Cricket is a non-contact bat and ball sport with similarities to baseball. A batsman faces a bowler and attempts to hit a hard, leather-covered ball to score runs. Cricket bats are traditionally made of white willow wood that has been treated with linseed oil to make the wood waterproof and less likely to split. Cricket bats are available in a range of sizes and weights to suit male, female and junior cricketers.
Cricket Bat Handle
The handle of a cricket bat is cylindrical and covered in a rubber or fabric grip to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. The handle, made from white willow wood or cane, is often bound with fine twine to further enhance your grip, and is attached to the body of the bat via a woodworking joint called a splice, essentially a V-shaped plug. The handle is long enough that the batsman can hold the bat with one hand above the other.
Cricket Bat Shoulder
The top part of a cricket bat closest to the handle is called the shoulder. This part of the bat is not used for striking the ball, although it counts if the ball hits this part of the bat accidentally. The shoulder of a cricket curves down and away from the handle to become part of the main body of the bat.
Cricket Bat Blade
The main body of a cricket bat is called the blade. The rear of the blade has a pronounced outward curve that provides weight and rigidity to the bat while the front of the blade is flatter and provides the main striking surface. Some cricket bat blades are covered with hard plastic to protect the wooden surface from wear and tear. The center of the blade is known as the sweet spot, although batsmen will use different parts of the blade to play different shots. The ball can be clipped and hit at an angle by using the edge of the bat or driven straight off the sweet spot.
Cricket Bat Toe
The toe of the bat is the bottom of the blade and the part of the bat that rests on the ground as the batsman waits to hit the ball. While a batsman does not purposely use the toe of the bat to hit the ball, if the ball should glance off this part of the bat, any runs scored count.
Slips and Close in Catching are highly specialized positions. Mainly because the ball takes very less time to reach the fielder. There are Certain qualities required to be a good close-in fielder.
Catches win matches and the majority are taken in attacking field positions close to the bat such as the slips or in the gully.In these areas your reactions will be tested to the maximum.Like batting or bowling, close catching is a skill you’ll develop the more you practise.
In these areas your reactions will be tested to the maximum.
Like batting or bowling, close catching is a skill you’ll develop the more you practise
STEP ONE
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width apart and with knees bent.
The palms of the hands should be together, with fingers spread and pointing down.
STEP TWO
Arms and hands should be in front of the body with the head still and the eyes level.
Watch the ball into the softest part of relaxed hands and wrap fingers around the ball, drawing the hands towards the body.
Catching Skills
Catching requires five basic skills: Excellent reflexes to get the ball, good hand-eye coordination, anticipation and alertness to react to the ball quickly, and a still head to keep the technique together.
As the ball comes toward you, try to use two hands, keep still and keep your eye on the ball. Point your fingers away from your body to create a large surface area by spreading your fingers wide. When the ball enters your hands, try to cushion the ball by moving your hands back toward you. This “give,” as Woolmer calls it, will reduce the chances of the ball bouncing back out of your hands.
A popular bat and ball sport across the world, cricket is similar to American baseball, with batters attempting to hit a pitched ball for the purpose of scoring runs. Teams consist of 11 players, each with specific responsibilities. Aside from excitement and competitive fun, cricket provides its participants with a number of other benefits, with the game serving to improve one’s physical, social and even emotional well-being.
Physical
Like most competitive sports, cricket requires skill, strength, stamina and coordination. Batsmen need extraordinary hand-eye coordination to hit the pitched ball, which can be thrown at speeds approaching 90 mph, and the mere act of swinging the long, flat bat builds upper-body strength. Pitchers, known as bowlers, need exceptional coordination and flexibility to hurl the ball in cricket’s overhand throwing motion, while fielders need speed and athleticism to chase down batted balls. Once a batsman does put a ball in play, he must sprint from wicket to wicket to score runs, only further enhancing cardiovascular health. And with games sometimes lasting days at a time, cricket also promotes improved physical stamina.
