Saturday, September 23, 2017

How to Be a Good Batsman

If you're trying to be a good batsman, focusing on improving your observation skills, batting skills and calmness will go a long way to enhancing your batting abilities.

[[Category:Cricket]]

== Steps ==
=== Observing and deciding quickly ===
# Watch the ball as it approaches you. If the ball comes wide, step across and leave the ball. It might be caught by a slip fielder or wicket keeper if you attempt to play a shot. Change your position as the ball approaches to make your work easier. You can use your front foot or back foot. Never try to be fancy.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 2.jpg|center]]
#*Watch the bowler's hand and seam position.
#*Watch the ball from the hand adjust to swing or turn.
#*Learn to pick the shot from seeing these things.
# Decide what shot to play. Move your front foot forward and towards the ball as the ball approaches if you decide to play a shot and the ball is full. If the ball is short then move your back foot backwards and slightly away from you. Learn different front foot and back foot drives.If the bowl is pitched in good, full length take your front foot forward and play front foot shot and if the bowl seams to be short pitched play a backfoot stroke. [[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 3.jpg|center]]
#*Play it as late as possible for fast balls or seamers.

=== Batting ===
# Swing your bat straight and follow through with your swing. You can also play cross bat shots but these have a higher risk and require more practice.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 4.jpg|center]]
#*Don't hold the bat too tightly; this causes shot lengths to decline considerably.
# Remember that timing is more important than strength. Full strength and no timing will result in the ball traveling no more than {{convert|10|yd|m|1}} while a properly timed shot with little power will fetch you more.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 5.jpg|center]]
# Be straight and steady while playing. Don't lose your balance while playing the shots. Keep a minimum distance between the wickets and your bat. This will minimize the chances of getting out.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 6.jpg|center]]
# Concentrate on the ball and pick the line and length of the ball. This will help you to hit better.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 7.jpg|center]]
#* At times, the bowler may seem to change the pace and length of where they bowl. This may be beneficial for the bowler, but to be able to time one well, you will need to know where the ball will be pitched. If it seems to be a shorter delivery, you always have the option to play a pull shot, or to duck under the ball. If the ball seems to be pitched at a fuller length, you have the option to block, or go for a straight drive.
# Play your shot as late as possible. Hitting  the ball early will make it go up in the air and you will get caught.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 8.jpg|center]]
#*Aim to play shots down on the ground.
# Move your head first and then your feet. This stops your feet from planting and putting yourself in a bad position.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 9.jpg|center]]

=== Keeping calm ===
# Stay patient and keep calm. You won't become a good batsman with just a few tries, as it takes a while to perfect your skills. Be positive while practicing and don't get frustrated if you get dismissed very quickly. When batting, practice focus and taking it all in your stride.[[Image:Be a Good Batsman Step 1.jpg|center]]

== Tips ==
*Watch the ball off the spinner's hand. It might help you to pick the spin.
*Use a comfortable bat. If you purchase a heavy or otherwise uncomfortable bat, it may hit harder but your elbows will suffer in the long run.
*The safest place to hit the ball is straight back down the wicket.
*Sometimes, you cannot decide what shot to play and in the end you play a weird shot and get out. It is preferable to watch the ball carefully and then play the shot which is required or leave the ball.
* Having sufficient knowledge of fielder positions can help you get the ball into free areas while you play.
* To protect yourselves while batting, you should always wear your protective gear.

== Things You'll Need ==
*Bat
*Groin protector (important)
*Helmet
*Leg pads
*Gloves
*Thigh pad
*Chest guard
*Inner thigh pad
*Elbow guard

== Related wikiHows ==
*[[Add Swing to a Cricket Ball]]
*[[Oil and Break in a New Cricket Bat]]
*[[Bat in Cricket]]


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