Basic of Wicket Keeping

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF WICKET KEEPING

• The basic fielding responsibilities of a wicketkeeper are:
• Watch the ball at the time
• Stay low to receive the ball in soft hands and with a soft body
• practice with bowlers and fielders

In addition, the wicketkeeper is central to the performance and mood of the fielding team. While in the field, the wicketkeeper should:

• Support the bowlers and fielders, by his/her actions as well as encouraging words.
• Inspire the fielding team.
• Continually backup and support all members of the fielding team.

WICKETKEEPING EQUIPMENT

1. Gloves

2. Inner gloves

3. Pads

4. protector

5. Helmet (When keeping up to the stumps) or cap

POSITIONING FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOWLERS

The wicketkeeper's body should be positioned to give a clear, uninterrupted view of the bowler releasing the ball, and the full trajectory of the ball. This should be achieved from a balanced, crouched state.

CROUCHED, READY POSITION

The Wicketkeeper should begin crouched in a ready position, with the weight on the balls of the feet. The hands should be open and in front of the body, with the back of the hands on the ground, awaiting the delivery.

BASIC CATCHING TECHNIQUES

The same basic catching principle that applies to the field also apply to wicketkeeping. The hands and body should be soft, to cushion the catch, and the fingers should point down, up or to the side, depending on where the ball is in relation to the wicketkeeper.

The Wicketkeeper should stay low and rise after the ball bounces. The wicketkeeper should free their elbows- the elbows tend to be away from the body so that the hands can move freely and to cushion the catch.

KEEPING BACK

CORRECT POSITIONING FOR KEEPING BACK

A couch in a balanced position, from where there is a clear view of the release of the ball. This position should also allow the wicketkeeper to take the ball at waist level as the ball is on the way down.

CATCHING THE BALL

The wicketkeeper should position the body so that the ball is taken in line with the inside hip. This allows wicketkeeper to catch more outside edge and able to cover more ground to accept thicker, wider outside edges. When catching the ball, the fingers should not point at the ball - they should point up, down or to the side.

SIDESTEP / CROSSOVER FOOTWORK

For wider balls, it is important to move quickly in order to align the eyes and the gloves with the line of the ball. To do this, stay low with smooth and sharp footwork, which should be practiced regularly. The first sidestep should be a definite one, with the inside foot closing to the outside foot, which itself steps again to ensure the body is balanced.

For wider deliveries, the outside footsteps to the side, and the inside foot crosses behind the outside foot, which then steps again for balance and/or to make further ground. For very wide deliveries, the hips may be opened to the side so the wicketkeeper can run to cover more ground and dive if necessary.

CATCHING TECHNIQUE - SOFT HANDS

When catching the ball, the wicketkeeper should always use soft hands. The body should also and should 'give' an impact of the ball. When standing back, the aim is to take the ball in line with the inside hip. This hip should be withdrawn to enable the gloves and arms to float with the ball and smoothly take the ball.

POSITIONING SLIP FIELDERS IN RELATION TO WICKETKEEPER'S STANCE

One of the wicketkeeper's role is to give the slip fielders and other close catchers advice on their positioning. The first slip should stand behind the level of the wicketkeeper and wide enough that both can cover an edge that goes in their direction. The second, third and wider slips and gully fielders should be staggered gradually closer to the level of the batsman. This is because a thicker edge is likely to move slower through the air and is unlikely to carry as deep as a thin edge.

Basic of Fielding

Catching - Principle
Fielders should be aware of the following :
1. Track the ball with relaxed eyes and let the senses guide the movement
2. Use soft hands- the hands should be relaxed and soft that they accept the ball.
3. The ball can be taken on the body When it traveling at the trunk.
4. Be aware of the position of the sun and the direction of the wind, relative to the path of the ball.

