The sport of cricket involves batting.It takes a lot of hard work to become a competent batter.Take some time to dial in your stance, grip, and swing.When taking to the pitch, watch the bowler closely to try to predict his angle of delivery and keep your eye on the ball until you make contact.You can take your game to the next level if you have enough practice.
Step 1: With both hands, grasp the bat with a firm grip.
Wrap both hands around the handle of the bat.For maximum control and precision, place your hands between the middle and top of the handle and keep them close enough together to form a V shape.The closer you are to the handle, the more difficult it will be to move the bat.
Step 2: Take a comfortable stance.
Most people prefer a side-on stance.Turn your left side toward the bowler with the bat off to your right side if you are right-handed.Simply reverse this position if you are left-handed.Put your feet on the ground and bend your knees.Your weight should be distributed evenly on the balls of your feet.If you are in a side-on stance, angle your feet or upper body to get into a position that feels natural.There are no best batting stances for cricket.You can hit with more force if you choose a stance that offers maximum stability and leverage.To adapt to different shots, be prepared to modify your stance.If the bowler delivers a bouncer just in front of your feet, you'll need to be ready to shift your weight and play a cut off your back foot.
Step 3: When it's time to swing, chamber the bat at waist height.
Hold the bat out to the side so that it's parallel with the ground, or keep it pointed up or down at a slight angle.The exact position of the bat doesn't matter if you can quickly and easily move it to initiate your swing.The flat side of the bat is facing the bowler.Cricket bats shouldn't be held as high as baseball bats since most bowls are delivered closer to ground level.
Step 4: As the bowler delivers the ball, begin lifting the bat.
Bring the bat up and back until it is just below the shoulder height.You will be able to move forward or backward when you are here.Your shoulders are relaxed and you are ready to strike.If you wait until the bowler releases the ball to start pulling back, you won't be able to reverse the motion of the bat in time to make contact at the optimal distance.The accuracy of your swing can be thrown off if you raise the bat too much.
Step 5: The bat should be swung straight up to meet the ball.
Bring the bat back across your body with the blade at a horizontal angle.Try to hit the ball close to the center of the bat.Most basic shots, including drives and defensive hits, use this technique.You can determine which shot you need to play by watching the ball closely as it crosses the pitch.The batting action in cricket is similar to a golf swing that is tight and controlled.
Step 6: If you follow through, you can get more distance on your shot.
As you make contact, open your chest and twist your hips.Without taking yourdominant hand off the handle, drive the bat upwards.A smooth rotation will send the ball further.An exaggerated follow through is useful for hitting drives, and may not be necessary when you're just trying to prevent the ball from making it to the wicket.
Step 7: For tells, study the bowler.
When the bowler is delivering different types of shots, pay close attention to their run up, foot placement, and release change.Picking up on subtle clues can sometimes lead to a better shot.A bowler may lean slightly when bowling wide on the leg side or modify their grip when planning on delivering a Yorker.The bowler's game is just as thought out as the batting one.
Step 8: As the ball moves down the pitch, keep an eye on it.
As the ball nears the batting crease, do your best to anticipate where it will end up.You can predict the path of the ball by following its movement closely.Try not to take your eyes off the ball for a second because most bowls move very quickly.
Step 9: Stay behind the ball as needed by moving forward or backward.
As the ball gets closer, be prepared to change your stance so you can get a good swing.You will have to make a split-second decision on whether to play forward or back.It is a good idea to keep to the range you are most comfortable with.Staying behind the ball reduces your chances of stopping it with your body rather than your bat.
Step 10: Wait for the right time to swing.
The main goal of batting is to rack up runs, not to hit every ball that comes your way.Knowing how to bide your time is just as important as being able to swing.Attempting to answer every delivery will cause you to become frustrated.If hitting a ball requires you to get into an awkward position or change your stance dramatically, it is usually best to just let it go.
Step 11: After scoring more runs, double back.
When you reach the far crease, turn around and run back to your starting position before the fielder can pick up the ball.You'll get a run each time you reach the other side.When you hit the ball far enough away, you can buy yourself more time on the pitch.You can score as many as 4 runs off a single ball if you hurry back and forth across the pitch frequently.You should always check to make sure that you and your teammate are in the clear.If a fielder gets hold of the ball while you're still moving, there's a chance they could score a run-out.
Step 12: You should practice to improve your skills.
There is no substitute for practice.Try to get out and train on your own at least a couple times a week, and attend team practices as often as you can.These sessions will give you a chance to refine your technique, smooth out your weak points, and get some experience hitting different kinds of shots.Pick one or two skills to work on to make better use of your practice time.You can focus on hooks or sweeps the next time you drill off-drives.Swinging a heavy cricket bat repeatedly can place a lot of strain on your shoulders, so be sure to take a day off when you start to feel achy.
Step 13: Try lifting weights to increase your strength.
If you want to supplement your batting practice, start lifting weights or doing resistance training 3-4 times a week.The bench press, shoulder presses, rows, and bicep curls are movements that target the main muscle groups used in batting.The stronger you are, the stronger your swing will be.You can still get an effective workout if you don't have access to free weights.Batting is not done with the lower body.In order to put your full power into a swing, you need a stable base and a strong core, so be sure to incorporate some lower body and abdominal exercises, such as squats, lunges, sit ups, and planks.
Step 14: Take your batting style into account.
If you are a forefoot batter, there is no reason for you to play off your back foot.If you can't hit cuts, stick to shots and you will have a better chance of success.It's just as important to use what you're good at as it is to bring up the weak parts of your game.Continue honing your skills until you can do them consistently.The ones who know how to take advantage of the skills that come naturally to them are the most capable.
Step 15: It's a good idea to learn to concentrate in short spurts.
It takes incredible focus to hit.To perform at your best, you need to be able to shut out the noise of the crowd and the feeling of disappointment that comes from missing a shot.As the ball moves into striking range, keep your mind focused on your technique.Don't let bad days shake your confidence.Take a few deep breaths when you're coming off a disappointing play.Don't forget to have fun!You would not be playing cricket if you didn't enjoy it.