Mental
Cricket requires a sharp mind. Batters must read not only the bowled ball but also the fielders in an attempt to recognize a weakness in their defensive setup. A truly skilled batsman can process the information and exploit the vulnerability in a blink of an eye. Bowlers need to do the same with each individual batter, analyzing their swings and tendencies to find an exploitable weakness. Even manning the field builds mental focus, as players implement strategies for each hitter. Regardless of position, cricket players achieve superior mental concentration and toughness, with a strong mind needed to handle the sport’s rigors.
Emotional
Players learn to deal with success and failure, benefiting from the sport’s intense pressure and hopefully transferring the lessons into other aspects of life. Cricket players must work together to accomplish goals, fostering camaraderie, cooperation and a sense of unity. This teamwork requires communication, helping build new and stronger social relationships. Cricket also allows for the emotional satisfaction in setting and achieving goals. Batters will often attempt to score a particular number of runs per game, giving them a sense of purpose. Striving to accomplish these goals improves discipline and confidence, making cricket a valuable tool in shaping one’s self-esteem.
Though cricket appears to include long spells of rest in the field, regular short bursts of activity and long periods of batting take their physical toll. The best cricketers have fitness on their side. For example, you’re unlikely to bowl at your best if you’re breathing heavily after just a few balls. And you’re more likely to make a basic batting error if you’re panting after a previous run. But if you want to to play better cricket, there are ways to get fit.
Cardio Fitness
Whether batting, bowling or fielding, cricketers require good cardiovascular fitness. Cardio, or aerobic, fitness relates to how well your body takes in oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. Aerobic exercises may also help prevent muscle injuries and fatigue. Useful aerobic exercises for cricket include running, cycling and swimming. Another tip is to practice running with full pads and cricket gear on. You may be able to run 100 feet wearing a t-shirt, but running in full pads is another matter.
Gym Equipments
Cricket Training in the Gym
Training at the gym for cricket fitness poses the question of which machines and exercises to try. In a 2007 Pitch Vision article about cricket fitness in the gym, David Hinchliffe suggests several cricket-specific routines. For example, leg lunges work the muscles used for positioning yourself for perfect batting shots and gaining a fast sprint start. Bench pressing and dumbbell exercises work the muscles needed to hit big shots or bowl fast balls. However, strength more than bulk is usually the aim of cricket fitness programs. Using the rowing machine helps you develop good overall upper body strength for cricket.
Cricket Circuit Training
Developing a circuit training program is an excellent way to improve cricket fitness. Exercises should focus on a combination of explosive power and stamina. You need no specialist equipment for these exercises. For example, in the DPH Sports Series book “Cricket,” Ashok Kumar suggests including pull-ups, burpees, back raises, push-ups, abdominal curls and sprint runs as part of an overall fitness program for cricketers. Aim to include eight exercises in your session. Perform each exercise with as many repetitions as possible for around 60 seconds.
Explosive Power and Flexibility
Flexible fielders can make the most acrobatic of catches. Flexibility also helps batsmen move their body into position quickly for a shot and even prevents bowlers from picking up too many injuries. Pilates and yoga are two useful ways to get limber for cricket, according to “Cricket for Dummies.” Short energetic exercises, such as an indoor group cycling session, can improve your overall endurance and explosive power. Try sprint exercises with varied pacing to help you get used to the stop-start nature of cricket.
Standing up to the wickets is the most difficult element of wicket-keeping to master and is an area where great keepers are distinguished from good ones. With the evolution of the modern game towards shorter formats and more aggressive batting, wicket-keepers are expected to effectively be able to stand up to the wickets in order to prevent the batsman from being able to advance down the pitch.
Distance from Wickets
1.When standing up, the wicket-keeper must attempt to get his body and gloves as close to the wickets as possible for the following reasons:
2.It reduces the time required to make a stumping as the keeper has to move his gloves a shorter distance to the wickets; and
When standing up to the wickets, the keeper rarely has enough time to move his gloves to catch a ball edged by the batsman. Therefore, by keeping his gloves as close to the wickets as possible, the keeper is able to reduce the distance between the batsman’s bat and his gloves, and the angle of any deflection / deviation caused as a result of the batsman edging the ball is also effectively reduced. This gives the wicket-keeper the best possible chance of being able to take the catch. The schematic in Figure 1 illustrates how this principle works. A wicket-keeper with his gloves in Position 1 will manage to catch a ball edged by the batsman that he would not have been able to catch if his gloves were further away from the wickets in Position 2.
