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Successful batsmen make batting look simple since they get the basics correct. Of course, very good technique doesn't just happen. A respected Australian coach at my club demonstrates skills with the message practice that 100 times a day and you will soon get the hang of it!. Practice does make ideal. This article isn't intended to be component of a coaching manual, but some coaching points arise so typically at junior practice that it's worth repeating several of them here. You could treat these as background if you're making use of coaching books, videos or on the internet coaching resources. Remember, cricket is generally a "sideways game" - the "side on" position figures highly in most cricketing abilities. Most batting errors result from "bad set up" - in grip, stance and backswing. Get this correct and success will follow. Encourage practice in front of a mirror (without breaking it, as I once did). Or use a video camera, as freeze-frame may be a great coaching tool. The hands ought to be close together within the centre of the deal with. The "V" between the thumb and forefinger of every hand needs to be in line, between the outside edge and splice. To find this position, try resting the deal with on the inside of the leading thigh, with the blade forward, and location both hands on the deal with naturally - they must then be close to the correct grip. The feet needs to be around one foot length apart, parallel to and every side of the popping crease. The weight should be balanced equally on the balls of each foot. Bend the knees slightly to stay away from overbalancing to the off side. The eyes need to be level, facing the bowler - open the front shoulder slightly to make this simpler. The backswing must be controlled by the top hand on the handle, and be directly over the wickets. Roll the front shoulder slightly downwards as the bat is raised. Rest the bottom hand lightly on the handle - try holding a squash ball against the handle to lift the bottom hand off it, and keep in mind how this feels. Batsmen can only defend their wickets if the know where they are. Yes, obvious - but the best way to achieve this? Ask your junior player to adjust his stance along the crease until his head is in line with middle stump, then mark the ground so he remembers this position. The head need to move into the line of the ball as soon as achievable, and watch the ball "onto the bat". Amazingly, couple of junior players can do this intuitively without extensive practice. Watch how the experts do the basics. Michael Vaughan, Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting are classic stylists, and fantastic models for junior players to copy. But, they didn't become this excellent overnight - even the stars will need to maintain practicing! Find more about Cricket Coaching Tips or watch some Cricket Coaching Videos
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