Everyone knows how important it is to focus hard on the ball as it is bowled. Martin Crowe even recommends trying to focus on the seam to help with this.

There is a limit to this as watching the ball onto the bat is not the most efficient way to play. Top batsmen like Martin watch the ball from the hand, judge the length then adjust their eye to where they think it will bounce.

That takes a bit of training to get right.

Facing a lot of balls in the net is a good way to do it, but if you are stuggling to track the ball from the bowlers hand try this batting drill:

Ball Tracking Drill

Have someone feed a half-white, half-red ball to catch from a comfortable distance away. The feeder should aim to throw the ball so it is caught at waist height on the front foot.

As the ball is thrown the catcher calls whether the white is on the off or leg side before catching it.

You can advance this drill by having the feeder stand closer or gently bowl the ball.

Advanced Ball Tracking Drill

As the bowler runs in to deliver the ball focus on the seam. When the ball is bowled the batsman calls the seam position (outswing, inswing, scrambled, straight).

As safety is vital in this drill the batsman must either leave or defend the ball and not try to play a shot.

These drills will teach you to track the ball more closely without concentrating too hard.

More cricket drills soon, so subscribe for free updates.