TIPS & INFO
The next few pages will show you some tips on improving your technique, by practicing
these at every opportunity, they will eventually become part of your natural game. Not
only will they help you to improve your cricket, they can help prevent injuries.
CATCHING
HOW TO CATCH - THE RIGHT WAY
Cup your hands together with your fingers pointing away from you. Keep your elbows clear of your body.
Catch the ball at eye level or above, and draw it in close to you.
FINGERS
One of the basic principles of catching. For low catches below the chest, the fingers are pointing down when
in its cupped position, whereas the fingers should point up for those catches above the chest.
TIPS & INFO
HOW TO CATCH - THE WRONG WAY
Avoid catching a ball with your fingers spread out in this way. They can easily get caught under the ball and
be injured. The elbows here are too close to the body
TIPS & INFO
THE RIGHT WAY
TIPS & INFO
Remember:
∗ Try and be balanced.
∗ Watch the ball closely all the way into your hands.
∗ Have soft hands and give with the ball.
∗ Fingers up, down or to the side depending on the where the ball is.
∗ If you are not sure of anything or want help or practice, ask the coaches.
Catches win matches. Trust yourself. Trust your hands.
Catching is 80% confidence. 10% practice and 10% faith.
HAVE FAITH IN YOUR SELF
TIPS & INFO
CLOSE-IN CATCHING
When fielding close to the wicket, you should adopt a crouched position and stand on balls of feet. Keep
your hands together and your fingers pointing downwards. Position your feet shoulder-width apart or
slightly wider and watch the ball into your hands.
TIPS & INFO
THROWING
After gathering the ball a fast and accurate throw is needed.
Learning to throw correctly not only helps help you achieve this, but also helps prevent injuries.
Basic throwing action
Keep your elbow above your shoulder and your wrist wider than your elbow. These basic principals will
help you build a strong correct throwing action, by using the muscles in your arms and chest, instead of the
tendons and ligaments that are used with a bad action. A bad-throwing action can cause long-term injuries.
Ask your Coaches for help and practice, they are there to help you with all aspects of throwing.
TIPS & INFO
BATTING
GRIP AND STANCE
1. Take CENTRE guard from umpire and mark it clearly on the pitch with chalk.
2. Correct GRIP on bat with the V between thumb and first finger on the top hand
should point to the front shoulder, and the V on the bottom hand should point
to the back shoulder. Both hands together in the middle of the handle.
3. The FEET should be shoulder width apart either side of, and parallel to the
batting crease. With the knees slightly bent and the head and eyes level and
still. The player should be relaxed and comfortable.
4. Place BAT behind the back foot (allows for straight back lift), with the handle
resting on the thigh and place the toe of the bat on the centre guard mark.
Preparing to face the bowler
1. FINE FOCUS on the ball, this will give you a greater period of time to
determine and be in position to play your shot.
2. Focus on the ball in the hand of the bowler as he runs in to bowl. As the ball
leaves the bowlers hand start your BACK LIFT. The back lift should be towards
1st slip and about stump high.
A well balanced stance, notice eyes are level.
TIPS & INFO
FORWARD DEFENCE
1. Watch the ball onto the bat.
2. Keep the head steady and over the bat.
3. Front elbow bent and high, pointing back towards the bowler. Arms and bat
form a figure 9
4. Front foot near to the line of the ball, knee slightly bent and weight transferring
to the front foot as the body moves forward.
5. The bat is moved towards the ball, close to the front pad, with the blade slightly
behind the handle.
TIPS & INFO
BACK FOOT DEFENCE
1. The back foot moves back and across the wicket, the weight resting on the
back foot as the shot is played.
2. The bat is kept close to the pad on the back foot, leaving no gap for the ball.
3. The eyes are kept level to the horizontal.
4. The front elbow is kept bent and high. The top is controlling the grip, while the
bottom hand, thumb and index finger some support and control. Releasing the
grip of the bottom hand enables you to make the ball drop at your feet.
