Batting Tips [Merged]

[Noman]

Well im an opener batsman and very good when in full flow.....
I can play all the shots, but im a very bad starter...
I often play very leg sidish at the start and tend to get lbw and my foot work against off side bowling is also very bad. i dont use my foot work so much at the start and I tend to open the face of the bat and many times gets out to the keeper or the slips



Guys need tips to How to play at the start of the inning and how to put the bad bowl to the boundry rope in the start.. I forget to put the bad ball away in the start of the inning...


tips needed..

[Rob H]

I suggest before you go out to bat spend some time in the nets to get your eye in and footwork going then you should be ok, and smacking the bad balls away to the rope in the match.

[Bitman]

When you start an innings it is very important to concentrate hard and try to play as straight as you can (show the full face of your bat). Once you play a few balls and get your footwork going then the runs will flow.

[cavin420]

like rob n hitman have suggested do them 2 bits.......n too add some a few more let the ball come to u ....in other words play it as late as u can ...dont play away frm ur body for the first few overs or until u get ur eye in ........in my gud old days i used to look for quick singles frm ball 1 of the innings ......that used to get me going ......so i would reccomend try to take sone singles first that would help settling ur nerves as an opener i always found out if u can kill the nerves ur a million dollors so take quick singles, that more times then not helps the feet movement as well n even if u play a bad shot or therz an LBW apeal or u have missed a juicy fulltoss or cant find the gap dont worry about , forget about it n think about the positives while ur in the middle......hope this lil bit helps u in the future!

[floatingslip]

another way to get the footwork going early is to do a little jump rope before the start of your innings.

some other things you can try if you don't already do these

1. take a middle-leg stump guard

2. mark out your off-stump and mentally extend that line to the pitch so you have a good idea of the area on which if the ball pitches you can leave - could be that you are getting you caught behind on balls you should be leaving.

3. just try to play in the mid-on to mid-off arc early in the innings.

[Tupac]

well floatingslip if he's getting out LBW then i wouldn't recommend the middle stump guard.....seems to me that your looking to whip balls away from off and middle stump to the legside......maybe you need to be more careful of which balls you need to whip and which balls you need to on drive, it also helps if you can understand your opening partner...if he's aggressive enough, then you don't need to be, unless your aggressive naturally, otherwise backyourself, spend hours in the nets, and you'll succeed with the grace of god :)

good luck!

[Noman]

Should u play with soft or hard hand in the start of the inning??

[floatingslip]

well floatingslip if he's getting out LBW then i wouldn't recommend the middle stump guard

well, he's also not getting his feet across to play on the off-side so if he can take the middle-leg stump guard and play straight in the mid-on to mid-off arc he should be ok.

[cavin420]

Should u play with soft or hard hand in the start of the inning??
depends............but too make it short n simple.......on seaming wickets where the ball bounces a bit..always play with soft hands !!! if u fancy a bowler u reckon u can hit all day long then u can play with hard hands (thats in aggressive mode if u know he will be bowling u half trackers that u can smash all day long ;-)

[Karchie19]

you tried batting outside of your crease ? helps me not get lbw, as long as you make sure the umpire knows that you are well outside of it.

[Rob H]

I usually play with soft hands and try to guide the ball into the gaps rather than smack the ball . It gives you less of a chance of getting an edge if you play a tentative shot early in your innings.

[Noman]

thanks for the tips guys

[Bitman]

No problemo!

[Tupac]

well, he's also not getting his feet across to play on the off-side so if he can take the middle-leg stump guard and play straight in the mid-on to mid-off arc he should be ok.

yes but he can also play straight using the leg stump guard right? as for the playing on the offside, here's a simple remedy for it.

Basically noman (how old are you?), I had kind of the same problem as you very early on....there was a major over emphasis in my leg side play....that's probably because i used bats that my coach, and basically all my teammates that were way too heavy for me....I still do, lol, it's brought me runs from a young age, so I thought why change it? So I used to pick the length and then play on the legside. I had a couple of offside strokes...but because my mind was on the legside, invariably i'd get a lot of runs on the legside. Then I started training...vigorously. Four, maybe 5 hours a day...sometimes with Amir (we were very young then...so we didn't really know what we were doing..lol), sometimes with my coach...and mostly by myself on my driveway..just throwing a tennis ball against concrete and playing the strokes. I realized that my gut instincts would invariably tell me which stroke to play....and I learned to trust it. Practice hard by yourself, and teach yourself....learn to adjust to everything. Throw the ball at a surface and then play it back off a driveway or something like that...practice the stroke for the muscles to remember, and it'll be natural in the games.

Second thing...what worries me is that your asking whether I should play with soft hands or hard hands at the start of your innings.....some people take a good, hard grip on the bat..some people a very soft one. Either way, your left hand (top hand, assuming ur a rightie), should be firmly gripped...and your right hand should be a little softer, flexible, so you can guide the ball around on the offside. Maybe your holding them too tightly so your not finding the positioning. You need to be a thinking cricketer...do whatever is best for you, and above all things, trust yourself. If you don't, there will be hesitation, and you'll nick it. Back yourself to the end and you will never fail. Wish you all the best, and hope you get plenty of runs!

[Tupac]

also, being an opener I understand what your going through. Everyone's nervous at the start of the innings...and you've got a big responsibility to see off the best bowlers. Take God's name before you start, loosen up, and focus hard. It's very important that between deliveries you unwind...take a walk, think about your girlfriend...maybe what your gonna do for dinner after the game, and then return, focus again, and bang, there you go

[Noman]

,,im 17...

[Noman]

thanks, think of girlfriend... well I think I might will get out.....

