New Sussex development manager Steve Peyman is determined to drill the basics of cricket into youngsters.

His role includes taking charge of the county under-tens, under-11s and under-12s teams.

He said: "I want to make sure under-tens know how to keep fit, communicate, show discipline, help team morale and generally think about what they are doing.

"They will follow a series of drills all the way through the age groups to the first team. This will create continuity. I had a meeting this week to discuss it with head coach Peter Moores and Second X1 coach Mark Robinson and I believe it is the way forward.

"These days a lot of youngsters seem addicted to Play Station 2 rather than keeping fit and playing cricket. Many don't even know how to do press-ups properly.

"We like to get them into cricket early before there are distractions."

Peyman, 27, wants to exploit computer technology to help attract more Sussex children into the game.

He said: "We've got packages that can illustrate the proper techniques you need to bat, bowl and field. It can also show teachers how to coach and that it can be fun.

"I want to develop links between primary school, secondary school and clubs.

"Sports colleges like Dorothy Stringer (Brighton), William Parker (Hastings), Beacon, Hailsham and Angmering can certainly help.

"They have got sports co-ordinators who have set up links with schools and clubs in their area that can be used for what we've got in mind "I'd also like to see more junior clubs because clubs like Preston Nomads and Horsham are full up."

Peyman, who has succeeded Ian Waring, is keen to develop girls' cricket.

He said: "I hope we can get some lottery money and develop around half-a-dozen Sussex girls cricket clubs. Many girls go from school to county cricket without developing through a club age group system.

"It would be great if someone I spotted made it for the county or country. I know Chris Waller got a kick out of Matt Prior and Michael Yardy coming through the set-up.

"But I want to help everybody enjoy the game, whether they are talented or not, abled or disabled. Most of my ideas need sponsorship but hopefully there will be enough backing."

He is assisted by Andrew Winston, who took over Peyman's former job as youth development officer.

"Andrew goes out to schools coaching and schools and club tournaments we run, while I'm now more office-bound, planning strategies. "

Waring is now corporate development manager.