Pilates
Q: Of your “whopping” 573 Southern Premier League wickets which one was your favourite?
A: James Hayward 1st ball
Q: In 2017 SWCC 1st team had some big contributions from young guys breaking into the side, many of whom you have worked closely with whilst graduating from the SWCC junior section. What is the club doing to produce such good young players?
A: Bringing lads in with the correct attitude, ensuring they train in the correct environment and giving them the opportunity. We look at these lads at 13 and you can tell the ones who will develop.
Q: What do you do outside of cricket?
A: 2 children and a wife take up the rest of my time, I don't even have time to go to the gym.
Q: What is the best aspect of being a cricket coach?
A: Working with boys & girls as juniors and then seeing them progress onto greater things in their adult life. As well as “filling your boots” at tea.
Q: Of the many big names in your pocket which is your favorite wicket?
A: Michael Clarke, first ball in England
Q: If you were not to be a cricketer which sport would you have pursued? Gymnastics, Equine, Rugby or Pole Volting?
A: I should have been a professional footballer
Q: How would your wife describe you in 3 words?
A: Lazy, Poor sense of humour and Lack intelligence
Q: What is the future looking like for SWCC?
A: The future is bright, with a better blend of youth and experience. We currently have 3 lads on the Hampshire Academy, which is pretty exciting and testament to those that work so hard with the junior section.
Q: Who is the best pre-game footballer in the SWCC side and would they look out of place in your beloved Portsmouth FC side?
A: Eddie Abel
Q: What role did club cricket play in you managing to gain a professional contract with Hampshire CCC?
A: I learnt everything from playing Southern League Cricket for Calmore, I had some great role models
As well as working with the senior teams you will also see “Hibby” on some of the Coaching Camps over the summer and working with the senior academy group on a Thursday evening. Book on to make the most of his experience & expertise.
Being a cricket coach
with James Hibberd
Who is the man behind the 8 coaching titles, 573 wickets and XL cricket jumper? South Wilts CC senior head coach, James Hibberd, took the time to let us know a little more about himself, his coaching philosophy, and what the future may hold for South Wilts CC.
“Hibby” has had an illustrious playing career, which is rapidly being caught up by his coaching record with South Wilts CC, Hampshire junior age groups and through his own coaching programme “Hibberd Cricket Academy”. Many a player has fallen to his somewhat mysterious bowling style, mysterious in the way that no one understands why it is so successful. He’s not that quick, he doesn’t create huge sideways deviation, but somehow he always seams to get the better of you, and I am one of many to have fallen into that category.
Q: What is your proudest moment as coach of South Wilts CC?
A: Last year beating Lymington away with a an average age of 20 and 9 home grown players
Q: Teams you have played for?
A: Hampshire, Wiltshire, Kent 2nd XI, Calmore, BAT, Totton and Eling and South Wilts, MCC, Minor Counties Rep side, Brunswick (Aus) and Applecross (Aus)
Q: Which is more challenging, coaching South Wilts CC or your weekly Pilates class?
A: Pilates
Q: Of your “whopping” 573 Southern Premier League wickets which one was your favourite?
A: James Hayward 1st ball
Q: In 2017 SWCC 1st team had some big contributions from young guys breaking into the side, many of whom you have worked closely with whilst graduating from the SWCC junior section. What is the club doing to produce such good young players?
A: Bringing lads in with the correct attitude, ensuring they train in the correct environment and giving them the opportunity. We look at these lads at 13 and you can tell the ones who will develop.
Q: What do you do outside of cricket?
A: 2 children and a wife take up the rest of my time, I don't even have time to go to the gym.
Q: What is the best aspect of being a cricket coach?
A: Working with boys & girls as juniors and then seeing them progress onto greater things in their adult life. As well as “filling your boots” at tea.
Q: Of the many big names in your pocket which is your favorite wicket?
A: Michael Clarke, first ball in England
Q: If you were not to be a cricketer which sport would you have pursued? Gymnastics, Equine, Rugby or Pole Volting?
A: I should have been a professional footballer
Q: How would your wife describe you in 3 words?
A: Lazy, Poor sense of humour and Lack intelligence
Q: What is the future looking like for SWCC?
A: The future is bright, with a better blend of youth and experience. We currently have 3 lads on the Hampshire Academy, which is pretty exciting and testament to those that work so hard with the junior section.
Q: Who is the best pre-game footballer in the SWCC side and would they look out of place in your beloved Portsmouth FC side?
A: Eddie Abel
Q: What role did club cricket play in you managing to gain a professional contract with Hampshire CCC?
A: I learnt everything from playing Southern League Cricket for Calmore, I had some great role models
As well as working with the senior teams you will also see “Hibby” on some of the Coaching Camps over the summer and working with the senior academy group on a Thursday evening. Book on to make the most of his experience & expertise.
