Batting – The Grip and Stance

Although I am a lower order batsman I do know a thing or two about basic technique. So I will be giving some tips of my own on batting, but also to help me out from time to time, there will be some guest tips from some of the best batsmen in the world.

This time I will be going through some basics – the grip and stance.

As a batsman it is essential that you have a good grip to enable you to play the full range of shots with control, power and precision.

Gripping the bat is a very individual thing and it is important you feel comfortable. The easiest way to find a comfortable grip is to lay your bat flat on the ground and then pick it up like an axe.

Your top hand (hand closest to the top of the bat) should grip the bat slightly harder than the bottom hand. With the bottom hand, your index and middle finger are important and the other two fingers are either gripping lightly or not at all.

In your stance your top hand should sit comfortably on the inside of your thigh. You should be relaxed with your feet about shoulder width apart. Your weight needs to be spread evenly across your feet with a slight bend in your knees.

Your head position is very important. Your eyes need to be level and your head should be still which will allow you  to watch the ball closely and react quickly.

If you do all of the above it gives you a great chance to execute your shots and time the ball well.

Bowling – The Importance Of The Run Up

In the bowling section this week I am going to talk about the run-up.

For me as a fast bowler the run-up is a vital part of my game. It helps with rhythm, helps generate pace and, importantly, helps you keep your front foot behind the crease line so as not to bowl no balls.

It is an extremely individual thing and they do vary from person to person. I have the same run-up today as I had when was 14/15 years old. Read more

How To Be Good In The Field

With the modern game progressing as it is, it is crucial that you are good in the field as well as be able to bat and bowl. In the international game the better fielding teams generally come out on top. Take South Africa for example. Read more