How to Improve Cricket Through Batting Exercises

A batsman can greatly improve technique by practicing against various bowling actions. A fast bowler will try to beat the bat with pace, where as a spin bowler attempts to use the flight of the ball and resulting bounce to hit the wickets and end the batman's innings.
Practising grip, stance and shot selection will help a batsman achieve a successful innings. Left- and right-handed batsmen use the same scoring shots. An experienced, high-scoring batsman can greatly increase the likelihood of winning the match.

Things You'll Need

  • Cricket bat
  • Cricket ball
  • Protective helmet
  • Wickets/stumps
  • Bowler
  • Gloves
  • Leg pads
  • Cricket box
  • Cricket boots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grip the handle of the bat with both hands. A right-hander's left hand should be at the top of the bat and vice versa for a left-hander.

    • 2

      Check both hands are close together at the top of the bat handle. The thumb and forefinger of the bottom hand should form a V shape at the back of the bat and face away from the body. The top hand rests on the thigh of the leading leg.

    • 3

      Stand sideways on to face the bowler. Place the feet a comfortable distance apart and take the body weight on the balls of the feet. Bend the knees slightly so the body weight can be transferred to either foot depending on the pitch of the ball.

    • 4

      Keep the bat vertical with the body and practise swinging to get accustomed with the foot movement and weight of the bat. Ensure protective clothing is worn before receiving the ball from the bowler. Once you are confident, instruct the bowler to start bowling the ball at the wickets.

    • 5

      Stand in front of the wickets but not so close that the bat will knock them over with the backward swing. Raise the bat with backward swing as the bowler approaches.

    • 6

      Step into the shot and meet the ball with forward swing as it pitches. Roll the front shoulder down and keep the head as still as possible. Ideally, the ball should be struck as it passes between the feet.

    • 7
      Poor shot selection will lead to the batsman's dismissal.

      Select which shot to play as the bowler varies pace and pitch of the ball. The shot may be played while body weight is on either the front foot or back foot. Practice these shots before attempting more-advanced techniques.

    • 8

      Practice a combination of defensive and attacking shots. An experienced, competent batsman knows when to block and when to hit scoring shots. The batsman's innings are ended once the bowler hits the wickets.