Readers tips: Have the balls to watch the ball
I am inviting readers to submit their experience, tips and advice on how to improve your cricket. Today it's the turn of Guy, who had an “aha†moment recently. Comments are open for your feedback.
I stumbled upon something the other day that really helped my batting.
For a lot of my playing time I have always started to play a shot as soon as the bowler has released the ball. It was only recently that i realised how little I actually watched the ball. I used to use the bowlers release of the ball as a trigger to start playing my shot and this lead to me placing my foot in the same place, every ball, and only being able to play limited shots.
However, in recent net sessions i have made absolutely sure that i don't move a muscle for at least a second when the bowler is releasing.
Now, because i stay still until I figure out where the ball is going, what foot i need to play the ball on, and what shot to play, I have been playing every shot in the book. It just goes to show how much of a difference watching the ball makes. Just this one small thing has improved my batting to no end.
It's having the balls to watch the ball.
I guess i was just scared to wait for the ball, and started playing a shot immediately. Now I just sit and watch it for as long as possible.
And my god has it helped my batting.
Coaches comments: This is what coaches talk about when they say to wait as long as possible to play a shot and avoid premeditating shots. It's been proven that experienced batsmen have the ability to wait a much shorter time before getting into position, but the key is not to move until you can accurately work out what is happening.
Do you have any tips to add to the series? Drop me a line with your story and share it with the world.
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Comments
wow! david i have had virtually the same expirience. Ive been at a cricket summer camp this week and ive really improved my batting. Im usually a bit scared of the ball and usually shy away from it. But after a bad first day at the camp, the coach told me how i would have to face up to the bowler if i was to become a better batsmen. The next day i was determined to prove to the coach and most importantly myself that i could bat well. Just like u did, in the nets i looked at the ball carefully and waited for it to come to me. And at the end of the session i realised i hadnt missed one ball and middled quite a few. i think by not being scared of the ball, ive really improved my batting.
Great stuff. Did you enjoy the camp?
yes definetely. got some great tips and a lot of fitness training involved too.
What kind of stuff did you do, fitness wise?
George watch the ball and move your feet. Its important to take the correct guard so that your head is in the correct place and you are well balanced this depends upon your stance and your height. A knee jerk reaction back and across is often a good trigger and set up to prepare to either go back or forward. Dont get caught in the trap of lunging forward every ball as this as you mentioned some what limits your shot making ability. Watch the ball from the moment the bowler has it in his hand during his approach and release. Look to pick up the line and more importantly the lenght early and make the necessary footwork stay balanced and just work on timing it and being balanced !!!
A good prectice tool is to use a bowling machine there is a delay from when the ball is set to when it is released so you can identify any ealry movements. Its a common mistake to automatically transfer weight onto the front foot and play 'around' the ball !!
My coach alsways told me as the bowler is in in his release "watch the ball watch the ball - MOVE YOUR FEET "
Get in stay in enjoy the game mate !
i am having the same problem.i don't watch the ball till it interact with the bat and plays shots and so goodgth/inswings get me out either by pulling me orsumped bold.
Is there any ball watching practice to improve my this skill?
I will be glad to get help on this topic.