[Noman]

About grip... I use soft grip..... I dont use my buttion hand at all...I only use 3 fingegs ad the bat<<button hand..
im very good playing with soft hands.

[Amjid Javed]

Go out, take middle stump guard and block 1st ball, there after go and try and lash ball out of the park every ball!

[Noman]

Amjid bhai im not afridi or Dhoni...

[Amjid Javed]

Amjid bhai im not afridi or Dhoni...

Niether am i, but it works for me :))

Just kidding.

best way to resolve your problem?

Number one make sure you get someone to bowl to you before you go out and also try to move your feet whilst doing so.

If your playing thru leg side alot then take a leg stump guard. when standing to face practice a few forward defensives and make sure ur bat covers up off-stick, gain confidence from maybe leaving ball and letting it go thru to keeper and just getting an idea on the pace of the wicket.

Early on always try to play straight early on and dont play to many expansive strokes. Only play thru legside if ball is on leg stump or short is there to be pulled.

Always make sure your footmovement is forward and across if ball is on off stick so your transfering weight into blocks and strokes. If ball is on leg stump make sure your movement is back and then across.

[Noman]

well.. thanks for the tips... But I already knew them :19:

[Noddy]

If I was you....Then my advice would be to follwo one point that has been mentioned....

Take a Leg Stick Guard.... That way you will be prone to playing more balls on off stump and thereabouts..

You make no mention of height, and your stance/grip...Thats quite important....It may mean to me that you are all bottom hand....And hence you play the way you do. Without seeing you, you also sound to me that you have no grip evenly across both hands.......

One tip, I used to have when I played and had a bad patch, was ask a bowler to just lob some full tosses before a game, so I could get my hand/eye and feet moving, nothing more than 10/15 and I woudl be able to hit the ball straight and get over the top of the ball....It looks like you are falling over a lot....

Also this is a top Miandad gave me many years ago, and it has NEVER left me or ever will...I found it great advice...always try and score your 1st ten runs in singles..no big shots unless you got something juicy... It happens when i play in club cricket even now...1st 10...simple....get in gain confidence...

Your thinking is wrong also...As an opener...you will face more on/outside off then middle/middle leg// Ur stance needs sorting out. Have a look at urself standign in the mirror....

[Noman]

Thank noddy bhai

[Noddy]

U must also play on matting wickets???
Denmark...

[Tupac]

If I was you....Then my advice would be to follwo one point that has been mentioned....

Take a Leg Stick Guard.... That way you will be prone to playing more balls on off stump and thereabouts..

You make no mention of height, and your stance/grip...Thats quite important....It may mean to me that you are all bottom hand....And hence you play the way you do. Without seeing you, you also sound to me that you have no grip evenly across both hands.......

One tip, I used to have when I played and had a bad patch, was ask a bowler to just lob some full tosses before a game, so I could get my hand/eye and feet moving, nothing more than 10/15 and I woudl be able to hit the ball straight and get over the top of the ball....It looks like you are falling over a lot....

Also this is a top Miandad gave me many years ago, and it has NEVER left me or ever will...I found it great advice...always try and score your 1st ten runs in singles..no big shots unless you got something juicy... It happens when i play in club cricket even now...1st 10...simple....get in gain confidence...

Your thinking is wrong also...As an opener...you will face more on/outside off then middle/middle leg// Ur stance needs sorting out. Have a look at urself standign in the mirror....

omg! I use that tip too...the one about full tosses....I do it every night...especially before a match...either I'll get someone to give me some nice full tosses which I can drive down the ground....or I'll do it myself in the basement or garage

noman, three fingers...no bottom hand? no wonder why your missing the ball on the off. This is what Sachin does...I've picked up on it now. The perfect way to pick up a bat is like this: put the bat down, face down. Then put your left hand(assuming ur rightie..if ur not, reverse), whereyou want, and then theright hand directly beneath it. Then pick the bat up. Don't change the grip.

It's impossible to help you outright because we haven't seen you live. But hte bottom is so important on the off...you can twist the blade any way you want, to get it between fielders. What level of cricket are you at btw...your coach should have a look at your guard and grip

[floatingslip]

yes but he can also play straight using the leg stump guard right?

Yes he can but it will be harder to judge the ball to leave on the off stump.

The stance is just one piece of the puzzle and has to work with your overall technique. If you take a leg stump guard but shuffle across a little befor the ball is bowled will pretty much put you where you would be if you took a middle leg guard.

[Gasherbrum]

and the shuffle across may be why you're getting hit on the pads. i think a leg stump guard will work as well, but only if you're sure of your off stump and after the trigger, the weight isn't left on the back leg. when you're missing the ball on your legs, try to imagine where your head ends up. in line with the ball, or outside it, overbalancing?

great advice, Noddy bhai, something that i'll have to keep in mind from now on as well. too often an opener will see so many gaps in the outfield and attempt to go over the top or for a booming drive to get the first boundary. get in first, get those 10 runs next to your name and then open up.

[6hitter]

does anyone know any good batting tips or techniques.



I have to get better against my friends. there learning pretty fast. harder to bat against now. especially when the do a malinga

[12thMan]

Good question. I like it a lot!

[Zechariah]

First you have to believe in yourself and relieve your mind of all pressure and fear of getting out. After you do this, go on to bat as you normally do in an enthusiastic and confident manner.

- Have a good idea of the field placing in mind as you get ready.

- Don't move on the crease, stay still and determined.

- If you play against these friends often, know what bowler bowls in what way and prepare yourself accordingly.

- Don't pre-determine a shot, always play according to the bowl that comes to you.

- You know your strengths and weaknesses, play the ones where you are strong and avoid the ones you are weak with.

