Preparing Your Cricket Bat

Almost all new cricket bats require knocking in before use. Knocking in, is the process of hardening and conditioning of the blades' surface. There are two reasons for knocking in;

• Protecting the bat from cracking and increase its usable life
• Improving the middle of the bat so the middle is bigger and better

The nature of the game of cricket is that a hard ball is propelled at high speed toward the batsman who swings the bat hitting the ball. This contact will cause a bat that is not prepared correctly to crack up very quickly, and have a short life.
Cricket bats are pressed in the bat-making workshop using a mechanical press. The mechanical press applies up to 2tons/square inch of pressure to the face of the bat through a roller. Willow is a very soft timber in its natural state. It has to be pressed to form a hard, resilient layer on the surface. Once this has been done, the bat can be shaped.
The finished bat still needs a final hardening, as the mechanical presses are unable to completely protect the bat, or get the perfect performance required from the blade. This requires knocking in by hand with a mallet. While it is possible to prepare a bat solely by pressing, this compresses the wood too deep into the blade, which dramatically reduces the performance of the bat. A bat pressed heavily will have a small middle and the ball will not travel as far as with a bat pressed lightly and knocked in by hand.
The Knocking In Process
At the stage when the bat is purchased there are different ways of preparing your bat for the knocking in process. We recommend the following process - repeated trials in bat factories have shown us that this works far better than all other methods.
Raw linseed oil should be used to moisten the surface of the bat and enable the fibres to become supple and knit together, forming an elastic surface. This is more likely to stretch on impact, rather than crack. Raw linseed oil is used, as it stays moist for longer than boiled linseed. About a teaspoonful should be applied to the surface of the bat.
I recommend that oil should be applied 3 times before the process of compressing the face begins. Each coat of oil should be about a teaspoon full. Spread the oil over the face of the bat using a small rag or your fingers (always discard the rag after each application as it can spontaneously combust). Spread leftover linseed oil over the edges and toe of the bat. Let each coat of oil soak in overnight and repeat the process.
When the oil has been applied the knocking in process can begin. This should be done using a Hardwood bat mallet.
Start by hitting the middle of the bat just hard enough to create a dent. [This is surprisingly hard]. Hold the bat up to the light to see if you are making a dent.
Gradually compress the face of the bat around this dent so that the face of the bat is level and you cannot see the initial dent any more. The bottom of the bat toe (the part that is in contact with the ground) should never be hit with the mallet.


The edges require special attention; they need to be rounded off so that the hard new ball cannot damage them too much. The edges should be struck at 45 degrees to the face so that the mallet can compress the willow. Similar to the face, make one dent on the edge, and then gradually even out the edge so that the whole surface has a smooth, rounded appearance. The back of the bat should never be touched with the mallet (or the ball).
If the bat is hit at 90 degrees to the face on the edge it reduces the width of the bat and is covering an area not mechanically pressed. The likelihood of cracking increases and you should not be hitting the ball flush on the edge in any case.
With a hardwood bat mallet the knocking in process should take from between 10 to 15 sessions of about 10 minutes each. Once you have completed this process, as a guide to see if the bat is ready for play take it into the nets and play a few shots with an old ball. If the bat is showing very deep seam marks to the point of almost cracking the face of the bat then it needs more compressing. One will always get seam marks on the face of the bat; they should not be too deep.
The price of a bat does not have any effect on whether a bat cracks or not. The best bats are usually more expensive, but liable to crack more than cheaper bats because the willow is often softer. When a bat has expired buy another one!
Back in the late 1800's the bats were subjected to huge amounts of pressure at the pressing stage to make the willow very hard. If the blade started to show signs of cracking during this process it was rejected. Linseed oil was very often used to saturate the blade in order to soften the wood, make it more comfortable to use (over pressed bats jar on impact), and get a bit of performance out of it. WG Grace would have a few of the junior members of his club using his linseed soaked bats for a season or so before he would deem them ready for use. Bats soaked in oil generally break up and don’t perform!
When a bat is pressed very hard it is very difficult to hit the ball off the square. The thin protective layer of hard (pressed) willow is becomes a thick layer that is too deep into the willow. Hard-pressed willow does not have the desired elastic qualities of the soft pressed willow, meaning the ball does not 'ping' off the bat.
Laver & Wood strongly recommend to have your bat knocked in professionally when you purchase it. This helps to get a better performance and generally extends the life of the bat. It also relieves you and your family members of a time consuming, noisy and monotonous process. Ask at your local cricket dealer if they can have your bat knocked in by a batmaker - it should not cost too much.
Caveat: Damage can never be totally eliminated due to the hard nature of the ball and the speed of contact with the bat. A good bat correctly knocked in ideally would last about 1000 runs including net use.

