batting drills to do alone

[deeps]

I had a terrible season with the bat, and i want to work on my batting over the off-season, but it's going to be hard to get bowlers to bowl at me etc. so I was wondering what i could do alone to work on my batting?

The area i really need to work on is driving, but any drills would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Zinzan]

Yes....buy a bowling machine


Seriously, there are a few things you can to yourself, but I find facing fast throw-downs in the nets the best way. Even if the person doing the throwing isn't much of a cricketer him or herself, if they stand about half the distance from you than where the bowler would normally bowl from, its great for your eye and excellent for practising playing the short ball.

I used to get my Girlfriend to do it off season - bless her. I'd get her to stand around 8-10 feet away and then throw it as hard as she could. Firstly on a full length, then some short ones. She got really accurate towards the end But its a great way to work on weaknesses and technique.

If your completely on your own...the old throwing against a wall then hitting it or the stocking on the line with a golf ball is also good for reflexes.

Bradman swore by throwing a golf ball against a wall and then hitting it with a stump. I tried this and found it more annoying than anything else....mind you...I'm not Bradman.

 

[Sir Redman]

I had a terrible season with the bat, and i want to work on my batting over the off-season, but it's going to be hard to get bowlers to bowl at me etc. so I was wondering what i could do alone to work on my batting?

The area i really need to work on is driving, but any drills would be greatly appreciated.

Im not sure how much you can really do alone. There's always the old ball-on-a-sponge driving drill, but I personally do not get much out of this as it does not help with timing at all. Alternatively, practice your shots in front of a mirror/ video them to see your head position, feet position and bat angles etc.
You could try and find a specialist coach to work with you, but that's going to cost a bit depending on how much you do.
Other than that you could try and work on the mental side of the game. A couple of seasons ago I had a terrible season - average about 12 with top score 40. The next season I had matured a lot and had far better concentration - maybe its just age - and I started scoring well.

EDIT: Oh, and remember to practice your weaknesses, not your strengths

 

[SJS]

I had a terrible season with the bat, and i want to work on my batting over the off-season, but it's going to be hard to get bowlers to bowl at me etc. so I was wondering what i could do alone to work on my batting?

The area i really need to work on is driving, but any drills would be greatly appreciated.

1. Ball in a sock : Hanging a ball in an old sock from a tree and driving it is a very goood excercise for drives of both feet. Naturally the height of the ball, when closest to the ground, varies depending on which shot you are practicing. It corrects your swing and follow through. If you drive very straight, the ball will come back dead straight and you will be ready to drive it again as it is in motion. But you muct quickly move into stance position and pick up.

2.Ball off the wall : I always found, throwing the ball against a wall at and driving it as it rebounds and lands in front of you a good excercise for nearly all strokes except square of the wicket. In this case, you can adjust your throw to have the ball land differently to give you different lines and length. If you throw with a spin on the ball, it will come back with a spin. You need to make sure you dont break anything. Need a garage or someplace like that for this.

3. Throw from 10 yards : You dont need anyone to bowl at you. If you can get some one to throw the ball from about 10-11 yards at a spot, which is fairly easy for a mom or a sister too, it is actually a better excercise that having nets to play the same shot again and again. Also this can be done in a smaller space.

 

[Zinzan]

3. Throw from 10 yards : You dont need anyone to bowl at you. If you can get some one to throw the ball from about 10-11 yards at a spot, which is fairly easy for a mom or a sister too, it is actually a better excercise that having nets to play the same shot again and again. Also this can be done in a smaller space.

yes as I said my girlfriend became an expert "throw downer" a few years ago from around 9 feet away

 

[deeps]

our team trains once every 2 weeks during the off season (more than most teams actually) so i will get to face some proper bowling, just not as much as i'd like.

A bowling machine would be excellent, however i can't afford to fork out that mucH

Tried to get my mum to give me throw downs, but gave up after a few goes, her throws were much too weak from 3 metres away, and it didn't seem to be helping. Dont have a sister and gf is up to her neck with work for the next few months as she has big exams coming up.

I've tried the off the wall stuff as well, and again, it's not quick enough for my liking..

As someone said, i should concentrate on my weaknesses, and not my strengths. Perhaps i'll describe my batting briefly to you.

I am a predominantly back foot player, who loves to pull and cut. I am also a legside player, i love to whip things of my pads. If the bowling isn't quick, i dont mind coming onto the front foot and driving, but i dont' get much power from my drives (front and back foot drives). I am also a bottom hand player.