Line outside Off-Stump
When standing up to the stumps, the wicket-keeper must take his stance slightly outside the line of off-stump. He must be in a position that allows him to clearly watch a standard delivery in the line of off-stump from the bowlers hand and onto the batsman’s bat (or alternatively into his own gloves). It is important that the wicket-keeper is able to see the bowler’s wrist in his delivery action as this will allow him to immediately determine the line of the ball and get into position to take the delivery as early as possible. It is also important that the keeper does not stand too wide of off-stump as this will make it more difficult for him to take balls down the leg side due to the distance that he has to move in a short period of time.
Although the line could differ slightly for different batsmen or bowlers, Figure 2 illustrates the typical positioning of the wicket-keeper when standing up to the wickets for a right-handed batsman.
For pace bowlers, the slower ball can be a real weapon. Instead of gripping the ball with two fingers next to each other on the seam, split your index and middle finger as wide as you can either side of the ball to disperse the power you put on to the ball when bowling. This can lead to a slight lack of control, so when practicing the slower ball, you may need to focus on direction rather than pace too, though a well executed slower ball deceives the batsman. Keep the ball hidden from the batsman on run up to prevent them from reading the delivery.
Another delivery that can cause problems for batsman is the cutter. Hold the ball as usual, with your index and middle finger on the seam, but on delivery, drop your fingers off the right of the ball for an off cutter (and off the left of the ball for a leg cutter). This imparts rotation on the ball, and cause some movement off of the surface of the pitch. It also slows the delivery down, which gives the ball more chance to move off the pitch and therefore cause the batsman to play the wrong line.
Here is some useful information you can start using right away:
Hang onto the cricket ball as long as possible.
By doing this you create a large arm pull, which maximises the ‘catapult’ effect. The last thing you do when you bowl is let the ball go
Try not to get your arm overly high.
If you imagine a 12-hour clock, as viewed from the batsman’s end, the bowling arm can be any hour before 12 but not a minute past. For every minute you go past 12 o’clock you are affectively leaning across to bowl and this reduces both your speed and accuracy. If you have a very high action, you are likely to only bowl inswing. If you find this is the case, try to lower your arm to around 11 o’clock
A front on bowler tends to have more ground speed than a sideways bowler.
This is because a front on bowler doesn’t have to jump so high as they do not need to turn their back foot sideways. If you do need to jump at the crease, we are looking for long jump rather than high jump. Simply ensure that you do not lean back when your back foot lands either. This makes it harder to transfer your weight from back foot to front foot
Imagine you are bowling in a railway track.
This will help you run-up straight, keep your weight moving in a straight line in your action and follow-through straight. If it doesn’t go at the batsman, then change it!
Your non-bowling arm is far more important than your bowling arm.
Use it properly by driving it out and down so it passes your side. When you do this properly, it will accelerate your bowling shoulder and help increase speed
Keep your elbows and arms pumping in as you run up and load up into your action.
Nothing throws your momentum and straight lines off like unnecessary side-to-side movements. Keeping your action ‘tight’ helps you to control the release of the ball
Make sure you fully rotate your shoulders on completion of action.
If you have a name on your back imagine you are going to show it to the batsman when you finish. This will help you think about how much of a shoulder turn you’re aiming for
Try to drive your chest through the crease just before you let the ball go.
The sensation is that of being pulled forward by the batsman with a big rope attached to your chest. This gets you ‘as far in front of the ball’ as possible and increases arm pull and speed of the arm
At the point of delivery, your hips and nose will be facing the batsman.
If your bowling hip is ‘lazy’ it will lag behind thus dropping your speed. If your nose isn’t facing the batsman, your head is probably falling away. The hips are the powerhouse of your body. Get them in the right position
Try not to throw your non-bowling arm too high as it gets you off balance and affects your timing.