1. Close catching ( 1 to 5 meters)
with the eyes behind the ball and soft hands acting as cups, the fingers should be pointing up, down or to the side, depending on the height and the angle at which the ball approaches. The fingers should never be pointing straight at the ball. The knees and body should be soft and spongy to absorb the impact and receive the ball. Experiment with the balls lobbed directly at the body. The catcher should let the ball hit the soft body so that hands can wrap around the ball on the body, to receive the catch.

2. Mid fielding catching ( 8 to 20 meters)

Stay low and remove smoothly so the eyes are behind the line of the ball. Receive the ball with soft hands, with the finger pointing in the appropriate direction: the fingers point up for the catch at chest height and above; they point down for catches at waist level and below, and they point to the side for catches wide of the body.

3. Outfield catching ( 20+ meters)

For high outfield catches it's important to be aware of the condition. The wind, sun and ground conditions could all affect the catch. Look, listen and feel to track the flight of the ball. Catch with soft hands at eye level, using orthodox or baseball style, with the fingers pointing up The body should be soft and knees 'give', to act like the shock absorbers in cars and bikes.

Ground Fielding 
Track the ball and stay low when approaching it. Move smoothly to behind the line of the ball, as if rounding it up. Use soft hands to receive the ball, With the hands in front of the eyes.

Attacking ground fielding

Staying low, move smoothly to position the body so the ball is received on the throwing arm side of the body. The hands- soft hands - should be out in front to receive the ball. For an overarm throw, funnel the ball to the waist and then to the shoulder level, before crow-hopping to fluently throw the ball using the power of the whole body. The crow hop involves the fielder hopping into the air on the front foot to the back foot steps forward in the direction of the target. The front foot then drives towards the target to allow the ball to be thrown fluently, using the whole body.

Batting - Footwork

FOOTWORK
Good footwork is a major part of successful batting techniques as it makes it easier for the batsman to play. By moving forward towards the ball with the front foot, or back and away from the pitch of the ball with the back foot, the batsman is able to adjust the length to suit the shots, for example, a front-foot drive or a backward defensive stroke. Good footwork can combat the bowler's attempt to make the batsman uncomfortable by pitching the ball where it is difficult to hit.
Training activities should include front-foot drives, where the batsman can easily reach the bounce of the ball, front-foot defensive strokes, where the cannot be easily reached with a forward step and a defensive stroke is played for safety.
Back-foot strokes can then be introduced and refined. The back-foot defensive stroke is played to a ball that is well pitched but too short to play comfortably on the front foot. By stepping back to cover the stumps, the batsman can wait for the ball to come to him/her and to play a defensive stroke.
If the ball is pitched a little shorter, there is more time for the batsman to judge the bounce and pace of the ball and it may be possible to drive this delivery more power than can be applied with the defensive stroke. This should be practiced using balls through to targets to enable the batsman to drive the ball off the back foot, as target areas. Once these batting activities have been practiced, the perception and judgment aspect of batting must be introduced and practiced.

JUDGMENT OF LENGTH DECISION- MAKING

For a ball landing over the line, step FORWARD with the front foot to play the ball

For the ball landing short of the line, step BACK with the back foot to play the ball

For the ball landing on a good length, the batsman should take quick decision to play forward or backward, if the ball comes off side the batsman step forward to play the ball. If the ball comes leg side or near body, the batsman step backward to play the ball. 

FRONT-FOOT STROKES

PRINCIPLE AND OBJECTIVES OF FRONT-FOOT STROKE

When playing a front-foot stroke, the batsman should:

Track the ball and rely on the senses to guide his/her movement

Make sure the head moves to the line of the ball, closer to the point of contact

Move the front-foot towards the pitch of the ball, in the direction of the stroke

Ensure the hands are in front of the ball at impact

Hit through the line of the ball, with the top hand guiding the direction

If not taking off for a run, finish with the weight on the front foot, with the back toe on the ground, to maintain balance through the stroke

ATTACKING STROKES

When playing a front-foot stroke, the batsman should:

Track the ball and rely on the senses to guide his/her movement

Make sure the head moves to the line of the ball, closer to the point of contact

Move the front-foot towards the pitch of the ball, in the direction of the stroke

Hit through the line of the ball, with the top hand guiding the direction

Ensure the hands are in front of the ball at impact

If not taking off for a run, finish with the weight on the front foot, with the back toe on the ground, to maintain balance through the stroke

FRONT-FOOT DEFENSIVE STROKE

Relying on your senses, if you judge the ball as a good length ball the head and hands should be over the ball at impact. Stop the shot at the point of impact- 'feel' the ball on the bat and let it come to you.

