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[peplow]

Guys having a few issues,

I'm a lefty and open my stance quite a bit to play right arm over, i can't close it up that much as it feels very un-natural for me. However  feel this is leaving me open to a couple of things and not allowing me to do others!
I keep getting bowled through bat and pad
I also find that i'm playing nearly everything leg side, i dont know if it is actually just the bowling, or whether i misjudge the balls and pull them across to the leg side i just dont seem to play offside and balls never seem there to play them.
Linked to this my open stance means i struggle to get my foot across to cover drive and play through that offside.

Just nay tips to help me get my feet moving and maybe open up both sides of the wicket. I take middle as guard btw and have no trigger.


Cheers

Sam

[Buzz]

This is going to sound ridiculously simple, but close your stance slightly, but open your front foot a little so it points to extra cover.
This will help you keep your balance and allow your to play the ball through the off side and the on side. Look at Michael Clarke as your example (obviously mirrored) I think he is technically one of the best players int he work and he stands very still at the crease. No better example for someone to follow - in my view (and I am English.)

It sounds as if your bat isn't coming down straight which will be causing the problem - also look at your grip, are you a bit bottom handed? Work on grooving shots in front of the mirror with only your top hand on the bat.

[peplow]

Great stuff will try that!! Thanks Buzz!

Know anywhere to watch clarke technique or will i just have to look out for him on tv?

[Buzz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx3rm6mxMlA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWjlS-dvHfM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKLLxW31xPE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKg72zW4SAg&feature=related (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

[peplow]

brill thanks, liking the foot pointing slightly straighter advice, should i be leaning forwards? would a trigger help? or should that sort it out!?

[Buzz]

Personally I don't like trigger movements, I think they over complicate batting and you start thinking about your trigger rather than watching the ball (just my view). Having said that against spinners the Duncan Fletcher trademarked forward press really helps me. 
As for your weight, I would keep it as evenly balanced as possible and make sure you are on the balls of your feet.

For me, a trigger movement only helps if the bowler is rapid and you need to get in line early, this is why the pro's trigger - the key is to trigger early, so you are still well before the moment of release.  But there are so few rapid bowlers at club level it isn't worth it most of the time. The only other time I think a trigger may work is if your feet are really not moving at all and (for me) it is a tactic of last resort these days as it makes me very susceptible to being LBW.

[peplow]

Ah ok expert stuff buzz, much appreciated. Will try it all out at nets! Never really liked a trigger but didn't know whether it would help!