Need some general advice..

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LCricket

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Need some general advice..

Hey all,

I just had a few questions over some problems I've been having mainly with my batting. Firstly, I only play lower grade cricket, so the level isn't too high.

With my batting, I can bat pretty much at my best in the nets, however when I get out in the middle I struggle to play my shots. Another thing I noticed is that, the bowlers in my team are alot quicker than the bowlers from other teams, and so when I go out in the middle, I was always seem to play my shots to early, getting leading edges and even hitting the back of the bat! I would say I'm more of a defensive batsmen that just works the ball around to build an innings, however I tend to get too bogged down in the middle and end up making like 10-15 off of 40 and then get myself out.

Another problem I've been having is I struggle to play balls that are full - three times this season I have been out to yorkers, and full balls that are on my pads - at around leg stump to middle and leg, I try to flick the ball away (and miss them most of the time) instead of playing on drives, which is a shot I pretty much can't play.

Basically I was wondering if I can get any advice on maybe batting confidence out in the middle, as I can play the quicker (and pretty much better bowlers) from my team with no problems, but when I face slower bowling my batting is woeful...and I make average bowlers loko like Glenn McGrath!

Also any tips on playing shots on my pads and balls that are fuller outside leg stump.

Finally (it's long I know) I was wondering some drills that I could to improve on my bowling. I bowl right arm medium fast and am generally brought on more to tie down one end instead of a wickettaker, but would the best drill just be to bowl in the nets, and aim for the top of off?

Thanks for reading this, appreciate it.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

I think I am sort of like you in batting. I bat slow and then get out 10-19. when flicking the ball off your pads make sure you are well balanced. I had that promlem as I was falling forward.

Hope that helps.

Sorry about spelling.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

Thanks for the reply, anyone else have any other tips? I was doing a bit of searching through the forums and the cricket snooker drill was one thing that caught my eye, and I have to say its quite effective for my bowling. I also read about instead of batting in the nets, to have a practice match where I bat out in the middle, to try to simulate the real match experience as much as possible, would that be a good idea?
 
Re: Need some general advice..

Getting training to replicate match play is a critical. If you can get out in the middle then it will really help your game.

If you can't and are stuck in nets, look to make it as real as you can. Bat in pairs (including running between the wickets) and get bowlers to bowl in pairs (ideally an over each but 3 balls then change will do). It may help to have a diagram of a cricket pitch where you can mark the fielders on. This will help you visualise field settings and make it more realistic. Have a coach decide if a run was legit or not - this will save you getting into the habit of just running for everything.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

Now this may seem unrelated, but while reading your post I have spotted many instances where it isn't your performance letting you down, but your thought processes. I am hugely interested and becoming qualified in sports psychology and therefore keep seeing times when I can just bring it up. A lot of people are skeptical and say "It's only a club sport" but I want to have fun, and I can't have fun if I perform terribly. Only sports players can understand that concept so this form of psychology regularly comes under fire from critics. But believe me, it all works and before you can start to correct technical errors, just follow these few points.

1. Process over outcome
If you maintain a consistent focus on the performance aspects of cricket – executing skills in a timely and effective manner, employing appropriate tactics and strategy and pacing well – you can be sure that results will take care of themselves. If you can fill your mind with stuff related to performing and there won’t be much room left for any nerves. Beware though, this doesn't work for some people and instead makes them more nervous. Work out what is best for you.

2. Develop pre-competition routines
Well-crafted routines (not superstitions) help put you in a frame of mind for good performances and assist with mental relaxation. They give you confidence that your preparation is complete. Matthew Hayden used to sit on the pitch in his socks or bare feet with gloves on and a bat in his hands and just visualise the Test coming up the next game. Your routine doesn't need to be as serious obviously, but do the same thing before each game. For example pull everything out of your kit bag, clean it, put it all on, take it all off, have a shower then go to bed before a game. Do this while thinking about what you want to achieve tomorrow.

3. Associate with good people and methods
Most sports require individuals to work hard for many years to generate the potential to compete on a world stage. This can only be done efficiently with help. For your long term prosperity, aim to develop and nurture relationships with coaches, training partners, team mates, family and friends. The regular contacts you have with these people will determine what sort of cricketer you can become

4. Use imagery to pre-think skills, tactics and strategy
Notice how elite cricketers seem to have all the time in the world when making decisions? That’s because they’ve already decided what to do in a given set of circumstances by having already thought about the options – “If he does that I’ll do this.”