BACK-FOOT STROKES

PRINCIPLE AND OBJECTIVES OF BACK-FOOT STROKE

When playing a front-foot stroke, the batsman should:

Track the ball and rely on the senses to guide his/her movement

Use the back-foot move to provide a better platform from which to hit the ball and protect the wicket

Move in line with the ball back across to the line of the ball on the middle and off stump and just outside the off; back and across to move inside the line of the ball on or outside the leg stump

Wait for the ball to come to you, particularly in defensive stroke; 'feel' the ball on the bat and let it come to you; direct the ball to space for a single, if possible

Brace against a firm body for vertical- bat attacking strokes on the back foot

Open body for horizontal-bat strokes to short balls. The back foot turns to face down the pitch, to achieve this more open position.

BACK-FOOT ATTACKING STROKES - PULL SHOT

Relying on your senses, if you judge the ball as short of a length, move the back foot back and across to open up your body. Hit down on the ball, swinging from high to low, and watch the ball onto the bat.

BACK-FOOT DEFENSIVE STROKE

Relying on your senses, if you judge the ball as short of a good length, step back and across and let the ball come to you. The head and hands should be over the ball at impact. Stop the shot at the point of impact and let the ball drop in front of you.

Keeping practicing regularly.

Basic of Batting

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF BATTING
The primary aim of batting is to score runs and to do this, a batsman must be able to:
1. Protect their wicket
2. Rotate the strike and run singles
3. Build momentum and compile an innings
4. Expert pressure on the fielding team

To achieve these goals, a batsman needs to understand the following technical aspects of batting.

STANCE
The player should stand astride the batting crease, with feet comfortably apart (up to shoulder-width part) and weight evenly distributed on the front and back feet. In the 'ready position', the eyes should be level and the hands should hold the bat resting on top of the pads.

GRIP

The grip of the bat needs to be comfortable and relaxed so the player can respond to the fast-moving ball. Most successful players use a grip with the hands together in the middle of the grip, with the 'V' shapes formed by the thumb and forefinger of each hand pointing generally towards the forward edge of the splice of the bat.

BACKLIFT

The backlift should occur in preparation for the bowler's release or as the ball is released, to ensure fluency of movement. The backlift should be reasonably straight (between the wicketkeeper and second slip).

TRACKING THE BALL

The batsmen should be watching the ball in the bowler's hand during the run-up and begin to focus at the moment the ball is released. Former Australian captain, Bob Simpson, used to say to himself ' now', as the ball was released, in order to maximize his focus on the ball. When the batsman is concentrating well, these early visual cues enable quick-decision making so the feet can move either forward or back to play the ball. The batsman movie is feet to adjust the length of the ball, to be in the best position to hit the ball and protect the stumps. The movement of the feet should be coordinated with the downswing of the bat to produce smooth and continues motion to meet the ball.

BATTING EQUIPMENT

1. Bat

2. Pads

3. Gloves

4. Protector

5. Helmet

6. Thigh pad

7. Inner thigh pad

8. Chestguard

9. Armguard

TOP HAND DOMINANCE (Vertical bat strokes)

Vertical bat strokes are most important as they are used to play balls that well-pitched. These deliver that are pitched in the general direction of the stumps and or about a 'good length', where the batsman may be uncertain whether to play forward or back, are more likely to dismiss the batsman bowled or caught through missing or misjudging the ball.

The vertical bat is used against these threating deliveries because it provides more surface area of the bat, to help deal with the uncertainty of the pitch and bounce. By applying with a vertical bat, the batsman also ensures that his eyes are positioned more in line with the ball and can, therefore guide the bat to meet the fast-approaching ball.