- Always pull the short ball if its in the right place, timing is the key.

- Don't think about playing a shot on the legside when you know you can play a better and effective shot on the offside.

- Play smart!

There are many other things, the rest depends on your physical abilities.

[Omar-45]

My biggest problem was i used to go on my knees most of the time. Like to hit my shots, and this caused me to plant my front foot, which caused problems to shot selection, i..e wont have much time 2 get into position if its a short ball, as ive already decided before its bowled that im going to hit it for a six.

My friend told me, to have a firm base, keep ure head stil, watch the ball, and have a ful follow through of the blade. With a full follow through, u got more chance of clearing the boundary, even if its a miss hit.

[The Blazer]

Playing tapeball or hard ball?

[Raz]

Some very good tips from Zech

[pakistanbest]

good tips zec.

this thread should be about hard ball cricket

[McBoom]

Quick Tip: Stand 5-6 feet infront of the batting crease when facing fast bowling in the nets. This will improve your reflexes and will make you better against pace bowling.

[The Blazer]

Quick Tip: Stand 5-6 feet infront of the batting crease when facing fast bowling in the nets. This will improve your reflexes and will make you better against pace bowling.
:|

You want to die?

[6hitter]

Playing tapeball or hard ball?
tape ball with my friends and hard ball with the adults.

[6hitter]

the adults don't really bowl fast. They rely on their spin to help them out

[6hitter]

i see some good suggestions. i mostly edge the ball to slip.

[6hitter]

First you have to believe in yourself and relieve your mind of all pressure and fear of getting out. After you do this, go on to bat as you normally do in an enthusiastic and confident manner.

- Have a good idea of the field placing in mind as you get ready.

- Don't move on the crease, stay still and determined.

- If you play against these friends often, know what bowler bowls in what way and prepare yourself accordingly.

- Don't pre-determine a shot, always play according to the bowl that comes to you.

- You know your strengths and weaknesses, play the ones where you are strong and avoid the ones you are weak with.

- Always pull the short ball if its in the right place, timing is the key.

- Don't think about playing a shot on the legside when you know you can play a better and effective shot on the offside.

- Play smart!

There are many other things, the rest depends on your physical abilities.
What about when they do the malinga?

[Zechariah]

i see some good suggestions. i mostly edge the ball to slip.

Keep a better eye on the ball and don't do a wild swing :D

[Zechariah]

What about when they do the malinga?

Well what's a malinga?

[6hitter]

Also,guys what do i do about the bouncers?

[6hitter]

Well what's a malinga?
The "malinga" is where they bowl like lasith malinga. those balls are scorchers. especially the yorkers.

[Zechariah]

Also,guys what do i do about the bouncers?

Depends how it is... if you feel you can leave it and wont be able to hit it well then leave it, if you right around the place of your chest/shoulders take a crack at it!

[6hitter]

Depends how it is... if you feel you can leave it and wont be able to hit it well then leave it, if you right around the place of your chest/shoulders take a crack at it!
easier said then done

[Zechariah]

The "malinga" is where they bowl like lasith malinga. those balls are scorchers. especially the yorkers.

Keep an eye on it, don't try to play it as a wild swing or etc. stop it with a straight bat facing the ground. :P

Or if you are really good, gently sweep it ;-)

[Zechariah]

easier said then done

Oh yes it is but you should start practicing it, it all comes to you the more you practice.

[6hitter]

Oh yes it is but you should start practicing it, it all comes to you the more you practice.
we don't really practice.

[6hitter]

You guys want to know my stats.

[Zechariah]

By practice I meant try to play them in the matches... when you can.

Ya sure if you want.. go ahead.

[6hitter]

Okay. I have made 2 100s. 5 50s. My top score is 118* My strike rate is like 80 and 90. I like to hit the ball far and also take a wild swing of the bat. I don't know how many matches i have played. Probally more than 30. My average is like 20 something.

[McBoom]

:|

You want to die?Cummon mate, if he is paying with tape ball then there is no harm..... even with the hard ball its not life threatening. Helmets are made to be used. ;)

[Zechariah]

Okay. I have made 2 100s. 5 50s. My top score is 118* My strike rate is like 80 and 90. I like to hit the ball far and also take a wild swing of the bat. I don't know how many matches i have played. Probally more than 30. My average is like 20 something.

Impressive and your age?

[6hitter]

i've been hit in the stomach.......................

[McBoom]

Okay. I have made 2 100s. 5 50s. My top score is 118* My strike rate is like 80 and 90. I like to hit the ball far and also take a wild swing of the bat. I don't know how many matches i have played. Probally more than 30. My average is like 20 something.You wanna know the best advice ? Spend less time asking about cricket techniques on the internet and more time on practice.

[6hitter]

You wanna know the best advice ? Spend less time asking about cricket techniques on the internet and more time on practice.
it's night right now

[6hitter]

Impressive and your age?
how old do you think i am?

[Zechariah]

.................................................. .........

34, excellent. :)

How often do you play 6hitter?

[6hitter]

34, excellent. :)

How often do you play 6hitter?
i'm younger than that. way younger

[pakistanbest]

how old do you think i am?

60 :P

[McBoom]

it's night right nowAgreed but I would suggest that the best way to improve your batting is to make a person stand where the umpire stands and observe your batting. Then he can tell you what mistakes you are making and what improvements you should make.

No one can tell the flaws in your technique without seeing the way you bat.

[Zechariah]

i'm younger than that. way younger

lol I know.. i guess you are a teenager.