Remember, you’re trying to go forwards, not up and down
Your bowling arm starts to bowl from the downswing,
which is close to your bowling side hip. Getting your bowling hand into this position quickly from your load-up helps you improve your speed and timing
Spin Bowling Tricks
As a spin bowler, you are always looking to deceive the batsman. The topspin delivery can be very effective as it appears to be a rotating ball in flight, much like a normal spin delivery. The difference is, on release (whether a finger-spinner or wrist-spinner) roll your fingers over the front of the ball rather than to either side. This topspin causes the ball to dip from its flight more noticeably in front of the batsman, causing them to be on the front foot when the ball actually requires them to be on the back foot. The extra bounce generated by a topspinner then makes the batsman susceptible to top edging the ball for a catch.
Hold the ball across the seam, as this helps generate more back spin on the ball as it travels through the air so that it carries further.
Take a big stride and establish a strong side-on throwing base, with your lead foot pointing at your target and the back foot at 90 degrees to it. Stay relaxed with your knees bent.
Bring your throwing arm back, point with your front arm at or slightly above your target.
Keep throwing elbow above shoulder height.
As you throw bring your non-throwing arm in towards your body and rotate/push your hips and shoulders through towards your target.
Your throwing arm should come through the line of your target as you release the ball.
As you throw you should feel a slight weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot, don’t forget to allow your body to follow through naturally once you’ve released the ball.
Aim to always throw the ball above the stumps, ideally to the wicket keeper or bowler on the full (with out bouncing) or with one bounce a few meters in front of the stumps, so that it bounces up above them.
To practice throwing is simply a case of repetitive practice of throwing at the wicket keeper or at a stump or set of stumps (if you’re practicing going for direct hits run out chances). Practice at different ranges and positions on the field.
Also practice under pressure situations. You could have batsmen running between the wickets and you have to field the ball and try to run them out by getting the throw in accurately to the keeper before they complete the run(s). Practicing under pressure will help you a lot when it comes to having to perform in matches, where stopping a single or a two could make the difference between winning and losing.
Reflect Catches – Training Tips
Reflect catches are those where you don’t have time to think about catching the ball, but where your body responds to its training automatically, as its trained response is to try and catch the ball, such as those catches at slip or short leg, where there is only a fraction of a second to respond and take the catch.
To practice reflect catches there are a number of drills you can do:
For example, get three players, a few cricket balls and find some space on the out field.
One person sits on the ground with their legs out to the front and hands out ready to catch.
The other two players then alternately throw their ball (one at a time) to either side of the catcher, who has to try to catch the ball and return it to the thrower.
To make the drill harder, the thrower can increase the distance away from catcher with which they throw the ball and reduce the time between throws, so that the catcher is almost non-stop catching and returning and catching.
The drill then repeat itself but with the catcher moving up on to their knees, then squatting and then standing. Do a minute or two in each position before rotating on to the next person in the group.
This drill is great for reactions, speed and agility and gets very tiring for the catcher if done properly.
Other drills include using catching cradles; catching nets and the traditional one of having some one throw the ball at a batter who then deflects it to a group of fielders in a ring behind.
Fitness (very briefly)
Fitness is very important in cricket, just like any other sport, as physical and mental fitness are intricately linked. Being and staying fit will help you remain alert and responsive for long games and is especially important for batting.
Aim to develop a consistent training programme, try to run 3 or 4 times a week and do some circuit training or strength training to remain in good physical condition.
The grip principles are the same for right and left-handers.
For a right-hander the left hand should be at the top of the handle – vice versa for a left-hander.
Check both your hands are fairly close together on the bat, towards the top of the handle.
Form a “V” by pointing your thumb and forefinger down between outside edge and centre of back of bat.
The top hand rests comfortably on the inside of the front thigh (left thigh for a right hander).
And the back of the top hand should face towards extra cover.
Batting Stance
The stance is the “ready” position when the batsman is about to face a delivery.
