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[tim2000s]

There's been a lot of discussion on the forum over the past couple of weeks about ways to improve batting, etc. with quotes from well known coaches, links to things, etc.

I thought I'd try to take this into consideration last night when batting at nets and decided on the "watch the ball all the way" and front leg position nuggets.

On the first of these, it's a lot harder than it appears to watch the ball in the bowlers hand from the start of the run up. Especially in nets with all the distractions. You have to concentrate hard and remain very focussed (It also probably helps you keep your head still). I found that the wise words about it helping you pick up the line more quickly were very true, but I also noted that I could tell when I was losing concentration because I was much less certain as to where the ball was likely to pitch. Made the batting considerably harder work though. You also discover who hides the ball in their run up, which I admit I'd never paid that much attention to before.

Secondly, the leg side opening up with the front foot. Very effective, but again, needs loads of practice. I think I got it wrong more than I got it right, but on the other hand, when it was right it allowed me to not play around my front pad very effectively.

Although it wasn't a hell for leather net, and I wasn't trying to spank the ball as hard as possiblem, which will have helped with timing, I felt that it was successful and that these are both valuable techniques that many of the guys I play with don't do enough of.

[100 not out]

essentially cricket is a simple game. it it sometimes over complicated by coaches.

i mean watching the ball and i really mean watching the ball all the way from start of run up to hiting the bat, if you think about should be common sense.

keep it simple. . . see the ball . . .hit the ball.

[Buzz]

keep it simple. . . see the ball . . .hit the ball.

I have always like the mantra... "good ball: block, bad ball: ropes"

[Simmy]

agree this is the mentality i use when batting up the order. if its good block if its bad score.

then once ur in u can start to nudge the good ball for the singles etc

[dan_nichols]

try and watch the seam - it's nigh on impossible but helps to make the rest of the ball easier to pick up.

[tim2000s]

try and watch the seam - it's nigh on impossible but helps to make the rest of the ball easier to pick up.

Yes, agreed, and you hopefully get some indication of where it's going to move.

[Colesy]

I have always like the mantra... "good ball: block, bad ball: ropes"

I got a reply from Michael Vaughan on Twitter () saying always look to attack first and defend second.

[Buzz]

I got a reply from Michael Vaughan on Twitter () saying always look to attack first and defend second.

Nice - Sir Viv goes on a lot about that in his commentary about batting - only block if you can't hit it for four

[roco]

There was not much viv could not hit for four though different class that man

[Rik]

Amazing how easily we can overlook such a simple but vital part of the game - watching the ball closely.

Haven't had much chance to net lately, end of season here and all - but I filled in for some mates at indoor the other evening and was watching it as closely as I have in a long time and it was a massive benefit.