Batting Drill: Death Hitting

Here's a fun drill that can teach players about hitting at the death of an innings. Perfect timing for the World T20, where batsmen will be in the death from almost the first ball.
It's a fun time for batsmen with all the swinging, scampering runs and racing for the line. But it's still a skill that can be developed, so here you can practice your "slogging" in a more organised way.

Most people know that the secret to death batting is hitting the rope, but not everyone knows that there is more to it to swinging wildly. The best death hitting is a calculated risk based on:

• the quality of the bowling
• the distance the batter can hit
• the confidence of the batter

This drill teaches you the range you have at your disposal, which feeds into the best tactics for your skills. In other words, you know what you can do.

Range hitting drill

You will need:

• Plenty of space (a middle practice area is ideal)
• A bat, lots of balls and the usual protective equipment

Set the drill up as shown below, with the batsman having open access to deep midwicket and deep mid on. Station fielders on the boundary.

Feed full toss length balls to the batsman who attempts to hit the ball for a boundary. The feed can be from a throw or a bowling machine. Over time you can change to length balls or half volley balls.
Track performance (runs scored, times out) so you can see improvements.

Review to improve

While this drill is a lot of fun, you also want to get better at death hitting. That mean making time to review how you did.

• What is your range?
• What techniques worked best for you?
• Based on your hitting ability, would your tactics be better going for the rope, or finding gaps and running hard?
• Based on this conclusion, how will you practice next time?

Give it a try and let me know how you go.

How to become a better batsman through crease management

Does this scene sound familiar?
As the game goes on barely watched, your team are involved in a mini game or kicking a football around. How many times have you seen one of these players scrabbling for kit and rushing out to the middle with no idea of what is happening?
Your team are missing some serious tricks by not observing the game.
Not only can you support the batters battling in the middle, you also learn about the opposition, the state of the game and your own role.
By not getting ready you are giving away a huge advantage.
So put down the tennis ball and start taking the "crease management" advantage.
When does crease management start?
Crease management starts well before a game. You should be comfortable with your grip, stance, guard and any pre-set routine such as trigger movements or actions. Repeating these in practice or even in front of a mirror at home will make these feel natural and comfortable.
Repetition brings the feeling of control and with control we can reduce nerves. The old cliché: 'control the controllables' is never more apt as at the start of an innings.
At the match crease management can start early. Arrive in plenty of time, never be rushed. Allow time to look at the conditions and pitch. Get a feel for the ground and visualise playing positive cricket.
Take your stance at each end to get used to the background for when it is your turn to bat.
The game begins
When the game starts, keep alert and looking for clues to give you an advantage.
There are two things to examine: How your batsmen are doing and how the opposition are playing.
Watch how your team call and run between the wickets. Every team has a whippet and every team has a poor judge of a run. Know who they are. Make a mental note to talk to them about how to take control of calling and running if you are batting with them.
Don't panic if your teammates are struggling. Remember everyone’s game is different. It's more important to watch the opposition. Try to see what tactics they are incorporating.  What line and length are they bowling? What fields have they set?

• Watch all the fielders closely. There will be one or two that are a bit sleepy or wander into bad positions. Others may not have strong arms or accurate throws. Some will be left-handed so you can take care which hand you take them on for before a quick single.
• Take a close look at the bowlers. Try to see what they are attempting to bowl, (seam up, finger spin, leg spin) and how well or poorly they are doing it. Watch out for strange actions that might catch you out, such as a low arm action, bowling off the wrong foot or a delayed release as a spinner. You want as few surprises as possible when you face your first ball. 

