Batting or hitting with a stick in cricket requires a variety of physical and mental skills. A good batsman protects the wickets (three vertical sticks planted in the ground and holding 2 horizontal bails above them) by hitting the ball thrown by opposing players and preventing the opposing team from scoring. The batsman must also decide whether it is safe to switch places with a non-striker (another batsman) and score. Here are some steps to understand how to be a good hitter.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Prepare for Shot
Step 1. Hold the cricket bat firmly
If you are right handed, place your left hand over the handle towards the round end of the cricket bat and place your right hand under it. Left-handed players put their hands in opposite positions. Your thumb and forefinger should form a "V" between the outer and middle edges of the bat pointing towards the end of the bat.
Batting gloves must be worn to protect the hands in the event of a ball being thrown
Step 2. Get the right attitude
If you are right-handed, stand sideways in the crease (safe area in front of the wicket) with your left shoulder pointed at the bowler. Left-handed hitters take the opposite position. Look straight over the shoulder towards the thrower. Don't tilt your head. Open your feet 30 cm wide and slightly bend your knees and stack your weight evenly on both feet. Rest the end of the bat on the ground behind the leg near the wicket. Your upper hand will rest on the inside of your thigh on the foot near the thrower.
Method 2 of 3: Receiving Shots
Step 1. Shift your weight onto the instep for a long throw
Shift your weight away from the pitcher to help you adjust to a ball that bounces high and takes longer to reach you.
Step 2. Shift your weight to the foot closest to the thrower to receive a full throw (which bounces toward you)
Move to receive the ball.
Step 3. Try hitting the ball before it spins
If the pitcher throws a spin ball, you can move forward and hit the ball before it spins. You can play a front foot shot to receive a spin so you get the advantage of a full toss and a chance to hit the ball before it bounces and spins.
Step 4. Swing the bat properly
When the ball is thrown, roll the shoulders facing the thrower slightly down and swing the stick back in a straight line. Use your upper hand to control the swing of the stick forward and hit the ball.
The back-swing provides power to hit the ball. A good swing can protect the wickets
Step 5. Decide whether you will run to score or continue batting
A good hitter knows when it's time to score and when to defend position and protect the wicket. If there's no time to switch places with a non-attacking player and score, stay where you are and prepare for the next shot.
Method 3 of 3: Selecting and Preparing the Cricket Bat
Step 1. Choose the right stick
Cricket bats vary in length, weight and type of grip. The right stick for you depends on your height and personal preferences. There are different bats depending on the type of ball used
- The length of the stick must match the height. Get into a ball stance and hold the stick next to your front foot. The tip of the cricket bat should be just above the player's waist.
- The exact weight of the stick depends on your personal preference. Heavy sticks provide a stronger hit, but light sticks can be swung quickly. Practice your swing with a variety of stick weights until you find a weight that fits and is comfortable.
- The right grip depends on personal preference. The oval grip stick is stronger, but the round grip is easier to grip, especially with your lower hand. The rounded grip also provides added lift when hitting the ball.
Step 2. Prepare the cricket bat by knock in
Cricket bats are made of soft willow and are initially hardened by a machine press. This additional hardening increases the stick's ability and protects it from cracking. While you can knock in the sticks yourself, it's best to have the process of surface strengthening by clinking and leveling done by a professional.
- Rub 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of raw flaxseed oil, and coat the entire surface of the stick to increase its elasticity and protect it from cracking. Apply the oil with your fingers or a clean cloth. This oil is flammable, so throw away the cloth after use. Let the oil coat the wand overnight, then grease the wand two more times before starting the actual knock-in process.
- Bend the middle of the cricket bat. Use a hardwood hammer designed for this process (cricket balls will work too). Continue hitting the surface of the stick until it is even and the curve disappears. This process takes 10 minutes to use a hammer stick and a 10-15 minute session to complete the process.