[6hitter]

60 :P
your off by a good amount

[6hitter]

lol I know.. i guess you are a teenager.
little bit older than a teenager

[MCMLXXXII]

Batting is mainly about two things. Timing and footwork. For timing, you basically have to keep your eye on the bowl and apply lots of concentration. It can only improve with practice. When facing the bowler, put all other thoughts out of your mind such as what kind of shot you need to hit or where the gap is, don't pre-determine the shot, just wait for the ball to come. When it is released, you have to determine the line of the ball and get in line with it and also determine the length of the ball so you can determine which foot to play the ball on.

Footwork varies from shot to shot but basically there is the front foot and the back foot. Practice on your own without a bowler and take your stance and then go back and forth between your front foot and your back foot. Start with your back lift, some prefer to keep their bat in the air if they are playing fast bowlers as they don't have to use the extra time to lift tha bat and bring it down again. The higher you lift the bat in the back lift, the more power you will have in the shot. Time your back lift right and bring your bat down.

For front foot shots, it is important to stick your leg out in line with where the ball is pitching. Bring your bat straight down and drive through. This will insure that you don't miss the ball if it varies in pitch but the only thing that determines if it takes and edge or misses by the side of your bat is bringing the foot down to the line of the ball.

For shots on the back foot. Move back and also across if you want to pull the ball to the leg side. This means move your back foot both back and also towards the off stump and get all your weight on the back foot. Play the shot with extended arms and roll your wrist over the ball as you play it to keep it down. For cutting the ball to the off side, bring your back foot back and across to the leg side to give you more room to play. By moving the back foot back, your approach is more side on and then you wait and time the ball and open the face of the bat as you play the shot. This way you can direct the ball to square or behind the wicket.

These are some quick basics. Practice makes perfect.

[surfer]

First you have to believe in yourself and relieve your mind of all pressure and fear of getting out. After you do this, go on to bat as you normally do in an enthusiastic and confident manner.

- Have a good idea of the field placing in mind as you get ready.

- Don't move on the crease, stay still and determined.

- If you play against these friends often, know what bowler bowls in what way and prepare yourself accordingly.

- Don't pre-determine a shot, always play according to the bowl that comes to you.

- You know your strengths and weaknesses, play the ones where you are strong and avoid the ones you are weak with.

- Always pull the short ball if its in the right place, timing is the key.

- Don't think about playing a shot on the legside when you know you can play a better and effective shot on the offside.

- Play smart!

There are many other things, the rest depends on your physical abilities.

There is one Shahid Khan Afridi who needs to read this..... :21:

[The Blazer]

Cummon mate, if he is paying with tape ball then there is no harm..... even with the hard ball its not life threatening. Helmets are made to be used. ;)
Chalo jee, let me get a hard ball and then you take guard 5 feet in front of the crease. See what happens. :P

[Vegitto1]

The most important thing while batting is how you shift your weight between front foot and back foot.

Usually just before the bowler releases the ball ur back foot should shuffle across an inch..this transfers wait on your back foot, and if the ball is outside off you will find it easier to get in line with it since, as their is minimum wieght on ur front leg it will move across quickly and once u place it down the whole weight transfers onto the front leg allowing u to play the perfect cover drive.

As far as playing bouncers go. Keep your eyes on the ball, only if u are a natural hooker or a puller, u shud attempt to play the short ball..otherwise u might fluke it once but r like to top edge it.

[McBoom]

Chalo jee, let me get a hard ball and then you take guard 5 feet in front of the crease. See what happens. :POkay deal, I'll give you a call whenever I am in London (might be there in about 2 months or so).... by the way I was talking about 5 feet infront of batting crease & not the bowling crease incase you misunderstood.

And get ready for some serious thumping ! :P

[The Blazer]

Okay deal, I'll give you a call whenever I am in London (might be there in about 2 months or so).... by the way I was talking about 5 feet infront of batting crease & not the bowling crease incase you misunderstood.

And get ready for some serious thumping ! :P
Awesome. I'll show you how we do it in London.

[6hitter]

Batting is mainly about two things. Timing and footwork. For timing, you basically have to keep your eye on the bowl and apply lots of concentration. It can only improve with practice. When facing the bowler, put all other thoughts out of your mind such as what kind of shot you need to hit or where the gap is, don't pre-determine the shot, just wait for the ball to come. When it is released, you have to determine the line of the ball and get in line with it and also determine the length of the ball so you can determine which foot to play the ball on.

Footwork varies from shot to shot but basically there is the front foot and the back foot. Practice on your own without a bowler and take your stance and then go back and forth between your front foot and your back foot. Start with your back lift, some prefer to keep their bat in the air if they are playing fast bowlers as they don't have to use the extra time to lift tha bat and bring it down again. The higher you lift the bat in the back lift, the more power you will have in the shot. Time your back lift right and bring your bat down.

For front foot shots, it is important to stick your leg out in line with where the ball is pitching. Bring your bat straight down and drive through. This will insure that you don't miss the ball if it varies in pitch but the only thing that determines if it takes and edge or misses by the side of your bat is bringing the foot down to the line of the ball.

For shots on the back foot. Move back and also across if you want to pull the ball to the leg side. This means move your back foot both back and also towards the off stump and get all your weight on the back foot. Play the shot with extended arms and roll your wrist over the ball as you play it to keep it down. For cutting the ball to the off side, bring your back foot back and across to the leg side to give you more room to play. By moving the back foot back, your approach is more side on and then you wait and time the ball and open the face of the bat as you play the shot. This way you can direct the ball to square or behind the wicket.

These are some quick basics. Practice makes perfect.
What do i do if the ball is swinging like mad

[6hitter]

The most important thing while batting is how you shift your weight between front foot and back foot.