5. Use imagery to practice skills
See and feel yourself training and competing. You can use imagery to learn new skills, practice old ones and see yourself performing in locations you’ve never been to all without getting sweaty, tired or injured! Scientific research and anecdotes from elite athletes offer compelling evidence that imagery enhances performance. I have written more about Imagery below.

6. Whether you think you can or can’t, you will.
Self-belief is core to success in any endeavor.

7. Set goals
Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Framed goals. Short and long term ones. For example make a long term goal of yours to improve your on drive, but then a short term goal may be to ensure you are lifting your bat straight, you are keeping your head still, etc.

8. Remember that the choices are yours
Since you’ve chosen to train and compete, you may as well do it well. Choose to commit totally to your goals. Sure it may only be lower level cricket, but why not aim to be as good as you possibly can and enjoy your game a lot more by doing what the pros do? Would you enjoy a match more if you scored a century and got a five-for, or if you got a duck and got smashed around the ground? Being your best means committing to it, but not letting it override the sense of having fun, being social in the best sport in the world for it.

9. Perfect Practice makes perfect
This age-old maxim is true for your mental skills as well. You can develop and practice your mental skills on and off the field. It only takes a few minutes a day. Ensure you are practicing properly though, no just 'going for a slog' in the nets. Play as if it were a game.

10. Have fun
It’s just sport, right? Look forward to challenging situations, try hard, enjoy yourself and be proud of your efforts.



Now for more Imagery here

Ask if you have any questions on this. It may seem out there and not expected as a response but it will work.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

I'm no coach, and beever could bat at all, but there a couple of things that come to mind that the coaches - and others far more knowledgeable than myself - here may like to expand on or trash. One or more (or none) may be applicable to yourself.

1. As said by others, if possible get some centre wicket practice in; with running between wickets, etc. Match situations can do funny things to the mind, the closer you can replicate a match in practice the better. Most disturbingly, sometimes you don't even notice you have your thinking all wrong.

2. It may be as simple as not watching the ball. You face the same guys in the nets every week, you know instinctively how the ball will behave, their actions etc. Each week at club level, you face different guys who release at different points, have sligjhtly different behaviours and so on. You can take liberties and take your eye off the ball in the nets because instinct takes over; you know a fair part of the ball's flight path.

3. You mention you can face the quicks OK, you face the fatster guys in the nets all the time. You never metion facing the others. Do you ever face the part-timers and medium pacers your club no doubt has in the nets? Or only the quick and better bowlers? If you struggle against the spinners and medium pacers, make sure you face them at practice; as well as the quicks, no point risking losing your strength; and get used to waiting for the ball.

4. Flicking the ball on the leg side requires timing even more than most shots. Your timing is out in matches, so don't do it - at least early in an innings. Defend, or give a push (rather than a full blooded drive) and let the runs come from other areas.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

While not as comprehensive as Boris' advice, if you can get access to a bowling machine, do it (basically, Practice makes perfect). Set the speed to a relatively low speed that you're comfortable with and keep facing the fuller balls on your legs and practice on-driving them rather than playing across the line and flicking them.

However, I'm no coach, but that is something that helped me substantially.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

Thanks for all the advice guys, I have only batted the one innings since I posted this (where I got run out after facing a few balls), but I'll definately be having some practice games, and my team has one already lined up against a team from another grade over the christmas break.

I'll also try some practice out in the middle with just my team, and try the bowling machine (last time I went to the bowling machine a few weeks ago...we had set the speed much faster than anything we'd be facing in our grade...hence it was very ineffective, I know), but I'll use your advice Rampant and let you guys know how I go.

And Howard, generally I've been facing the quicker bowlers in the nets, and after some thought, I've remembered instances where I've faced a couple of the guys who don't bowl as much (but aren't too shabby) and I do remember having trouble with timing the ball and whatnot, but what you wrote about getting used to the quicks, and playing off instinct etc. was so true, I was considering even asking some friends who I used to play with or play for other teams and have some net sessions with them, just so I can face some new bowlers.

Also over the xmas break I'll try some of the things you mentioned Boris, I've never even given though to using imagery...or even setting goals using the method you wrote..my goals have always been pretty vague to be honest, but thanks for putting in the time to write that up, I'll definately be using some of the techniques you mentioned.

Thanks again gents, appreciate it, I'll let you know how I do.
 
Re: Need some general advice..

You could try, heading to a wicket and get your coach or some members of your team to bowl slower balls to you, about the legside problem, make sure your balance is okay, get your coach to view your stance and everything.
 
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