The top hand plays a very important role in steering the backswing and the downswing to meet well-pitched balls. There are numerous top-hand drills to channel the swing of the bat through the line of the ball. It is important to ensure these activities don't become too mechanical and detract from the natural flow of the bat to meet the ball.

HITTING THE BALL

A good way of developing the swing of the bat through the line of the well-directed delivery is to practice the vertical-bat front-foot drive. Stationary-ball activities such as this, using low batting tees, also reinforce the guiding role of the top hand. This tee-ball drive can then be repeated with a cricket bat.

The next step is to repeat the stroke with a lobbed ball and then with balls that are thrown and bowled. Targets should be used to ensure the balls that are lobbed, thrown or bowled are appropriate for the stroke development.

It is worthwhile to introduce the check-drive follow-through, which is used for well-pitched deliveries on a good length. This allows the batsman to keep the hands in front of the ball through impact-  checking the drive- so the ball is played along the ground rather than being launched in the air, where it may be caught.

Basic of Spin Bowling

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF SPIN BOWLING
Spin bowlers can play key attacking and defensive roles for the fielding team and they should able to:
1. Spin the ball with a high number of rotations
2. Develop individual ways to deliver variations of spin, drift and drop
3. Spin the ball with the seam aligned with the direction of the spin.
4. Develop accuracy, while spinning the ball hard to create weapons to use against the batsmen
5. Develop flight and loop, by spinning the ball hard.
6. Bowl with a smooth, fluent approach, a delivery with a strong pivot on the front leg and smooth follow through
7. Develop a consistent stock ball
8. Develop variations to surprise the batsmen

EQUIPMENT FOR SPIN BOWLING

For training purposes,

1. Cricket Ball

2. Smaller balls and balls of different composition that will accentuate spin, in order to experiment with variations.

3. Spin bowling targets on which to land the ball and aerial targets to turn the ball towards.

WRIST-SPIN GRIP

The ball is gripped firmly across the seam, by the top knuckles of the first, second and third fingers, while the thumb usually rests along the seam. The ball is spun off the first knuckle of the third and first fingers. The back of the hand faces the batsmen prior to the release of the ball. The ball should be spun hard, rather than simply letting it roll out of the fingers.

FINGER-SPIN GRIP

The ball should be gripped firmly across the seam, between the first and second finger, with the first finger imparting most of the spin.

A. APPROACH- balanced and efficient run-up

The spinner's approach may only be short but it should be balanced, smooth and consistent.

B. SIDE-on bowling action with double-hinged gather position

Both wrist and finger-spinners should take a side-on position in the delivery stride. Delivery should be from a high position and the follow-through

should be across the front foot, to allow a strong body drive against a firm front leg. The bowlers then spring into the ready position to

field any ball hit back along the pitch or moves to behind the stumps at the non-striker's end to receive returns from the field.

For wrist-spinners in particular, the dynamic double-hinged action of the wrist and elbow, combined with good body action, contributes to the force of the spin as well as the individual flight, bounce, and deviation of each delivery.

C. LEG AND HIP DRIVE TO IMPART SPIN

As in throwing, where power comes from the legs, the spin bowler uses strong leg and hip drive, bracing against a firm front leg to impart sign.

D. FULLY- extended follow-through

The follow-through should be smooth as the bowling arm finishes across the braced front leg.

WRIST - spin delivery

When bowling to a right-hand batsman, if the wrist and body action imparts ABLE sufficient spin on a leg-break (wrist-spinner), the ball may drift into the batsman, from off to leg. After landing, the ball then spins away from the batsman, from leg to off.

STANDARD FIELD PLACEMENTS FOR WRIST-SPIN

The standard field for young wrist-spinners should be a 5/4 off-side field with the plan of bowling at an off-stump line.

