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[The Palmist]

Any slip specialists here?

I have been happy at point and covers, my new skipper thought he can use me at slip. I am not a natural slip fielder and through out the day I found myself trying to back the keeper and while I did take a catch I dropped two. One of which could have been game changer.

My problem was anticipation, I just didn't know know whether to anticipate a low catch or high.

Any tips drills will be much appreciated.

[Buzz]

the key for me is to stay relaxed and to remember you usually have more time than you think.
you will need to practice a lot too.

[roco]

Biggest thing is to be comfortable

I have been a 1st slip for 12 years some of them at high level

Find your stance

Some have hands ready
Some start low
I use the beefy approach with hands on knees

You can never truly be certain how high ball is going to go but with practice as buzz said it gets easier

Positioning is a big factor as well as you need to be in right place in relation to your keeper and for pitch to make things easier as if too far back or too close you'll struggle to take the catch

If your in right position you should look at if batsmen driving will be mid-low if cutting will be high but doesn't always work like that as depends on how hard the batsmen goes but that will give you a guide

Try working on a catching cradle or getting a katchet as both great for slip practice

Plus what I do is keep weight on inside on feet in my stance not for everybody but helps me move easier

Sorry to waffle hope any of it helps

[Steveo1000]

Some people are taught/told to watch the outside edge of the bat when fielding at slip, if you are then think about not doing it as it could help with the anticipation/reaction issue. I personally watch the ball all the way out of the bowlers hand and try and pick up the length and line as quickly as possible. If you can do that you will already be anticipating the type of shot about to be played.
Also, getting your hands I position is one thing, having soft enough hand to catch the ball is another. Instead of practicing catching cricket balls, try a few minutes every session having someone whack tennis balls at you. Because they are light and will bounce out of your hands you need to have very soft hands to catch them.

[benny231]

Now i'm not a slip, but as a keeper I have a fair bit to do with them. They key to positioning is through conversing with the keeper. He sees everything and will know the carry. First slip should be watching the ball the whole way, 2nd around should be watching the bat. You want to find a base position, much like a keeper, where you are comfortable and able to move both ways efficiently. Remember, it's a hell of a lot easier to go up than down, so keeping low is always good. If the batsman is going hard then generally the edge will fly, the opposite of if he is just pushing. It's a hundred times better to drop a catch standing a bit too close than it is for a genuine edge to fall short!

[Seniorplayer]

One factor is to position yourself according to the pace of the bowler and track. Then start with a crouched stance and a firm base keeping still with fingers pointing downwards, with eyes  focused on the bat but as previously stated it can create anticipation problems but with anticipation  you catch some and miss some.