Remember:…………. Coaches are there to help you ……………
TIPS & INFO
Bat Sizing - Bat Length
The table below provides a rough guide to the length of bat that most cricketers of a given height will find
suits their game. This may vary according to individual preference.
*AVERAGE PLAYERS HEIGHT
BAT SIZE
TOTAL
LENGTH
BLADE
LENGTH
BLADE WIDTH
1.3m
(4'3")
ONE
64.1cm
(25 1/4 ")
43.2cm
(17")
8.9cm
(3 1/2")
1.3m-1.37m
(4'3"-4'6")
TWO
67.9cm
(26 3/4")
46.3cm
(18 1/4")
8.9cm
(3 1/2")
1.37m-1.45m
(4'6"-4'9")
THREE
72.3cm
(28 1/2")
49.5cm
(19 1/2")
8.9cm
(3 1/2")
1.45-1.50m
(4'9"-4'11")
FOUR
74.9cm
(29 1/2")
50.8cm
(20")
10.2cm
(4")
1.50m-1.575m
(4'11"-5'2")
FIVE
77.4cm
(30 1/2")
52cm
(20 1/2")
10.2cm
(4")
1.575m-1.60m
(5'2"-5'3")
SIX
80cm
(31 1/2")
53.3cm
(21")
10.2cm
(4")
1.60m-1.68m
(5'3"-5'6")
HARROW
82.5cm
(32 1/2")
54.6cm
(21 1/2")
10.5cm
(4 1/8")
1.68m-1.75m
(5'6"-5'9")
WOMENS
STANDARD
83.8cm
(33")
54.6cm
(21 1/2")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.68m-1.75m
(5'6"-5'9")
SUPER SHORT
83.8cm
(33")
55.9cm
(22")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.75m
(5'9") and above
SHORT HANDLE
85.1cm
(33 1/2")
55.9cm
(22")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.80m
(5'11") and above
LONG BLADE :
SHORT HANDLE
86.4cm
(34")
57.1cm
(22 1/2")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.78m
(5'10") and above
LONG BLADE :
SS HANDLE
85.1cm
(33 1/2")
57.1cm
(22 1/2")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.88m
(6'2") and above
STANDARD
BLADE : LONG
HANDLE
87.6cm
(34 1/2")
55.9cm
(22")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
1.93m
(6'4") and above
LONG BLADE :
LONG HANDLE
88.9cm
(35")
57.1cm
(22 1/2")
10.8cm
(4 1/4")
TIPS & INFO
TIPS & INFO
Bat Care
Do's and Don'ts of Cricket Bats
DO NOT leave your cricket bat in the hot boot of a car. This is one of the worst things you can
do especially in hot summer months when cricket is played.
DO NOT take your dismissal out on the cricket bat once you get in the change rooms.
DO NOT use your cricket bat against cheap cricket balls. Especially the very hard imported
ones.
DO NOT expose your cricket bat to excessive moisture or rain. Always dry your bat
immediately if it does get wet.
DO NOT OVER OIL your cricket bat. Less is best when it comes to oiling. It is just as
dangerous to over oil a bat as it is to under oil.
DO NOT try to discover the aerodynamic capabilities of your cricket bat after a dismissal.
Cricket bats were not designed to fly and throwing your bat is one of the silliest things you can
do to it. We have never known a cricket bat to be responsible for a dismissal anyway!
DO take care of your cricket bat.
DO prepare and Run your cricket bat in correctly.
DO oil your cricket bat regularly (a very, very light coating once every few months).
DO store the cricket bat in a cool dry location away from excessive heat or moisture.
And ….. DO go out and make runs with it!
TIPS & INFO
Selecting A Bat
If you’re serious about your cricket, always select a good quality bat that is the correct weight
and length for the player. It can be difficult for young cricketers, being that they grow so
quickly. Try not to be tempted into thinking a bigger bat will be ok because he or she will grow
into it.