Usually just before the bowler releases the ball ur back foot should shuffle across an inch..this transfers wait on your back foot, and if the ball is outside off you will find it easier to get in line with it since, as their is minimum wieght on ur front leg it will move across quickly and once u place it down the whole weight transfers onto the front leg allowing u to play the perfect cover drive.

As far as playing bouncers go. Keep your eyes on the ball, only if u are a natural hooker or a puller, u shud attempt to play the short ball..otherwise u might fluke it once but r like to top edge it.
What about yorkers?

[The Blazer]

What about yorkers?
You dig 'em out.

Or else charge down the track like a hyena on a mission and convert the yorker into a full toss and hit it way back for a six. :P

[6hitter]

dig em out?

[6hitter]

match tomorrow guys for me. let's see what i can do

[The Blazer]

dig em out?
As in, get your bat down quick and stop the ball from thudding into your pads or going into the stumps.

[6hitter]

As in, get your bat down quick and stop the ball from thudding into your pads or going into the stumps.
i see.

[6hitter]

you guys have been ll talking about pace bowling. What about spin?

[Vegitto1]

you guys have been ll talking about pace bowling. What about spin?


Tera Allah Maalik hai. Saari tips batting ki thi aur yeh bowling ko le ke roh raha hai

[6hitter]

Tera Allah Maalik hai. Saari tips batting ki thi aur yeh bowling ko le ke roh raha hai
did you see my bowling thread?

[AtifUk]

What techniques do you batsmen use to determine the length of a delivery, because I feel this is the most important part about choosing your shot and footwork, should you be getting your feet in the right place before you swing your bat, or should it be one motion? I feel i lose concentration when im thinking about my footwork too much and it causes pre-meditation, which is too risky, and I end up being too defensive too. Also, when you are trying to get to the pitch of the ball, what is the ideal placement of your left foot (right handed batsmen) when say going for a cover drive, again, I find it hard to pull off an attacking shot with bat and pad too close together, should there be a bigger gap if your trying to hit rather than defend?

This is for when facing local, club level bowlers, i think at this level where bowlers are so inconsistent it's hard work trying to move around the crease, so should that be ditched for small step forward/backward and smash?

Other tips on improving one's batting would be appreciated too :misbah

[Zaz]

What techniques do you batsmen use to determine the length of a delivery, because I feel this is the most important part about choosing your shot and footwork, should you be getting your feet in the right place before you swing your bat, or should it be one motion?

Ur footwork should be in place before u play the shot, it should be back or forward, decisive and quick, no playing from the crease.

I feel i lose concentration when im thinking about my footwork too much and it causes pre-meditation, which is too risky, and I end up being too defensive too. Also, when you are trying to get to the pitch of the ball, what is the ideal placement of your left foot (right handed batsmen) when say going for a cover drive, again, I find it hard to pull off an attacking shot with bat and pad too close together, should there be a bigger gap if your trying to hit rather than defend?

Ur foot should be inside the ball and no there shouldnt be a bigger gap then when u are defending, always try and stay tight when defending or attacking and no playing away from ur body


I think the reason for ur lack of attacking batsmenship is ur footwork, if its not decisive, if u dont get a big stride forward for eg u wont have that momentum going forward that ll help with execution

[AtifUk]

Thanks for the tips.

But the problem remains, that if i wait to see the length of the ball im too late to be getting in place to be able to play a shot, Whats the quickest way to pick up the balls length, surely its not 100% reflexes, other techniques are involved.

[Zaz]

Thanks for the tips.

But the problem remains, that if i wait to see the length of the ball im too late to be getting in place to be able to play a shot, Whats the quickest way to pick up the balls length, surely its not 100% reflexes, other techniques are involved.

Well i dont think there is a great science to it, u see the line and length and move accordingly back or forward, its all judged during flight of the ball

round about a third of the way down u should know if its a full or short delivery as a result u should start moving now to get into position, the line will allow u to determine what shot is to be played ie if its short outside off u play the cut, if its straight at ur body the backfoot defence/pull but ur commitment comes in last third when u have acsertained any movements / swing /spin

This is why uve got to watch the ball all the way from release to more or less when it hits ur bat

[UmarMalik]

I'm sure we all know the basics of batting. However, I created this thread so we post tips in order to improve our batting.

Tell us what you did differently which clicked your batting.

Be honest, it can help everyone become a good batsman by following your tips.


What changed my game in batting:

During my first season in league, I used to spend 40% of my attention looking at the bowler steaming in and not focus fully on the ball.

I figured its definitely my mental problem as my technique was pretty much correct as far as my batting is concerned. During the second season's practice sessions, I told myself.. You know what, I'm just going to look at the ball and ignore who is bowling.. Now, whenever the bowler comes onto ball, I literally pay no attention to the bowler and just look at the red shiny ball..

This has definitely helped me! It took me a pretty long time to mentally prepare myself for this, but it definitely works..!

Tell us what changed your batting, I will definitely use your tips when I bat next season.

Thank you!

[UP]

I'm a Sehwag type batsman. No foot movement, I just stand and deliver myself back to the pavilion.

Bowling wise I'm okayish.

[UmarMalik]

Also people, please tell us how you prepare yourself in the nets with the bat. What is your main focus in the nets?

[UP]

I prepare myself by not worrying who is bowling.

My main focus is to look at the ball as closely as possible till the end.

[ads101]

A lot of international batsman say when you see a fast bowler rushing in, best not to focus on the bowler, just lift your head up close to when he's going to release the ball (rather than at the start of the run up). Makes it less intimidating.

So wouldn't completely ignore the bowler. But hey whatever works for you.

