CRICKET BATTING TIPS FOR PLAYING AGAINST SPIN
by Laurie Ward of the Complete Cricketer Academy.
www.cca.co.za
Cricket Batting Tips: The 5 Principles Of Playing Spin Bowling
- Watch the ball/hand/fingers.
- Use the forward press. Have a solid base to play from.
- Higher backlift, slower downswing. Keep the head.
- Play forward or back, not half way. Positive use of the feet.
- Keep the ball on the ground
These can be developed further.
Mindset: Just because you have seen off the quick bowlers or a tricky seam/swing bowler don’t relax, keep managng your focus.
Switch on to the different style. Have a good look at the pace/flight/turn off the pitch. Adjusting your mindset is as important as adjusting your technique for correct timing. Look to be positive in defence and attack.
Forward press: A half step forward towards the ball just before release. Hold your body shape and balance. Get onto the front foot as the ball is about to be released, to push forward or back depending on flight and length. Stay light on your feet.
Reading spin: Watch the ball. You have 3 opportunities to read the ball’s behaviour.
From the hand, in the air and off the pitch. The earlier you see the behaviour the better but we can’t all read all the variations. If you at are the non-strikers end do not miss an opportunity to watch all the bowler’s tricks from close up!
Develop a game plan: Assess the conditions/bowler/field placings/match situation. Play with good intent to score, don’t get bogged down, this plays into the bowler and captains’ hands.
You may have to take some calculated risks but look to be positive and put the pressure back on the opposition.
Manipulate the field: Part of any game plan would be to rotate the strike. This keeps the scoreboard moving and does not allow the bowler to bowl to a plan. For example, you may go over the top (straight). The captain could put a man back and you can then milk the singles to that position.
Take the initiative: Show positive intent. Use your game plan and manipulating the field to put the pressure back on the bowler.
Use your feet, adopt the sweep shot, hit over the top, rotate the strike, etc. If there are men around the bat, use your feet and the sweep to put them under pressure and force field changes.
Using your feet takes them out of the equation. Devise your plan. Don’t pre-meditate unless the match situation demands some severe action.
Cricket Batting Tips: Key terms when playing spin.
Watch the ball. Hand/air/pitch
Forward press: comfortable position to move forward or back.
High backlift: higher backswing, slower downswing (in defence.
Good base-balance/head still.
Let the ball come to you.
Play under your eyes.
Do not push at the ball.
Positive footwork-forward or back. Not in between.
Use your feet. Positive movement. Takes out the close catchers. Eliminates spin.
Soft hands in defence,play the ball in front of your pad.
Go To Cricket Batting Tips: Playing Spin Part Two
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About Richard Pybus
I'm Richard Pybus, I've coached Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middlesex, Titans and the Cape Cobras in South Africa and the goal of this site is to help you to play winning cricket.