Cricket Skills

Fundamental Techniques:

• Grip:

The foundation of all batting technique. Your grip determines control and power.

• Hold the bat with both hands close together near the top of the handle
• Left hand (for right-handed batters) should be positioned above the right hand
• The 'V' shapes formed by thumb and forefinger should point between mid-off and mid-on
• Maintain a firm but relaxed grip - too tight reduces wrist flexibility
• Keep knuckles aligned for better bat control

Practice gripping the bat correctly until it becomes natural. A proper grip is essential for all shots.

• Stance:

Your batting stance provides balance, stability, and readiness for shot execution.

• Feet should be shoulder-width apart for balance
• Stand sideways to the bowler with your front shoulder pointing towards mid-off
• Weight evenly distributed on balls of both feet
• Knees slightly bent and comfortable
• Head steady and eyes level, watching the bowler

A good stance allows quick movement in any direction. Practice holding your stance comfortably.

• Footwork:

Effective footwork gets you into the right position to play shots with power and timing.

• Forward movement: Step towards the pitch of the ball for drives
• Backward movement: Move back and across for short balls
• Quick feet: Move decisively - indecision leads to poor shots
• Balance: Maintain balance throughout the shot
• Practice: Work on moving forward and back smoothly

Good footwork is the difference between a great player and an average one.

1. Fast Bowling

Pace bowling relies on speed and movement through the air and off the pitch

Bowling Variations:

• Seam Bowling 

Technique: Keep seam upright, land on seam to get unpredictable bounce and deviation

• Swing Bowling

Makes the ball curve through the air

Technique: Conventional swing: rough side towards leg slip. Reverse swing: opposite at high speeds

• Smooth run-up with consistent rhythm
• High arm action for better pace and bounce
• Strong front arm to create momentum
• Follow through towards the target
• Maintain line and length consistency

      2. Spin Bowling

Uses rotation to deceive batsmen with turn, bounce, and pace variation

• Off-Spin

Spins from off to leg for right-handed batsmen

Technique: Grip with index and middle finger across seam, flick fingers clockwise at release

• Leg-Spin

Spins from leg to off for right-handed batsmen

Technique: Grip with ring finger and thumb, snap wrist counter-clockwise with strong shoulder turn

• Consistent release point
• Good loop and flight
• Vary pace and spin
• Accurate line and length
• Mental pressure through dot balls

• Fielding Positions
• Slip
• Gully
• Point
• Cover
• Mid-off
• Mid-on
• Square leg
• Fine leg
• Third man
• Deep cover
• Long-on
• Long-off