Club cricket fielding can often be poor. But on many occasions this is less to do with skill and technique and more to do with concentration and awareness. Two factors that any fielder can improve. Here is how to do it.

1. Don't move. Every side has a couple of players who like to wander from where the captain puts them. Make sure you are not one of them. When the captain puts you somewhere make a mark on the ground and stick to it until you are moved again.
2. Show confidence. Looking confident in the field can save many runs. Not everyone is like Paul Collingwood at cover point, but it's easy to look like you are. My dad, by his own admission never the finest fielder, often based his entire game on looking dangerous by walking in aggressively and leaping on defensive pushes as if to stop a single that was never considered.
3. Shy at the stumps. Club players seem terrified of the dreaded overthrows and often refrain from throwing at the stumps. In a good side, someone will always be backing upso the risk is low. Make the culture in your side one of throwing the stumps down whenever there is a chance.
4. Back up. Leading on from that, always be aware of the need to back up a throw, even if you are backing up the backer up. If you are doing it for your team they you can be more confident they will do it for you.
5. Want to get every ball. You can see the club players who don't want the ball to come to them. It always seems they are the ones doing the most chasing. If you want and expecting every ball the game is more interesting and you are more likely to take the catch or make the stop.
6. Be close enough. If you are close catching make sure the ball will carry to you. If you are saving one then get as close as you can to stop the quick single. If you are on the boundary your job is to save fours so stay as deep as possible without giving away two runs if you can.
7. Know yourself. If you have a setback in the field, be aware of how you will react to it. Some people steel themselves, others want to go and hide. You may want to move to another position or stay where you are. Whatever your reaction, let the captain know.