What to do when you are not watching the game
Of course you can't watch every ball, but there are more productive things you can do instead of having a quick go on the Nintendo DS.
Pad up in good time. Each player should get his own routine but there is nothing worse than rushing to get ready, particularly when a couple of wickets have fallen and panic is setting in. Be prepared. When the openers go out to bat 3 and No 4 should be padded up with all kit at hand. When the first wicket falls No 5 should get ready, and so on.
Get comfortable and ready. Some players like to have throw-downs, some to tap the ball up and down on their bat; others just sit still and relax. Don’t get too relaxed and stiff, stretch your legs and have a walk now and again to keep loose and flexible. 
Keep crease management going when you get to the crease
When it comes your turn to bat try to relax and breathe deeply before walking in. As you walk out, look up and adjust your eyes to the light.
Walk out with a positive stride, even if you are trembling inside. Loosen your arms by stretching with the bat or playing positive air strokes.
You will get some form of welcome from the keeper and close fielders. Ignore their comments and use any negativity to focus yourself and increase your determination.
Take guard; take a good look at the field settings (making no direct eye contact) and note where the weak, strong and different handed fielders are positioned. Put all of this information to the back of your mind.
Now, all there is to do is keep your head still, watch the ball, judge the line and length, make the correct shot selection and move into the correct position with footwork, head and hands working in unison. 
As this is all over in generally half a second, aren’t you glad that you made the effort to implement basic crease management?

Make Cricket Practice Constructive with this Drill

Froch vs Groves Batting Session

• 12 rounds of 6 overs (72 balls)
• Overall winner is first 7 but keep playing to 12 regardless
• Winner of round determined by:
  • Shot success
  • Perceived person in control (batsman or bowler)
  • Dismissal/boundary

It may be an old cliché but it's true: Every single ball contributes towards the over and the result of the round; as it does in your innings. Many people might not see 6 overs as sufficient preparation for an upcoming game, but surely 72 balls of quality practice is better than 200 without a specific focus?

Finding gaps in your armour

Boxing is arguably as much a psychological game as it is physical. Your body language prior to the fight; your ability to take a punch yet still show your opponent that you can deal with it; your ability to strike a punch of your own with assertiveness and sound technique. All of these things are also under extreme pressure.
We can link all of these to batting. Your body language, the message you portray to the bowler and fielders through your body as you go out to bat is vital. Crucially also, when the bowler lands a punch (i.e. is bowling well and has you in trouble) you have to be able to show that you can deal with it and move on. In the context of this practice session, body language can win or lose you the round regardless of whether you feel like you’ve played well or not. Decision-making inevitably plays a major role as well. Your ability to execute the correct shot, with conviction, confidence and good technique is another important aspect of the batsman’s toolkit.
The great thing about this session is that your team mates – as bowlers – can do something constructive as well. They can work on the exact same things you are. You can engage in a discussion with them and your coach in between rounds (overs) to discuss what happened, and why (and how) you're going to try and improve going into the next.
Put your own spin on it and see how constructive your sessions become. I’ve used Mark's session countless times, and adapted it into a similar context using the TV show 24.
Sessions like this not only help your decision making, they help you find things out about yourself in a competitive situation under pressure. The more you can understand yourself and how you operate under pressure, the better you can deal with the demands of the match.

Is it Worth Learning These New Fangled Shots?

One of the common tropes of modern cricket is that batsmen have a wider range of shots than ever. While it may be a cliche for commentators to throw out when they have nothing to say, it's also true.
So do you need to learn them; or if you coach do you need to spend time coaching them?
Lets look at each new shot in turn and decide.

Reverse Sweep

Although the shot has been around since the 1970s, its still rarely played and even more rarely mastered compared to drives, cuts and pulls.
It's tough to execute well without practice and even tougher to get more than a single from the shot. However, there are times where it is very useful, such as when there is a gap in the field on the off side behind square.
By manipulating the spinner into this gap you can pick up two or even a boundary.
This also adds the benefit of forcing the bowler to change his field and plug the gap, leaving a space for safer and more orthodox shots.