However when the bowling is quick i tend to stay on my back foot, and not drive at all. I'm very solid in defence, and that is my biggest strength, in that it's very hard to dismiss me. But i score too slowly, which is why i need to work on driving.

The opposition work out not to bowl short to me, and pitch it up to me, and i struggle for runs. My last game, i batted for 28 overs and scored a measly 17 runs, and the entire time i felt i wans't gonna get out unless i get myself out.

I'm gettin really frustrated that i can feel so comfortable, yet not score many runs.

Mind you, when they don't realise not to bowl short, i score at a very good pace.


So back to the topic, the slow throwdowns and stuff off the walls aren't helping me as i'm comfortable driving off the slower bowling... i dont get power, but usually enough to get 1's and 2's, which is enough i guess.

 

[SJS]

our team trains once every 2 weeks during the off season (more than most teams actually) so i will get to face some proper bowling, just not as much as i'd like.

A bowling machine would be excellent, however i can't afford to fork out that mucH

Tried to get my mum to give me throw downs, but gave up after a few goes, her throws were much too weak from 3 metres away, and it didn't seem to be helping. Dont have a sister and gf is up to her neck with work for the next few months as she has big exams coming up.

I've tried the off the wall stuff as well, and again, it's not quick enough for my liking..

As someone said, i should concentrate on my weaknesses, and not my strengths. Perhaps i'll describe my batting briefly to you.

I am a predominantly back foot player, who loves to pull and cut. I am also a legside player, i love to whip things of my pads. If the bowling isn't quick, i dont mind coming onto the front foot and driving, but i dont' get much power from my drives (front and back foot drives). I am also a bottom hand player.

However when the bowling is quick i tend to stay on my back foot, and not drive at all. I'm very solid in defence, and that is my biggest strength, in that it's very hard to dismiss me. But i score too slowly, which is why i need to work on driving.

The opposition work out not to bowl short to me, and pitch it up to me, and i struggle for runs. My last game, i batted for 28 overs and scored a measly 17 runs, and the entire time i felt i wans't gonna get out unless i get myself out.

I'm gettin really frustrated that i can feel so comfortable, yet not score many runs.

Mind you, when they don't realise not to bowl short, i score at a very good pace.


So back to the topic, the slow throwdowns and stuff off the walls aren't helping me as i'm comfortable driving off the slower bowling... i dont get power, but usually enough to get 1's and 2's, which is enough i guess.

There is a lot to set right in your batting, mate.

 

[Zinzan]

our team trains once every 2 weeks during the off season (more than most teams actually) so i will get to face some proper bowling, just not as much as i'd like.

A bowling machine would be excellent, however i can't afford to fork out that mucH

Tried to get my mum to give me throw downs, but gave up after a few goes, her throws were much too weak from 3 metres away, and it didn't seem to be helping. Dont have a sister and gf is up to her neck with work for the next few months as she has big exams coming up.

I've tried the off the wall stuff as well, and again, it's not quick enough for my liking..

As someone said, i should concentrate on my weaknesses, and not my strengths. Perhaps i'll describe my batting briefly to you.

I am a predominantly back foot player, who loves to pull and cut. I am also a legside player, i love to whip things of my pads. If the bowling isn't quick, i dont mind coming onto the front foot and driving, but i dont' get much power from my drives (front and back foot drives). I am also a bottom hand player.

However when the bowling is quick i tend to stay on my back foot, and not drive at all. I'm very solid in defence, and that is my biggest strength, in that it's very hard to dismiss me. But i score too slowly, which is why i need to work on driving.

The opposition work out not to bowl short to me, and pitch it up to me, and i struggle for runs. My last game, i batted for 28 overs and scored a measly 17 runs, and the entire time i felt i wans't gonna get out unless i get myself out.

I'm gettin really frustrated that i can feel so comfortable, yet not score many runs.

Mind you, when they don't realise not to bowl short, i score at a very good pace.


So back to the topic, the slow throwdowns and stuff off the walls aren't helping me as i'm comfortable driving off the slower bowling... i dont get power, but usually enough to get 1's and 2's, which is enough i guess.

You really need to get your hand's on Glenn Turners autobiography. Sorry I can't remember the name of the book, but it talks about how Glenn Turner with the help of coach Billy Ibadalla
transformed himself from a batsmen with good defence but unable to hit the ball off the square to a batsmen who revolutionised the approach to oneday batting.

From memory there was a lot of technical advise in the book about how to widen your range of shots whilst still maintaining a solid defense.

Try to get it to read. A mate of mine who was struggling to get the ball away swears by it.

