Need to improve your performance for the next game?
Don't worry, we've got you covered with our 5 easy tips to be a better batter!
Hydration is KING!
Warm up properly.
Have a positive mindset.
Communicate with your batting partner.
Build a preshot routine.
1. Hydration is KING!
The eyes are the key to batting; as they are 98% water, a small loss in hydration can have a HUGE impact on performance.
Hydration starts the day before, making sure you are drinking enough water the day before you play, and the day of the match itself is imperative.
Cricket is a very easy sport to become dehydrated in, being out in the field for long periods can make it difficult to maintain fluid levels, as can batting, with all the gear on, you sweat a lot more than usual, making it increasingly difficult to stay hydrated, especially if you haven't drunk enough water beforehand.
Our suggestion is 2.5 Litres the day before and 2 litres (minimum) throughout the matchday (50 over game)
We appreciate that 2 litres is a lot to take to an away game at a ground with poor facilities, however, there is a selection of good water bottles that carry 2 litres comfortably, see the water bottle I use below.
Tip: Get a large water bottle so you can easily keep track of water intake.
2. Warming-up Properly is the second of our easy ways to be a better batter.
Warm-ups minimise the risk of injury and are a key part of your preparation for any innings. They are comprised of 5 parts.
Pulse raiser- a gentle transition from rest to exercise- some light jogging and some star jumps for example
Mobility and Dynamic Stretching- Taking the joints through their full motions using dynamic stretching, which involves a full range of continuous motion- Exercises like arm circles, or lunges (See diagram).
Dynamic Movement- Exercises to test and prepare agility and changes in speed. Shuttle runs for example or zigzagging through some cones.
Skill Rehearsal- Practise Specific skills to help you execute better in the game, Having throw downs and practising specific shots is a good way to improve your in-game execution.
Mental Warm-up- Visualise successful execution of skills like communication, or different shots, shadow batting can help with this too.
Tip: Do your full warmup before the game, and repeat steps 4 and 5 before your innings.
3. Have a Positive Mindset
Every ball is an opportunity to score runs and developing a positive mindset will help you score more and more freely
This mindset is something I found particularly challenging at the start of my innings when I did not feel settled enough to hit the bad balls cleanly and powerfully every time.
The trick for me was to have a short aggressive net before a game instead of just having throw-downs, this was a personal preference and I am well aware this will not be the solution for everyone. However, it did mean I felt better prepared to face the deliveries in the game and felt confident enough to take them on. Another easy way to be a better batter.
Tip: The most important ball is the next one, focus on one at a time.
Examples: Being proactive and running aggressively is a great way to shift your mindset to maximise every scoring opportunity.
4. Communicate
Talking to your batting partner is vital, whether that is sharing information about bowlers, and how you will combat their tactics, or calling to them when running, both of these can significantly improve your game as no one wants to get run out! Especially me who was run out every 5 dismissals last season :(
Tip: Shout and call everything, especially when running (Yes, No, Waiting, Looking) even if it is obvious. Spending time with your teammates at club socials and after games will help you get comfortable calling and communicating with them.
Examples: Calling (Yes, No, Waiting), chatting about the bowler's strengths and weaknesses between overs.
5. Develop a preshot routine
Every Professional Batter has a preshot routine, so why don't you??
Exactly. A preshot routine gives us extra focus and concentration as your mind knows when you perform those actions, you are required to focus on the ball and execute a shot, this routine also allows us to feel comfortable when we are facing the ball and this, in turn, means added confidence and more committed shot selection.
Tip: Practice your routine whenever you are batting or even shadow batting, make sure it feels comfortable.
Examples: Taking a deep breath before settling into your stance, tapping your bat several times on the ground, walking away from the crease between deliveries, adjusting your pads or a combination of everything.
To summarise, our 5 Easy tips to become a better batter.
Hydration is KING!
Warm up properly.
Have a positive mindset.
Communicate with your batting partner.
Build a preshot routine.
We hope you find these tips useful, please contact us below with any further questions or topics to address.
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