Also I learnt to play spin late. Being a bit more confident against them helped a bit.

[UmarMalik]

^Good thing you brought spin. Whenever I play spinner, I play him as if he's a medium pace bowler who is bowling with the new ball.. I know it's pretty weird but it has proved well so far

[Cover Drive]

Great thread Umar bhai :14:

I will be totally honest here.

I started playing 'proper' cricket in 2009 and in that season I was miserable, horrible dreadful etc (whatever you wish to call) and the problems I had when I look back were (on which I have worked and come long way)[I];

1. My technique was horrible as throughout my life I played tape ball cricket and I was like a slogger who would go after every ball.
2. As you mentioned I would look at the bowler but not the ball, it was not that I was scared of the bowler or ball but I never paid attention to the ball.
3. Biggest problem was my stance [I](eg head was not still, eyes weren't levelled etc) was not correct and I would not be in proper position to face bowler.

In 2010 I went to Pakistan for two months so didn't play for much but 1 & 2 from above were still there while I had worked over number 3. What I did with 3 was that I took better guard now middle stump and most important my bat was over offstump/wicketkeeper/first slip. Before I would have it on ground like tapeball.

So that was a big change.

So in 2011 I again went to Pakistan BUT but had worked on all three of above flaws and I was now a much better batsman, however, I brought something new to my batting which was;

- Trigger movement/shuffle.

Nearly everyone in my club has it and it works for them so they recommended me to do that as well so I did that and used that throughout 2011 season and pre-season but I was having issues and they were;

1. My balance was not correct, I mean after playing a shot I would not be balanced.
2. I was not leaning with the head (you have to lean with your head first)

So I learnt this around end of June and that end of my 2011 season as I left for Pakistan in July and when I came back it was Ramadhan etc so yesterday I was at nets with couple of PPers and what I did was that I had a firm stance (meaning no shuffle/trigger movement) and my balance was a lot better, since I was playing after couple of months I was rusty but my balance had significantly improved, watching the ball leave from start of bowlers runup and more importantly leaning with my head and transferring weight on my front leg getting better balance etc all made a big difference and I could feel it. With more practice I will come over it soon InshAllah.

So in summary what most important and helped me long way are;

- Leaning with head.
- Transferring weight on front foot.
- Watching the ball all the way from bowlers hand.
- Getting front foot in pitch of ball
- Still head with eyes level

This is what I did and my batting significantly improved from 2009 BUT its not necessary that what works for me would work for me, as I earlier said trigger movement works for my team mates but doesn't work for me at all! However, the above ones are very important and must for a batsman.

Guard is very important too, I recommend and would say taking guard on middle stump works for me because that way I can play on both off and legside, I won't be restricted to one particular side.

[Cover Drive]

Also people, please tell us how you prepare yourself in the nets with the bat. What is your main focus in the nets?

In nets I try to mentally prepare myself that for example if its for 10 minutes then for first five minutes I will just watch the ball and defend everything so once my eyes have settled and I can see ball better then I will open and explore my shots.

I am trying to do this myself too but sometimes I am victim of it.

[Cover Drive]

Another important thing I would say is how you grip your bat, when I started off in 2009 I was not gripping bat properly. Now the way I grip the bat is perfect for me, my bottom hand is an inch higher than the shoulder region which works for me.

[kkmix]

What helped me most was the throw downs in the nets. I would get someone to just throw the balls on my pads really fast from half way down the pitch. I would bat for half hour minimum. After about 10 minutes or so I started timing the ball nice and everything would come from the middle. Then I used to be more confident during the actual games.

[Cover Drive]

If you need to improve your timing then everyday I would say bounce the ball on your bat everyday for ten minutes, that improves your timing and watching the ball.

As kkmix bhai said throwdowns help you significantly they are most helpful, the nets for 5/10/15 minutes aren't really going to improve your batting, throw downs are the best and after that bowling machine is good.

[UP]

CD - I will see you very soon. You escaped my bowling yesterday.

I will york you and destroy your tekneeq :yk

[Cover Drive]

CD - I will see you very soon. You escaped my bowling yesterday.

I will york you and destroy your tekneeq :yk

Because...

"Cover Drive's legs were trembling" : WithLoveFromCanada

;-) :P

[UP]

Because...

"Cover Drive's legs were trembling" : WithLoveFromCanada

;-) :P
He wore a chest guard and I think I hit him once on his legs :asadrauf

[Cover Drive]

He wore a chest guard and I think I hit him once on his legs :asadrauf

Chest guards ?! :facepalm:

I have never worn that nor I will, I feel proud of this because Pakistani's don't roll like that :)

.......we aren't Indians :ganguly ;-)

[UP]

Chest guards ?! :facepalm:

I have never worn that nor I will, I feel proud of this because Pakistani's don't roll like that :)

.......we aren't Indians :ganguly ;-)
Yes, chest guard :facepalm:

WLFC is from Bhaarat :yk

[Bullet Drive]

Thank you for the tips CD, I will definitely use them however one problem I face is facing a leg stump half volley or a leg stump yorker or trying to play one down fine on the leg side. I always miss the ball there. Any suggestions?

[Quick Single]

Great thread Umar bhai :14:

I will be totally honest here.

I started playing 'proper' cricket in 2009 and in that season I was miserable, horrible dreadful etc (whatever you wish to call) and the problems I had when I look back were (on which I have worked and come long way)[I];

1. My technique was horrible as throughout my life I played tape ball cricket and I was like a slogger who would go after every ball.
2. As you mentioned I would look at the bowler but not the ball, it was not that I was scared of the bowler or ball but I never paid attention to the ball.
3. Biggest problem was my stance [I](eg head was not still, eyes weren't levelled etc) was not correct and I would not be in proper position to face bowler.