 

[Sir Redman]

As someone said, i should concentrate on my weaknesses, and not my strengths. Perhaps i'll describe my batting briefly to you.

I am a predominantly back foot player, who loves to pull and cut. I am also a legside player, i love to whip things of my pads. If the bowling isn't quick, i dont mind coming onto the front foot and driving, but i dont' get much power from my drives (front and back foot drives). I am also a bottom hand player.

However when the bowling is quick i tend to stay on my back foot, and not drive at all. I'm very solid in defence, and that is my biggest strength, in that it's very hard to dismiss me. But i score too slowly, which is why i need to work on driving.

The opposition work out not to bowl short to me, and pitch it up to me, and i struggle for runs. My last game, i batted for 28 overs and scored a measly 17 runs, and the entire time i felt i wans't gonna get out unless i get myself out.

I'm gettin really frustrated that i can feel so comfortable, yet not score many runs.

Mind you, when they don't realise not to bowl short, i score at a very good pace.


So back to the topic, the slow throwdowns and stuff off the walls aren't helping me as i'm comfortable driving off the slower bowling... i dont get power, but usually enough to get 1's and 2's, which is enough i guess.

Sounds almost exactly like me. I struggle to drive off the really quick bowlers and play too late and get caught behind trying to drive - that accounts for about 80% of my dismissals.

One way you could counter their full bowling is to change where you stand in the crease. One ball you could stand well back and the next a metre outside the crease. Also, remember that you do not have to launch into big drives to score off the front foot. Check drives and punches - effectively defensive shots - can get you plenty of runs.

 

[deeps]

Sounds almost exactly like me. I struggle to drive off the really quick bowlers and play too late and get caught behind trying to drive - that accounts for about 80% of my dismissals.

One way you could counter their full bowling is to change where you stand in the crease. One ball you could stand well back and the next a metre outside the crease. Also, remember that you do not have to launch into big drives to score off the front foot. Check drives and punches - effectively defensive shots - can get you plenty of runs.

i rarely get out driving, because i only play the drive if i'm confident it will be safe. i find most of my dismissals are by getting myself out. Frustration after a loong stay at the crease and not scoring enough runs. I've been told to bat outside my crease many times but i've never tried it, and it's something i've put on my list already to try next season.

I never go for full fledged drives.

will try get a hold of the autobiography.

 

[hindsy]

With that, theres no need to stand outside your crease.. i stand 1 foot in 1 out and still score at most time a run a ball or faster without taking huge risks.. If you arent scoring runs quickly just try picking out a weak fielder or working the ball around when you defend... With frustration just remember theres always runs on the other side of a dry patch

With practice a ball of the wall is always good, but if you want big strides i suggest a coach.. If you are hitting the ball in the air driving, practice driving for a while with only your top hand so it becmes more dominant..

 

[deeps]

With practice a ball of the wall is always good, but if you want big strides i suggest a coach.. If you are hitting the ball in the air driving, practice driving for a while with only your top hand so it becmes more dominant..

we get personal coaches assigned to us during the cricket season... not exactly personal, but one coach per 4 players which is usually enough anyway.

My drives, as well as every shot i play is bottom hand dominated, which is why i think i get less power during driving. I've seen alot of my mates practice the top hand drive, with throw downs etc. but i've never done it as i don't use my top hand much.

By doing that drill, will it make my drives more top hand dominant? coz if that's the case, i will def do that alot.

 

[Langeveldt]

Are you having trouble with your footwork, trigger movements? I've had a lot of issues, but now I have been videoed I can at least remedy the situation (Now I know exactly whats up).. If you know someone with a camcorder, get them to come to your next net session and film you.. Works with bowling as well.. I've been totally surprised by my action and jump towards the stumps (Anyone remember Paul Strang?)

 

[hindsy]

Yes, by practising with just your top hand it will strengthen that hand/arm and it *should* become more dominant.. It should also help you get more control over your shots.

 

[SJS]

we get personal coaches assigned to us during the cricket season... not exactly personal, but one coach per 4 players which is usually enough anyway.

My drives, as well as every shot i play is bottom hand dominated, which is why i think i get less power during driving. I've seen alot of my mates practice the top hand drive, with throw downs etc. but i've never done it as i don't use my top hand much.

By doing that drill, will it make my drives more top hand dominant? coz if that's the case, i will def do that alot.

If you want to improve your left hand's role in your driving, it is imperative to look at your grip.