It is the base to play all your shots, so remember to be comfortable and relaxed.
Points to remember:
The feet should be approximately a foot length apart either side or on the popping crease
The weight of the batsman should be on the balls of their feet, with the knees slightly bent. This means they can transfer quickly to either their front or back foot depending on the length of the ball
The batsman should be side on when the bowler is about to deliver
Some batsmen prefer to open their stance to help them see the ball clearer
Here’s how to… get the correct backlift and step
Most batsmen will raise their bat as the bowler approaches.
Taking the bat back and stepping to the ball sets the batsman up for playing the correct shot properly.
The bat is taken back towards the stumps and at the top of the backlift the face should open towards second slip.
The front shoulder should roll down as the bat is lifted, with the head kept as still as possible.
Keep the hands close to the back hip, so that toe of the bat is at around shoulder height.
Ensure any movement forward or back is completed before the downswing of the bat begins.
Front foot shots
Straight Drive
Master the straight drive
The straight drive is one of the most classical shots in a batsman’s repertoire.
It is usually played to a full length delivery on or outside off stump.
Most of the work is done by the top hand, with the bottom hand lending support, to keep the ball along the ground.
The forward defensive shot
A straight ball on a good length has to be treated with respect.
The principle of a forward defensive stroke is to block the ball rather than to score runs.
Every batsman needs a solid defence to build big scores.
Learn the sweep shot
The sweep has become the favoured shot against spinners, especially by England’s batsmen.
It is a cross-batted shot played to a delivery on or around leg stump behind square on the leg side.
There’s an element of risk when you play the shot, so read on to make sure you don’t give your wicket away needlessly.
Playing the front foot leg glance
The front foot glance is more a deflection rather than a stroke because it relies on pace already on the ball.
The placement comes from a flick of the wrists at the moment of impact, so the bat face is angled rather than straight.
Make sure your head is over the ball, with your weight on your front foot.
This will keep the ball on the ground, rather than flying dangerously in the air.
Back foot shots
The back foot defence
It’s not the most glamorous shot, but it’s a hugely important one, especially when facing fast bowling on a bouncy wicket.
If the ball is pitched on the stumps – but short of a good length – it needs to be played safely.
Going forward to a delivery like this is dangerous and you’ll also increase the chance of getting out.
Going back on your crease and meeting the ball at the top of its bounce will help you to be in full control of the shot.
Also, try to meet the ball with soft hands.
This means relaxing your hands on the bat handle, which helps to take the pace off the ball and reduces the chances of getting caught near the wicket.
The back foot leg glance
Most international players are very strong when the ball is pitched on or around leg stump.
If you can play this shot well, you’ll definitely pick up runs square and behind the wicket on the leg side.
The timing and control of the shot comes from the wrists. A little flick at the moment of impact will close the face of the bat, helping the ball to the boundary.
You’ll need good balance when playing the shot, with your head over the ball. It’s a great shot to play against opening bowlers because it relies on the ball coming onto the bat.
The square cut
If bowlers give most batsmen a short and wide delivery outside off stump, chances are they’ll be hit for four square of the wicket.
The square cut allows batsmen to free their arms and hit the ball with a cross bat, enabling them to get plenty of power on the shot.
But be careful, although a square cut can bag you plenty of runs, it can also lead to your downfall if you get too confident.
Driving off the back foot
This is one of the best looking cricket shots you can play.
It enables you to score runs in the area between mid-on and cover to a delivery just short of a length.
As with all other back foot shots, you’ll need good balance and quick feet movement.
But unlike the hook or square cut, the back foot drive relies more on timing and placement rather than power.
The hook shot
There are a few differences between the pull and hook
Where the pull is played to a ball around waist height, the hook is played to a short delivery between chest and head height.
A word of warning, the hook is the riskiest – and potentially the most dangerous – shot to play in cricket.
It’s played to a short pitched delivery around your chest and head and so is the most difficult shot to control.
It’s very difficult to roll your wrists playing the hook, so it’s likely to be in the air for a few seconds.