For the serious young cricketer, building a sound and proper technique is important, trying to
build that technique swinging a bat that is to big and to heavy, is a step in the wrong direction.
If a junior cricketer, I should say any cricketer, whether they are serious or just play for fun,
experiences the feel and sound of a ball cracking off the middle of a nice piece of willow, their
appreciation for the game would be greatly enhanced. From a junior point of view, learning that
you can get value for a correctly played stroke and hit the boundary, without trying to belt the
cover off the ball.
Try not to buy a bat just because it looks good, get the one that feels comfortable and
balanced when you hold it. A well-balanced bat with a good middle, is a good start.
Factory made bats can be good bats. No two are a like, so try several before choosing, look for
one that has the balance and middle you prefer. With bats you generally get what you pay for.
If you’re really serious about your cricket, you may even want to go a step further and go for a
custom hand-made bat, there are a few bat makers around, all will have different profiles and
options on their bats.
TIPS & INFO
Bowling
The skill of bowling can be a tuff one to master. Your coach can help you with your run-up and action, It’s
important that your action is correct, a mixed action (when shoulders and hips don’t align) can cause
injuries, especially for pace bowlers.
Practice your grip on the ball and get comfortable with it, below your will see how to grip the ball for
different types of deliveries.
Pace
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Bowling
Spin
Wrist Spin / Leg Spin
TIPS & INFO
Spin Bowling
Off Spin / Finger Spin
TIPS & INFO
Code of conduct
Players
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Always play by the rules and in the correct spirit of the game.
Never argue with an umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or team
manager approach the umpire during a break or after the game.
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of umpires and sledging other players is not
permitted at any time.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good efforts whether they are made by your team or the
opposition.
Treat all players in the game as you would like to be treated.
Play for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
Coaches / Captains / Team Managers
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Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the
fun.
Never ridicule or yell at a younger player for making a mistake or not winning.
Be reasonable in your demands on players time, energy and enthusiasm.
Always operate within the rules and the spirit of the game and teach your players to do
the same.
Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people
are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
Avoid overplaying the talented players, the average need and deserve equal time.
Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved at the game. This includes
opponents, coaches, umpires, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the
same.
Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest practices,
including Level 1 accreditation.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of gender,
cultural background or religion.
TIPS & INFO
Players/Parents
Parents, please don’t be shy about wanting to get involved, we value your involvement and
support. You can support the kids at their games, you may like to go a step further and get
involved in the game, by scoring. (a great way to see exactly how the game unfolds).
Another great way to support the kids, is to come to the junior match reports at the club. The
family can get a great cheap meal, hear all about the games and still be home early, or stay a
while, either way the kids and the Club appreciate your support.
Remember coaches and committee members are there to help you, if you have any issues at
all please speak to the appropriate person, they will be more than happy to help you.
Junior Development
Marty Kelly
0413 931 624
Peter Welsh
0488 010 922
President
Vice President
Junior Vice President
Shaun Petrie
Andy Ligt
Clinton Scott
0438 632 482
0402 392 656
0417 547 691
Milo-have-a-go coordinator
Hayley Baker
0417 530 928
Senior Coach
Ass Coach
Trevor Johnston
Te ahu Davis
0412 760 038
0405 816 624
Name: _________________________
Age: ____
Level Playing U/____ Previous Levels Played ___________
BATTING: LH
RH
BOWLING: LH
RH
Fast
Wicket Keeper: Yes
No
Medium
Leg spin
Off spin
Nick Name: _______________
Have you played Rep Cricket? ______
Highest Score ______
Favorite Music _________________
Best Bowling: _______
Favorite Movie ___________________
Favorite Sport: ________________
Hobbies _________________________
Favorite Sports Person: ________________
Favorite Team: ___________________ What do you like most about cricket?
______________________________________
Favorite Sporting Moment: ________ What’s your prediction for your
____________________________________ season? Runs ______ Wkts ______
Cricketing Ambitions: _____________
____________________________________
TIPS & INFO
Complete and give to your coach