• Difficulty (from 10): 7
• Usefulness: 6
• Verdict: LEARN (but only if you can sweep and drive first)

Switch Hit

Tactically, this Kevin Pietersen developed shot is a progression from the reverse sweep.
It's much harder to play because you have to become opposite handed, but the result is more power in the shot and the chance to play it against medium pace as well as spin bowling.
To be honest, most people won't benefit much from spending so much time on a shot that is rarely used, but if you have a mentality like KP and you just can't resist then it's better to have practiced a bit beforehand.

• Difficulty: 9
• Usefulness: 7
• Verdict: DON'T LEARN

Dilscoop

This shot was first popularised in the 2009 World Twenty20 by Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan, although earlier variations have existed. You hit a good length ball over your own head to the boundary behind the wicketkeeper.
The shot is technically not difficult, but is very hard to play because of the sheer danger of getting hit. The result - when played correctly - is almost always a boundary because the ball goes directly over the keeper and the fine leg or third man are unable to cut it off.
For that reason it is high risk, high reward and is a good shot to be able to play either at the death, or when a medium pace bowler has tied you down with accurate length bowling.

• Difficulty: 10
• Usefulness: 8
• Verdict: LEARN

Backloading

This baseball hitting method has been used by modern batters to play a range of strokes with great power. Sometimes it looks like an old fashioned front foot pull shot, sometimes it looks like a pure baseball swing but the results are a lot more power and a lot more boundaries.
It can be played to length balls around the off stump (hit between mid off and square leg), short balls (front foot pulled) or full tosses (hit over mid on) equally well. You can read more about the shot from Mark Garaway's experiences here.
The obvious use is during the death overs of a limited over match, but as it is one of the lower risk "power" shots it can be used almost any time you need a get out of jail shot. In fact, there is a case that this shot is so useful that it should be one of the first shots to learn after the basic drives.

• Difficulty: 7
• Usefulness: 10
• Verdict: LEARN

Slog Sweep

"Clearing the front leg" has become a cliche for smashing the ball over cow corner for six. It's the most common new shot you see in non-professional cricket because it seems easy: You just have an ugly swipe and hope you make contact.
But if you practice this shot with the aim of watching the ball and staying balanced (head still, feet creating a good base) then you can be a lot more effective than the village slogger. It will never look the most beautiful shot, but you will make contact more often.
Save it for the time you need it: At the end.

• Difficulty: 4
• Usefulness: 9
• Verdict: LEARN

Have Fun!

The conclusion with any of these shots is that they have a time and place. Learning them is fun and interesting, but certainly shouldn't take up the bulk of your time as a player or coach. Playing straight step one. Even in Twenty20.
However, with a solid setup and good balance you can experiment with a shot or two that you feel you may find useful in the games you play. Of course, you need to stay mindful and only practice shots you would use in games but cricket is supposed to be fun as well as a challenge and learning these shots is a great way to combine these elements.

Tips for becoming an agressive batsman

Aggressive batsman can quickly score runs and easily put pressure on the bowler in any situation of the game.  Batting aggressively can be very fascinating for the batsman as well as very entertaining for the spectators. But batting is not an easy thing to do in a cricket field, be it any condition. Putting the ball away to the boundary consistently can come with lots of practice. Here are some tips to become good at this skill:

1.  Ideal Grip: A batsman must have the ideal grip to be able to play all the strokes properly. The ideal grip on the bat must be both the hands together at the handle of the bat. Make sure that your grip is neither too loose nor too tight. The correct grip allows you to bat with flair and also does not restrict you in playing any of the shots. Hold the bat the way you get a full powered swing: Hold the handle of the bat in the right place so that you comfortably get a full outstretched swing of the bat. Some great batsmen hold the bottom of the handle or some hold the top of the handle.  Hold it in a place that is very comfortable for you.

2. Strong Batting Stance: For aggressive batting, your stance should be strong and composed. A high back lift stance helps in improving your batting reflexes and gives extra power to the shots played.

3. Proper Footwork: Footwork is the most crucial aspect of batting and a batsman must have excellent footwork to play different kinds of shot. Get your feet moving while playing hard shots. If you move your feet towards the pitch of the ball you'll be able to transfer the weight of your back leg to the shot you'll play. This adds on as some extra power to your shots and also increases your chances of hitting the ball from the middle of the bat.

