Technique | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Master the Three Man Batting Drill to Improve Your Technique

The two player batting drill is a staple of cricket practice: You throw, your mate hits the ball, you swap around. It works. And when you add a third person it can work even better to hone your technique.

Use One of These Methods to Get More Leg Side Stumpings

This is a guest article from Iain Brunnschweiler.

There is more than one way to perform a high-class leg side take. Which method works best for you?

Video: Analyse Spin Bowling Technique

Here's a video of a one to one session with a spinner using PitchVision to provide analysis.

In this session we took a look at a player who wanted to add a string to his bow as a bowler, and wasn't sure exactly of his strengths and weaknesses. So over the course of 70 balls, I combined good old watching him bowl with reviewing the video of his action and combined it with the pace, turn and accuracy outcomes we saw on PitchVision.

Batting Drill: Graham Thorpe Short Ball Ramp Drill

I had a great pleasure of working alongside England Lead batting coach, Graham Thorpe last week. Graham presented a batting masterclass which covered his approaches to developing quality players of pace and spin.

Thorpey's philosophy to coaching any batter, irrespective of age, was to 'coach back from the challenges of International game'. The first International game challenge that he identified was the fast, short pitched delivery.

Make the Most of Nets by Balancing Technique with Other Skills

Judging by the volume of questions we get here at PitchVision, you love technique more than any other aspect of cricket. And you're right. Technique is crucial.

How to Have Batting Practice During Bowling Drills

Can you help batsmen during a bowling drill?

You can! Watch the video below to see how:

If you can't see the video, click here.

In this video we use PitchVision's unique and simple analysis tool to work with bowlers during a "live" session then help batsmen with technical issues. Not bad compared to a bowling machine huh?

Six Shortcuts for Becoming an Excellent Batsman in Record Time

You’re impatient. You want success and you want it fast.

But batting is frustrating: You lack opportunities to practice and play in ways that help you improve. Even when you do get your chance you get a great ball first up and have to wait a week for another bat.

So here are six ways you can make to most of the chances you have and get ahead of the crowd to become a top-quality batsman in as short a time as possible.

1. Keep it Simple

Batting styles differ wildly, but one thing remains simple and true: Classy bastmen are world-class in the basics.

  • They have a setup that keeps their head still, eyes level and move to the ball in good alignment.
  • They are ready and focused on the ball as it is released.
  • They have confidence in their game-plan.

So the first thing you need to look at is your setup, backswing and initial movement. Most people think they have it licked.

Most people are wrong.

Spend time in the nets and be totally sure about it. Get someone to watch it or video yourself.

Where is you backlift going?

Are your eyes level?

Is your trigger move keeping you aligned?

To help, here is a worksheet to download and take to nets. Use deliberate practice and that sheet to start making a super quick difference.

Revealed: The Secret of How to Bowl Fast

Research into fast bowling has revealed two simple changes to your action goes 50% of the way to top bowling speed.

Forget about "hip drive", "chest drive" and "pulling your non-bowling arm in": It's all about the feet and legs at the crease. This simple knowledge, which so far has been ignored by coaches, can be turned to your advantage.

Avoid the "Moeen Ali Pickle" and Learn How to Play Spin

The ball spinning into the stumps at pace has always picked up wickets at a faster rate than the ball spinning away from the bat at pace. Wickets fall quickly unless batting methods are developed and honed.

In the England-West Indies Barbados Test, the bowlers foot holes developed quickly and the contest between spin and bat ultimately proved to be the defining factor in the contest.

Moeen Ali was batting against Permaul, the West Indies Left arm spinner, in England's 2nd innings. And as I watched I remembered something my first coach at school had told me.

Which Action Is Best for Bowling Faster?

Front on?

Side on?

Mixed?

Halfway?

There are many different positions a bowler can get in when he or she hits the delivery stride. Which one works best for generating pace?