FINGER - spin deliveries 

When bowling to a right-hand batsman, if the bowler has used sufficient spin and body action on an off-break(finger-spinner), the ball may

drift away from the batsman, from to off. After landing, the ball then spins towards the batsmen from off to leg.

STANDARD FIELD PLACEMENTS FOR FINGER-SPIN

Young finger-spinners will gain confidence bowling to an outside off-stump line, to a 5/4 off-side field. As the bowler's accuracy improves,

this can be adjusted to a 6/3 field.

ABLE TO BOWL STOCK BALL WITH ONE VARIATION

It is vital to be able to bowl the stock or standard ball in various conditions. This requires regular practice bowling to targets, initially without a batsman at the crease. 

ABLE TO BOWL A SET OF DELIVERIES AT A LENGTH OR TARGET

Regular practice in bowling all deliveries, including the stock ball and variations, at a good-length target is essential for the bowlers, particularly spin bowlers. Because spin is bowled at a slower pace, any imperfections or mistakes can be easily capitalized upon by the batsman.

Keeping following and practice regularly at Ground. In next update will be the basics of batting 

Basic of Pace Bowling

PRINCIPLE AND OBJECTIVES OF PACE BOWLING
Pace bowlers play a major role in the success of a fielding team. They should be encouraged to develop their own individual style and flow, However, while that freedom is important, all pace bowlers should be:
1. Put pressure on each batsman and on the batting team, which helps to take wickets and restrict scoring.
2. Build momentum by applying this pressure continuously.
3. Work with the fielders by bowling accurately and to the field, to increase the chances of the ball being hit to the fielders.
4. Display concentration and mental visual focus, which is necessary for the bowler to compete with the batting side while collaborating with the fielding side.
5. Maintain a smooth approach, delivery, and follow-through
6. Plan beyond the next ball; plan for a sequence of deliveries and a set of overs.

EQUIPMENT FOR PACE BOWLING
For training purposes,
1. Boots
2. Ball
3. Coaching ball (two colors) to the channel the seam
4. Bowling targets for accuracy and variations (swing, cut)
5. Access to stretching and strengthening equipment.

PHASES OF THE BOWLING ACTION
here are four distinct phases of the pace bowler's action.

• Approach/Run-up - It should be just long enough to achieve rhythm, balance and to build up Momentum to applied to the delivery action. 
• Gather/coil - The gather is the transition from the approach to delivery. This is when the bowler leaps off the front foot to give important drive into delivery action.
• Delivery - The delivery begins when the back foot lands. It is vital that the momentum that is built up through the approach and leaps to gather continues smoothly through the delivery so that momentum isn't wasted through rough movements.
• Follow through - It must be smooth to allow the easing fo the force that has been built up, in order to reduce wear and tear on the body. Follow through should continue for several meters in the direction of offside slips.

GRIP - for upright seam

The ball should be held comfortably in the forefingers, with the index and middle fingers aligned with the seam. The thumb should be in the balancing position, under the ball, and the hand and wrist should be loose, like a whip. It is important to practice maintaining an upright seam, steering the ball and channeling the seam.

STANDARD FIELD PLACEMENT FOR PACE BOWLING

1. Successful pace bowlers usually work to an off-side field with a 5/4 balance.

2. More accurate outswing bowlers can work effectively to a 6/3 off-side filed.

3. It is typically not advisable to bowl to a leg-side field, although inswing bowlers might occasionally wish to employ a 4/5 leg-side field.

BOWLING A STOCK BALL

The pace bowler's stock ball is whatever delivery he/she can bowl consistently to put pressure on the batsmen. Usually, it is a delivery that the bowler is comfortable bowling and which can be adapted to produce variations that may surprise the batsmen and create more pressure.

This is the basics of the fast bowling. Follow this regularly to become a professional fast bowler. Keep practicing.

Cricket Basic Foundation

FOUNDATIONS

• Teaching Cricket-Key elements
• Fun and enjoyment
• Maximised activity
• Innovative and challenging practices
• A holistic approach to generate for

Cricket, a fast-moving ball sport
Cricket is a game of fractions of a second. with the fastest bowlers in the game, the batsmen as less than 0.5 sec to perceive the path of the ball, make a decision and play a stroke. Even with slow bowlers, the decision making challenges extreme.similar for fielding.

