In cricket, every player on the team gets a bat in most matches.
Therefore, it is important for every cricketer to master some essential batting drills so that they are ready to take their opportunity at the crease.
Here are 10 essential batting drills for budding cricketers.
1. Top hand drill
This drill aims to isolate each of your hands on the bat and improve technique. Have a partner drop the ball a stride length in front of you and – with only your top hand on the bat – step to the ball and play a drive. Try and keep your elbow high and the bat controlled.
2. Bottom hand drill
A similar set up to the top hand drill, but this time use only your bottom hand on the bat. Your bottom hand is there to act as a guide and help you direct shots, as well as providing power.
3. Balance drill
When playing shots, it is important to maintain balance. Practice some shadow batting or hitting against a bowling machine and go through a range of different shots, focusing on maintaining good balance throughout.
4. Front foot drives
Study the mechanics of this shot and practice with either deliveries from a partner or a bowling machine. Focus on stepping forward with your front foot and mix up the pace and length of the bowling, adapting your shots accordingly.
5. Back foot drives
An important skill to have for short-pitched deliveries, this involves stepping back in the crease with your weight on the back foot and making contact with the ball forward of your body. Practice a range of shots with deliveries from a partner or a bowling machine.
6. Pulls and hooks
Pull and hook shots can help combat aggressive pace bowlers. Look into the mechanics of these shots and practice them in the nets, focusing on timing your movement onto your back foot and directing the shots with precision – without losing balance.
7. Pace bowling drill
Use a bowling machine or have a partner bowl to you at pace. Try playing a range of different shots, including straight drives, cuts and pulls.
8. Spin bowling drill
Again using a bowling machine – this time set to spin – or having a partner bowl spin to you, work on playing more defensive shots, sweeps and lofted shots against the spinning ball.
9. Pick the length
Picking the length of a ball – and quickly – can be key in batting. Separate a cricket pitch into three sections using some marker cones. These should represent full, good and short balls. As a partner throws balls to you, call out which section you think the ball will pitch in before it does.
10. Running between wickets
A few extra runs can make a difference in some matches. With a partner at the other end, practice your communication, judgement and speed in running between wickets.
Need some help mastering your game?
At Cricket For All, we have an experienced team of nationally-accredited cricket coaches who work with players of all ages and abilities to improve their games.
Based in Gilles Plains in Adelaide, our facility has indoor nets and bowling machines and we offer one-on-one private coaching as well as Academy programs for children.
Get in touch with us today to take your game up a notch.