4. Position your head:  Head should be in the right position while playing shots. With a steady head you'll have more control on your shots and you'll improve your shot selection and placement.

5. Watch the ball: One way of perfecting your batting is through playing each ball according to its merit. It is not possible every time for a bowler to ball six good balls in an over and also it is very rare that you will receive six bad balls in an over. Remember it takes only one good ball to get you out. So watch each and every ball very carefully and watch out for the bad balls. Keep watching the ball in the bowlers hand till the ball is delivered. If you follow this meticulously you can very easily find out what type of ball the bowler is going to deliver. You can be prepared in advance to face the type of ball being bowled to you and then adjust your footwork and shots accordingly.

6. Follow Through: Finish your shot with a clean follow through. A good shot follow through gives perfect lift to the ball and prevents you from injuries.

10 reasons why you are not a better batsman

Great batsmen are technically excellent.

The correct technique means that batting is made easier and the process of development is speeded up. In other words; you will maximize your potential and enjoy improved performances.
But you can't do that if you let technical flaws creep in. Good bowlers in helpful conditions will always find you out. That means you need an eye for perfection.
Video yourself batting and look for these flaws in your game. If you are serious about becoming a better batter (or coach of batters) you will iron them out fast.

1. Closing off in the stance

When setting up, a player can get too side on because the front shoulder is too far round. This causes him or her to tip to the off side and play around the front pad to straight balls. The obvious result is being LBW or bowled.
This also means it's difficult to play in the V. Players who are closed off tend to only be able to drive through mid off and extra cover, never through mid on or midwicket.
2. Picking the bat up over middle stump
A straight backlift means there is a tendency to play around the front pad with the risk over being LBW or bowled and again finding it difficult to play shots in the V.

3. Tucked in back elbow

Having the elbow of the bottom hand tucked in to the side means the bottom hand can become too dominant in shots. This restricts the 'hitting zone'; the swing of the bat in a straight line through the line of the ball towards the target area, making it more likely to hit across the line or in the air.
4. Head behind the front foot
When driving on the front foot, the head behind front foot encourages you to lean back and hit the ball in the air.
Hitting the ball under the eyes level with the front foot this makes you rush the shot with the feeling of being yorked. Trying to hit the ball into the ground is a technique that encourages the above fault and I would strongly advise against it.

5. Back foot heel down

You hear the term 'firm base' but I don’t think coaches and players understand it fully. Firm base doesn't mean keep your heel stuck to the floor so that your reach is restricted and you can't lean in to the shot as much as you could.
You can have a firm base with the back heel off the ground. The heel should be raised so the player is poised for the shot. That's more important.

6. Leaning with the shoulder

When driving, players often turn the shoulder directly towards the ball instead of leading with the head. This means the head leans to the off side leaving the player blocked off. This causes poor balance so players tip to the off side for all drives and defensive shots. This means play around their front pad to straight balls. Bowled and LBW are not far away.

7. Back foot too sideways

When driving straight or through the on side the back foot stays too sideways which causes the players to lean slightly towards the off side. This restricts a players reach reducing the the number of deliveries that can be driven, missing out especially on leg stump half vollies.
If the back foot is too sideways prior to the drive then it tends to finish up too turned in after the shot which causes the player to square up and the bat swings across the line.
Remember point the feet prior to hitting the ball, hold the shape and swing the bat in a straight line to the ball with good balance and alignment.

8. Too big a stride

When on driving, too big a stride makes it difficult to open up and hit with the swing or turn when the ball is moving in.
A big stride also means putting front foot wider than the line of leg stump. This opens the batsman up too much, playing across the ball aiming it too square on the leg side.
Planting the foot down leg stump allows you to swing the bat down the line of the ball for longer which is much more effective.
9. Dropping the leading elbow
Dropping the leading elbow to early after striking the ball will close face of the bat on contact. If the full face is not presented to the ball it is much harder to middle it and much easier to get bowled through the gate.

10. Swinging too hard

You hear the terms 'bat speed' and 'quick hands' a lot. These two comments are counter-productive for straight batted drives as the technique deteriorates and timing is lost. Quick hands are more for the hook, cut and pull where it is important to swing the bat quickly.