In 2010 I went to Pakistan for two months so didn't play for much but 1 & 2 from above were still there while I had worked over number 3. What I did with 3 was that I took better guard now middle stump and most important my bat was over offstump/wicketkeeper/first slip. Before I would have it on ground like tapeball.

So that was a big change.

So in 2011 I again went to Pakistan BUT but had worked on all three of above flaws and I was now a much better batsman, however, I brought something new to my batting which was;

- Trigger movement/shuffle.

Nearly everyone in my club has it and it works for them so they recommended me to do that as well so I did that and used that throughout 2011 season and pre-season but I was having issues and they were;

1. My balance was not correct, I mean after playing a shot I would not be balanced.
2. I was not leaning with the head (you have to lean with your head first)

So I learnt this around end of June and that end of my 2011 season as I left for Pakistan in July and when I came back it was Ramadhan etc so yesterday I was at nets with couple of PPers and what I did was that I had a firm stance (meaning no shuffle/trigger movement) and my balance was a lot better, since I was playing after couple of months I was rusty but my balance had significantly improved, watching the ball leave from start of bowlers runup and more importantly leaning with my head and transferring weight on my front leg getting better balance etc all made a big difference and I could feel it. With more practice I will come over it soon InshAllah.

So in summary what most important and helped me long way are;

- Leaning with head.
- Transferring weight on front foot.
- Watching the ball all the way from bowlers hand.
- Getting front foot in pitch of ball
- Still head with eyes level

This is what I did and my batting significantly improved from 2009 BUT its not necessary that what works for me would work for me, as I earlier said trigger movement works for my team mates but doesn't work for me at all! However, the above ones are very important and must for a batsman.

Guard is very important too, I recommend and would say taking guard on middle stump works for me because that way I can play on both off and legside, I won't be restricted to one particular side.

Good post CD bhai.

I use trigger movement and tbh it's the best thing that has happened to my batting, however it took a lot of practice to get it to work effectively.When I first started using the trigger, it caused me a lot of trouble and I was about to scrap it, however I got someone to watch my batting and they noticed that I was triggering to late ie, just as the bowler was about to release the ball I would shuffle, causing me to be on the move while the ball was being delivered, this in turn meant that my head was not still. Then I started to shuffle a lot earlier, sometimes very early but tbh that was better than triggering too late. Now my feet are moving really nicely thanks to the trigger movement, but I do acknowledge it won't work for everyone.

[Cover Drive]

Good post CD bhai.

I use trigger movement and tbh it's the best thing that has happened to my batting, however it took a lot of practice to get it to work effectively.When I first started using the trigger, it caused me a lot of trouble and I was about to scrap it, however I got someone to watch my batting and they noticed that I was triggering to late ie, just as the bowler was about to release the ball I would shuffle, causing me to be on the move while the ball was being delivered, this in turn meant that my head was not still. Then I started to shuffle a lot earlier, sometimes very early but tbh that was better than triggering too late. Now my feet are moving really nicely thanks to the trigger movement, but I do acknowledge it won't work for everyone.

I did stick with trigger movement for a long time but it didn't really work for me.

The best time to trigger/shuffle is when the bowling is about to get into his last stride (where he just starts his action) because when the ball is released from bowlers hand your head should be still and eyes should be level.

One thing I don't like about trigger movement is that it gets a bit difficult to play backfoot shots unless you have a really good ability like Brain Charles Lara to pick the ball early.

So it is really not in everyone's cup of tea.

[Cover Drive]

Also one important thing I would mention here is that when in your stance your head should be over (ahead of front knee etc) your front knee because when ball is bowler you will lean with your head first then naturally your body will follow.

Have a look at Sangakarras stance see his head position from the side.

I really admire the words Sangakarra always used when he was captain "We just got out basics right" so these are basics of batting if one works on them and improves on them then naturally his batting will automatically improve but obviously it requires lot of hardword and practice.

[ManHOOS]

CD on faya :afridi

[Cover Drive]

Sorry for another post guys but as time goes things are popping in my mind.

Anyways, when in stance make sure your hands are over your box or on right side where bat should be over offstump.

Having hands below box does not work out.

[anakwalajinn]

Salaam.

Good thread, not sure how to contribute to this thread, will post more when next year's season istarts, insha Allah :)

I should come to Canada for a few weeks and train with you guys, how often do you have net practice?

[kkmix]

CD, lemme know when you guys play next, I'll try to come.

[sabz86]

Thank you for the tips CD, I will definitely use them however one problem I face is facing a leg stump half volley or a leg stump yorker or trying to play one down fine on the leg side. I always miss the ball there. Any suggestions?


what youll generally find if your missing leg stumps balls on a consisten basis is either one or both of a couple things.

Firstly, your balance whilst trying to play these balls is flawed. You head is most likely not still, and falling to the off side, causing the weight of your body to be shifting to the off side.
Try and keep you head still at point of impact, with your head straight and not falling to the side. The correct feeling should be eyes and nose over the top of the ball.

Secondly, it could also be possible that you are playing around your front pad. This is noticeable when the ball if angling down the leg side yet your front foot still points in the direction of extra cover/wide mid off. Ideally your foot should be pointing straight down the wicket or slightly to the leg side, opening you body up slightly, allowing for a straight and natural downwards arc of your bat, thus meeting the ball with a full face rather than playing across the line of the ball.

Correcting this might take some time but there are a couple drills one could use to rectify this. The use of cones is very handy. Place a cones at half volley length on our just outside legs stump, practice getting your full close to the ball with your front toe opened up as mentioned above, and then play the ball in the direction of straightish to wideish mid on.