SENSES OF PLAY

Cricketers trust on information that they receive from the senses to enable them to make decisions and apply their
skills The human body is capable of extraordinary achievements. Learn to  appreciate what your body-mind can achieve and trust your senses to guide you

RELAXED EYES

Relaxed eyes can calmly pick up what is happening, so that player can enable to respond to the situation, no matter how demanding it may be.

TRACK THE BALL

Follow the path of the ball, so that the senses provide the body-mind with the information to guide movement and responses.

SOFT HANDS

Soft hands are loose and relaxed so that they respond to information that is provided to the body-mind to guide movement

SOME OTHER POINTS TO LEARN

1.'Feel' the ball - Is normally improved by experience, better focus on the ball.

2.'Sweet spot' (of the bat) - While Batting, Play the ball with sweet part of the bat.

3. Pre-ball routine involves 3 interconnected Phases:

•  Visualise - the ball is released by the bowler(While batting), the target of pitch (bowling), Stumps (Fielding).
•   Focus with relaxed eyes- on the ball; the target; the stump.
•   Trigger a closer focus- at the release of the ball.

4. Fast feet (in fielding, wicket keeping, batting)

5. Fast feet drills and training activities.

This is the basic things that to learn initially by the player. Start Practicing from today...

Introduction of Sports and Blog

WELCOME TO CRICSKILL

Cricket Education

What is Sports?
An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Sports always create unity among the players and nation, to be a healthy nation sports is important.

BENEFITS OF PLAYING SPORTS:

Sports and Games are essential for many reasons. They not only help us to maintain good health but also foster friendship and good behavior. Many people think that the aim of sports and games is to win gold medals in Olympic games. That is not at all important.what is important is that every boy and every girl in our country should be interested in sports and games. Being interested in games does not mean merely watching other people play games. They should devote at least an hour a day to sports and games.sports and games must be given as much importance as academic studies in our schools and colleges. Marks must be awarded for proficiency in mathematics and physics.

When all our school students and college students take part in sport and games, they will be healthy and active. They will participate in their academic studies and scientific experiments which great enthusiasm.

But physical health is not the only advantage of sports and games. Participation in sports and games fosters friendliness and broadmindedness among the participants. Sportsmen forget caste differences and religious differences and become friends with one another. They look upon the world as one family. Thus sports and games have a lot of educative value.

Sportsmen have often to live together while undergoing training and participating in competitions. They understand one another and learn to make the adjustments for corporate life. They learn to respect one another's individuality. In other words, they learn the virtue of tolerance.

when they go to other countries to participate in international competitions, they are not merely competitors but messengers of goodwill. Whether they win medals or not, they will certainly earn a lot of goodwill. This does not mean that they will not win medals.when all our youngsters take part in sports and games every day, there will be many talented sportsmen and sportswomen. Their talent will improve day by day. It is quite certain that some of them will be able to win medals in international competitions. But the number of medals they win is not important. one year the number may be more, another year it may be less. What is important is that they will spread goodwill and love throughout the world.

article by bashu988.

In this blog, we going to see the game of cricket and to learn how to play...

What is Cricket?

Cricket is an outdoor game played between two teams. Players try to score points, called runs, by hitting a ball with a wooden bat. ... A cricket is a small jumping insect that produces short, loud sounds by rubbing its wings together.

The sport of cricket has a known history beginning in the late 16th century. Having originated in south-east England, it became the country's national sport in the 18th century and has developed globally in the 19th and 20th centuries. International matches have been played since 1844 and Test cricket began, retrospectively recognized, in 1877. Cricket is the world's second most popular spectator sport after association football. Governance is by the International Cricket Council (ICC) which has over one hundred countries and territories in membership although only twelve play Test cricket. After that one day international and T20 games came.