Gary Palmer is the guest on this week’s show as we look at the technique of ailing Englishman Alastair Cook. Find out what Gary’s advice is to the young opener and pick up some of your own tips.

Being a slow scorer is like being the person who takes the last cake at tea without asking; it smacks of selfishness.

And no one wants to be accused of being selfish.

Avoiding this accusation can do weird things to even talented batsmen. I've seen otherwise sane club 1st XI openers slash across the line to good length balls just to stop themselves playing out 2 maidens in a row.

As any coach knows, coaching the pull shot is an easy win. Kids love it, they can do it easily and it gets them runs when they are starting out.

But it's also reducing their chances of batting success.

The pull is already the most natural of shots for anyone to play: step back and hit across the line through the leg side. Any novice player can do it.

The fact is that it's a staple of village tail-enders around the world.

Is there really much difference in batting approach between number 4 and number 7?

There certainly is, and if you get the wrong person in the wrong place in the order it will end up costing you games.

For example, at my own club the 1st XI has a strong batting line-up with players capable of scoring runs quickly right down the order to number 9.

This is the first part of a two part series by Laurie Ward from The Complete Cricketer Academy in Cape Town, South Africa.

The start of a match dictates how it will develop. Getting a flyer or taking early wickets puts pressure on the opposition. As a team you should look to dominate from ball one.

Last week Gary Palmer gave us an article on how great batsman play. This week he looks at the common mistakes seen in lesser players.

The correct technique means that batting is made easier and the process of development is speeded up. In other words; you will maximize your potential and enjoy improved performances.

PitchVision Academy batting coach Gary Palmer passes on his observations about how the great batsmen play, and how you can copy them.

All of these men are greats of the game. I've seen them bat over the years, often standing at the non-strikers end, and I have noticed several common technical points with them and other exceptional batsmen.

How many good players of spin are there in club cricket?

Playing spin is difficult and takes practice, but good spinners are rare in the non-professional game and so batsmen don't get to face them much in the nets or in matches.

The result is batsman who can defend or slog, with not much in-between.