How to Be a Good Wicket-Keeper

In cricket, the wicket-keeper fields directly behind the stumps and is responsible for taking the balls delivered by the bowler. The wicket-keeper is the only player on the fielding side permitted to wear gloves, and he typically also wears specialized wicket-keeper pads, which are smaller than the ones worn by batsmen. The wicket-keeper's main duties include taking catches, stumping opposition batsmen, collecting throws from fielders and offering support and advice to the captain and bowlers. The best wicket-keepers are tidy behind the stumps, drop as few catches as possible and can contribute with the bat as well.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop good catching technique. As a wicket-keeper, you'll be required to catch hundreds of balls during the course of a match, so good technique is crucial; this will enhance your performance and prevent injury. Use two hands and keep your eye on the ball until it lands in your gloves. Keep your head still and relax your elbows as you move your gloves toward the ball.

    • 2

      Learn to keep your focus. As the wicket-keeper, there's a strong likelihood you'll be involved in each delivery bowled by your team. Your physical abilities will only take you so far as a wicket-keeper, particularly when you start to tire from a long day in the field. Concentration is crucial to the position, so train yourself to switch off mentally between deliveries before regaining focus as the bowler prepares to bowl the next ball.

    • 3

      Overcome any mistakes. It's only natural that you'll spill a catch every now and then, but the best wicket-keepers are able to quickly forget their mistakes. Wicket-keepers have a duty to offer encouragement and support to their bowlers and can't afford to let a personal error affect they way they operate.

    • 4

      Field throws from fielders in front of the stumps. Traditionally, wicket-keepers took returns from fielders behind the stumps, but taking them in front of the stumps is growing increasingly common. Plant one leg by the stumps to help position yourself correctly and collect the ball, bringing your hands through in an arc to dislodge the bails. This method helps to lessen the importance of a direct hit and is a quicker way of removing the bails.

    • 5

      Learn to stand up behind the wickets. Getting up close to the stumps helps keep a batsman in his crease and is an effective way of countering aggressive stroke play from a batsman. Get your body and gloves as close to the stumps as you can. This reduces the time it takes to make a stumping and allows you to narrow the angle should the ball deflect off the bat, giving you a better chance of making the catch. Position yourself just outside the off-stump so you have a clear view of the bowler releasing the ball. This enables you to read the line of the ball and get in the best position to take it behind the stumps.