I suspect your left hand is too much around the handle and the back of the hand is facing point or cover point. You need to bring it round. The ideal (read orthodox) grip is like for driving in golf with the back of the hand facing the bowler. If you are far from it, you may find it awkward. It isnt believe me. I have the same grip but I realise that Australians have less dominant left hands so bring it around slowly if you want. If there is anyone in your family who plays golf, talk to him.

The difference will be immediate.

Second. When driving off the front foot, you must remember that at the time of contact, if from the tip of the bottom of the bat to your shoulder, if the bat and your entire arm are in one staright line, it means that the arm is acting as an extension of your bat and the shoulder is where from this LONG lever is swinging. If you are a science student, you will know that you get force by multiplying the length of the lever with the mass. THIS is the secret of the power of all BIG drivers of both the cricket and the golf ball.

Many people swing from the elbow. They get much less power (for the same amount of work put in) than the player who is swinging from the elbow.

Then there are those whose grip makes the right hand so dominant that the bat is really swining from the wrist. Clearly the power is very substantially reduced. This is why you are not able to get your drives too far. Off course you can hit more powerfiully(put in more work) and hit with the right hand, but it requires more "work" from the hand.

Thats why when you described your problem in detail, my reaction was,

There is a lot to set right in your batting, mate.

Try holding the handle closer to the top with your left hand in an orthodox grip and swing from the shoulder as someone else suggested. Do it untill you are able to swing freely with control on the direction of the face of the bat. When you are doing this, it is advisable to move your left foot forward as you would for driving, this helps to lower your centre of gravity and improves your balance and helps keep the ball on the ground.(Of course you are doing thois without a ball)

Then, put your right hand lightly on the bat. It is very important that when you do this, DO NOT CHANGE THE LEFT HAND GRIP.

This is only possible if the right hand is kept in a manner that the back of the right hand is approximately facing the stumps. I suspect, your present grip may have the right hand twisted around. If it remains in THAT position swinging the bat wil;l be difficult. So keep the right hand lightly on the handle as i said and again swing with the left hand, allowing the right hand just to move along with the bat without gripping it tightly. THIS IS CRUCIAL.

It may be difficult at the beginning, but believe me it will come and when it does, you will be amazed at the speed with which the ball will run off the bat once you drive.

All the best.

 

[hindsy]

Also remember it isnt entirely about power... Make sure you dont swing too hard, if you do your front shoulder will open up and you will drag the ball to around mid-wicket.. Just make sure you have a relatively short bat lift, decent stride and the main thing is timing...

 

[deeps]

If you want to improve your left hand's role in your driving, it is imperative to look at your grip.

I suspect your left hand is too much around the handle and the back of the hand is facing point or cover point. You need to bring it round. The ideal (read orthodox) grip is like for driving in golf with the back of the hand facing the bowler. If you are far from it, you may find it awkward. It isnt believe me. I have the same grip but I realise that Australians have less dominant left hands so bring it around slowly if you want. If there is anyone in your family who plays golf, talk to him.

wow, lol yeh, the back of my left hand is facing cover point.

This is only possible if the right hand is kept in a manner that the back of the right hand is approximately facing the stumps. I suspect, your present grip may have the right hand twisted around. If it remains in THAT position swinging the bat wil;l be difficult. So keep the right hand lightly on the handle as i said and again swing with the left hand, allowing the right hand just to move along with the bat without gripping it tightly. THIS IS CRUCIAL.

my right hand is facing the stumps

It may be difficult at the beginning, but believe me it will come and when it does, you will be amazed at the speed with which the ball will run off the bat once you drive.

All the best.

Some interesting stuff there, i'll give it a go! sounds promising! thanks!

 

[SJS]

wow, lol yeh, the back of my left hand is facing cover point.

my right hand is facing the stumps
!

But you have to consciously ensure that you do not GRIP the bat with the right hand.

Try lifting for the backlift only with the left and you will immediately realise how difficult it is. Its not for me, for example, but thats because I have never used my right hand for anything except the horizontal bat shots.

When the bat goes back in the backlift action(in normal batting) try and hold the bat only with the index finger and the thumb of the right hand with the other fingers resting close to the index finger but not WRAPPED round the bat handle. This will ensure a loose right hand grip.

 

[SJS]

One more thing, do not tuck in the right elbow against the side of your body. Keep the elbow away from the body, this too will help is making the backlift straighter.

 

[deeps]

Try lifting for the backlift only with the left and you will immediately realise how difficult it is. Its not for me, for example, but thats because I have never used my right hand for anything except the horizontal bat shots.

yup it is, and my wrists hurt from playing shots infront of the mirror.... i have some work to do over the off season.. will get some throwdowns and some gentle bowling tomorrow with my new grip