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Geoff’s top cricket batting tips

cricket batting tips

Ways to improve your cricket batting style and success rate.

Batting is responding to the ball the bowler delivers. In other words, the batsman’s actions and movements (response) are determined on the ball bowled (stimulus). Batting practice and training needs to create similar situations to those you will experience in a game. This is referred to as specificity or training for the game.

Geoff’s top tips for improve cricket batting success

1. Stance and set up
  • Feet evenly spread with toes lined up with centre stump
  • Weight slightly toward inside of front and back feet (to allow movement back or forward)
  • Head and front shoulder pointing towards bowler
  • Eyes level
  • Grip bat with top hand (guide) dominant and bottom hand (power) relaxed
  • V’s of thumb & index finger pointing down back of bat
2. Pickup and backswing
  • Bat place behind back foot and lifted with top hand toward off stump (about bail high)
  • The bat tapunweights the bat and creates an active neutral position.

This means you are in the best position to hit the ball

  • Head must be still as the ball is released
3. As the bowler approaches the creaset
  • Head steady and still using the bat tap in a rhythmical action
  • Eyes firmly fixed on ball as bowler reaches the gather position (final step prior to release)
  • Watch ball closely as the bowler releases the ball (this will give you early clues bout the shot to play)
4. Playing off front foot
  • Balance, transfer of weight and head position are key points
  • A stable base is vital with back foot planted behind the crease to resist walking through the shot
  • Bend the front knee and push off back foot which assists keeping ball on ground and hitting ball under your eyes
  • At point of contact, ensure your weight is heading in the direction of where you want the ball to go
  • Top hand and elbow need to lead the shot with top elbow high
  • Bat follows the path of the ball in the follow through
  • Maintain balance and body position after contact is made
5. Playing off back foot
  • Balance, transfer of weight and head position are also important in backfoot play
  • Once you have made a decision that the ball is short, your movements must be sharp and decisive
  • To transfer your weight to the back foot, you need to push off the inside of your front foot
  • Back foot must move back and across in line with the off stump.
  • Back foot needs to move to a position parallel to the crease.

This is your position for all backfoot shots.

  • Point your head and shoulder for defensive or back foot drive in the direction of the shot
  • Stay tall so you can stay on top of the ball

The key to cricket batting success

  • Comfortable grip and stance
  • Watch the ball from bowler’s hand
  • Move back or forward depending on length of each ball
  • Keep your balance on contact
  • Keep ball on ground
  • Play as straight as you can
  • Look for singles to rotate the strike
More cricket player tips

 


About Geoff Spotswood Cricket Coaching Sydney

Geoff Spotswood is an expert cricket coach (Level 3) and leading educator who coaches all cricketers from young beginners to adult players. He is also one of the few sportsmen who have played first grade cricket and rugby league.

The cricket coaching programs Geoff conducts are well respected and highly regarded. Many current Cricket NSW and Australian representatives have been guided and mentored by Geoff including Steve and Mark Waugh. Geoff uses his unique cricket coaching program which has assisted experienced players from Australia and overseas to develop their game.

Geoff also runs school holiday cricket clinics in locations throughout Sydney, the South Coast and country NSW where young cricketers can learn and develop their skills in a safe and friendly environment. Additionally, Geoff’s accredited and friendly coaches can organise fun filled cricket and sport themed games at your child’s birthday party and bring all the  equipment needed.

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