The Three Phases of Batting

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Liz Ward

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The Three Phases of Batting

Spent some time reading through this year's ECBCA Yearbook and thought this might interest somebody...

THE THREE PHASES OF BATTING

1. Pre-Delivery Phase:

Different players do different things very successfully. There are no hard rules here but a batter does need a starting point. Some players shuffle while others stand still.
  • The engine needs to be on, so allow players to get moving.
  • The best batters learn lots about the delivery from the bowler's approach. They focus on the hand holding the ball when the bowler is about to gather.
  • As coaches we seem to spend a lot of time studying trigger movements/pre delivery movements. As long as they are consistent and allow a player to perform phases 2 and 3 effectively anything goes. The best players are simple and efficient.
2. Decision Making Phase:

This starts at the moment the ball is released. At this stage both eyes will be fixed on the ball and still. The key is for batters to be well balanced on release.
  • At this early stage the world's best have an intention in mind against extreme pace, so the body anticipates and starts to move, but the head remains locked still. Ricky Ponting is three inches off the ground with his front foot at the moment the ball is released.
  • A full swing of the bat running tight to the body is to be encouraged for generating maximum power. The backswing should be open faced (the face of the bat towards point) to increase bat speed, rather than closed (the face of the bat towards the ground) which results in slower bat speed. The top hand is very dominant at this stage.
  • The eyes watch the ball from the hand. The best players are then able to judge length very early and move accordingly.
  • As coaches we need to avoid producing robotic players who move awkwardly. The best players all have smooth, fast and natural movements.
3. Shot Execution:

It sounds obvious, but the batter is trying to hit the ball with the middle of the bat every delivery. It is worth getting players to make evaluations on how cleanly they strike the ball with the middle of the bat during practice.
  • To hit the middle of the bat every ball, the full face needs to be presented.
  • Balance is again the key. Good balance will allow the ball to be hit with power and precision. It is essential to have a good stable base from which to hit the ball. This is achieved with neat and quick footwork.
  • The bat speed is crucial if power is to be generated.
  • On contact the head needs to be over the ball regardless of the shot being played.
Dene Hills was appointed the ECB Lead for Batting in October 2009. If you are interested in reading his idea on drills and practices, grab hold of your local ECB coach and take a look at his/her Yearbook :).
 
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