One you are comfortable with this you can then progress to having someone underarm you balls from 2-3 metres away bouncing once or even twice, on the same line, following the same method as the cone drill.

20-25 of these underarms correctly played per session should see you rectify your error.

[Bullet Drive]

what youll generally find if your missing leg stumps balls on a consisten basis is either one or both of a couple things.

Firstly, your balance whilst trying to play these balls is flawed. You head is most likely not still, and falling to the off side, causing the weight of your body to be shifting to the off side.
Try and keep you head still at point of impact, with your head straight and not falling to the side. The correct feeling should be eyes and nose over the top of the ball.

Secondly, it could also be possible that you are playing around your front pad. This is noticeable when the ball if angling down the leg side yet your front foot still points in the direction of extra cover/wide mid off. Ideally your foot should be pointing straight down the wicket or slightly to the leg side, opening you body up slightly, allowing for a straight and natural downwards arc of your bat, thus meeting the ball with a full face rather than playing across the line of the ball.

Correcting this might take some time but there are a couple drills one could use to rectify this. The use of cones is very handy. Place a cones at half volley length on our just outside legs stump, practice getting your full close to the ball with your front toe opened up as mentioned above, and then play the ball in the direction of straightish to wideish mid on.

One you are comfortable with this you can then progress to having someone underarm you balls from 2-3 metres away bouncing once or even twice, on the same line, following the same method as the cone drill.

20-25 of these underarms correctly played per session should see you rectify your error.

Thank you so much for this. A great great post. Thank you.

I agree, my balance is real poor. Even when I play a shot on the off side or any shot that is I be on the move and have to take a few steps after playing the shot. Is there any way I can fix this?

[TheHK16]

i just keep my head as still as possible and concentrate on the ball

but i need tips on playing spin

[Cover Drive]

CD, lemme know when you guys play next, I'll try to come.

Sure bro.

what youll generally find if your missing leg stumps balls on a consisten basis is either one or both of a couple things.

Firstly, your balance whilst trying to play these balls is flawed. You head is most likely not still, and falling to the off side, causing the weight of your body to be shifting to the off side.
Try and keep you head still at point of impact, with your head straight and not falling to the side. The correct feeling should be eyes and nose over the top of the ball.

Secondly, it could also be possible that you are playing around your front pad. This is noticeable when the ball if angling down the leg side yet your front foot still points in the direction of extra cover/wide mid off. Ideally your foot should be pointing straight down the wicket or slightly to the leg side, opening you body up slightly, allowing for a straight and natural downwards arc of your bat, thus meeting the ball with a full face rather than playing across the line of the ball.

Correcting this might take some time but there are a couple drills one could use to rectify this. The use of cones is very handy. Place a cones at half volley length on our just outside legs stump, practice getting your full close to the ball with your front toe opened up as mentioned above, and then play the ball in the direction of straightish to wideish mid on.

One you are comfortable with this you can then progress to having someone underarm you balls from 2-3 metres away bouncing once or even twice, on the same line, following the same method as the cone drill.

20-25 of these underarms correctly played per session should see you rectify your error.

Brilliantly summed up mate, I agree the front foot position very important in fact, I had a problem with that too!

Thank you so much for this. A great great post. Thank you.

I agree, my balance is real poor. Even when I play a shot on the off side or any shot that is I be on the move and have to take a few steps after playing the shot. Is there any way I can fix this?

I had exact exact same problem as you bro, my balance was horrible too, still it is not perfect but it is much better than before.

So this is what I did ;

- When in stance my head was over front knee (like Sangakarra)
- When the ball is released I lean with head first once you lean with your head first naturally everything will follow your head. So when everything is following, the weight is now transferring on your front foot and you will be in much better balanced situation.

Hope it made sense.

Try this with shadow batting at your place and you will probably understand what I mean.

[Syndrome]

You guys all go to Hagee sports? Lets hold a PP practice session. :P You guys play in EDCL or BCL?

[anakwalajinn]

Guys, do it next summer. I will fly over, seriously! :moyo

[Cover Drive]

Poor WithLoveFromCanada has been doing it for years, see his thread in Time Pass section.

Yes it is at Hagee Sports.

I played BEDCL last year but InshAllah I will be playing in TnD from 2012

[Zaidi_Zaidi]

When is the next practice at Hagee? I will drop by as well :umarakmal

[sabz86]

Thank you so much for this. A great great post. Thank you.

I agree, my balance is real poor. Even when I play a shot on the off side or any shot that is I be on the move and have to take a few steps after playing the shot. Is there any way I can fix this?


Drills Drills Drills!!!!

Smash the hell out of the cone drill in the nets...i would suggest even have specific net sessions where you dont face any bowlers in the nets.. and just work the cones. Foot to the ball, head over the ball, HEAD STILL, foot pointing in direction of where you are looking to hit the ball. Do this enough times and it will become mind and muscle memory so that when you do move on to facing bowlers, your body thinks those steps are normal practice.

The way you can judge your progress is every session have someone underarm you 30 balls..and you hit the ball on the second bounce. Hold the shot afterwards, and have a look at your head and foot positioning.

[Cover Drive]

^ I would say if drills is not possible then do shadow batting with cone or ball on ground and practice with that.

[ammo]

To me batting is done in roles e.g. openers hould try and see through the first 15-20 overs and have a solid 40-60+ runs between them, if the openers did their job the middle order should just try and score at a run a ball batting sensibly and building partnerships the bottom orders role it to score at 8+ runs an over. After you have played your role you attack with the option to defend untill you get out.