Cricket is one of Australia’s favourite and most popular sports with millions enjoying the opportunity to play both the traditional format, backyard cricket, beach cricket or a hit in the nets with family and friends. All you need is a bat, ball and some form of wicket (bin, chair whatever!) and you’re good to go.
Cricket is a sport for all and whether it’s adults playing club cricket or kids having their first hit, having fun is a priority. But what is involved in cricket? What are the skills necessary to smack the ball over the boundary or take a diving catch? Quite simply cricket involves three main components: batting, bowling and fielding. Below are some tips on how you can up your cricket game.
Batting Skills
The art of batting in cricket has five main components: watch the ball closely, keep your head still on release of the ball, try to judge length accurately, allow your hands to lead your body and feet into the correct position and select the correct shot.
Your grip on the bat should feel natural, using the same tension as when you pick the bat up from the ground. Relax your body at the crease since tension will restrict your movement and have a negative impact on your technique. Lift the bat up as the bowler approaches, keep your head still, focus on the ball and commit fully to the shot you select.
Bowling Skills
Whether you're a fast bowler, medium-paced bowler who swings the ball in the air or spin bowler who gets the ball to move dramatically off the pitch, bowling has a foundation of skills that each player must learn. The key points to remember when bowling involve the run-up, the set-up, the unfold, the delivery and the follow through, bowlers will become consistent and accurate and will be able to take wickets.
Bowlers should start off slowly and gain speed and momentum as the run-up progresses into the set-up. If your right-handed point your left arm (and vice versa) in the direction you want the ball to land. As your action begins to unfold, your bowling arm will begin a full 360-degree rotation. Fix your eyes on the target and place your left foot on the popping crease to begin the delivery. Your momentum will naturally bring your arm through to release the ball. Always complete your bowling action by continuing until you naturally come to a stop. Do not stop quickly or you'll increase the risk of injury.
Catching Skills
Catching requires five basic skills: quick reflexes to get the ball, good hand-eye coordination, anticipation and alertness to react to the ball quickly, and a steady head to keep the technique together.
As the ball comes toward you, try to use two hands, keep still and keep your eye on the ball. Point your fingers away from your body to create a large surface area by spreading your fingers wide. When the ball enters your hands, try to cushion the ball by moving your hands back toward you. This “give” will reduce the chances of the ball bouncing back out of your hands and reduce you risk of a hand injury.
Other Fielding Skills
Picking the ball up quickly and efficiently and throwing the ball at the wickets are the other skills required to be a good fielder. A quick pick-up requires short steps as you approach the ball. Bend your knees, place your strongest foot alongside the ball and pick it up with one hand. The ideal throwing action is similar to that used in baseball, where you draw the ball back over the shoulder, before unwinding the arm and throwing it straight over the shoulder at the target.
If you would like advice on how to improve your cricket performance or if you’ve ‘cricketed’ to hard and injured yourself, book in to see a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist at Back in Motion Aspendale Gardens by calling 9580 1985 or online.