Print

[TangoWhiskey]

I've never had a coaching keeping so everything I get is just through trial and error and the odd youtube video.

I'm not great stood up to the stumps but I'm getting better. One thing never fails to make me look silly though, a straight ball that bounces and goes over the top of the stumps. How are you supposed to take this? I always end up jumping in order to take it at a comfortable height, however by the time I am up, catch it and get back down again any chance of a stumping is gone, plus I feel like a bit of a wally bouncing round like a ballerina back there.

Anyone have any tips for those ones?

[arsenal123]

So long as you're the right distance from the stumps, a little vertical movement to take the ball shouldn't be a problem if its necessary to take the ball.  Step one, make sure to take the ball cleanly. 

Also, when it comes to keeping I think of it as 80% my body movement, 20% my hands.  My body movement decides how well I will keep generally.  If you get lazy you'll be in worse positions to take the ball and can end up static and having to force big movements.  Think of keeping as trying to make it as smooth as possible.

Just my two pennys worth that you generally wont find in too many coaching manuals

[Timbo]

Agreed, good footwork and movement stops you flailing around like an idiot and leaves you to concentrate on the ball and your hands

[TangoWhiskey]

Ok, but what about if it goes about a foot over the top of the bails? Am I supposed to move to one side so I can take it normally?

[HallamKeeper]

I'm guessing you're taking about a ball that is arriving at you, kind of nipple height (couldn't think of a better description)? Usually from slightly unexpected bounce?

I've had a fair bit of coaching and if the ball rises straight at you the best thing is to jump a little so you take the ball securely but make sure you keep your elbows relaxed so you can return the ball to the stumps smoothly. You don't have to wait until your body goes down to move your gloves to the bails.

You've always got to make sure you take the ball cleanly first so there is no point trying to jeopardise the take in order to gain a few split seconds returning it to the bails. The chances of an outside edge or glove are probably about the same as the stumping.

If you are talking about a shorter pitched ball, that is coming shoulder height or above, firstly I'd be surprised if it wasn't smashed for 6, but obviously you have to assume it's coming to you. I would as soon as you see the length, prepare to take the ball with one leg (probably the right leg to a right-hander depending on the line) in the air, your hips slightly rotated open and your fingers pointing horizontally. The same as taking a rising wide ball. I can't think I've ever done that more than once or twice in the last three years though. The other option is to take it fingers up but that could lead to all sorts of problems.

Hope that helps.
 

[TangoWhiskey]

Certainly does, I tend to jump and usually emit some kind of strange squeak out of surprise and the whole process seems very village.

[MD2812]

Can help to rotate your body when taking these, so rather than shoulders facing down the wicket, they're facing midwicket, with your hands not moving too far backwards.

definitely a ball which will catch you out if you're sat on your heels!

[Rob580]

Just let it hit you.

[HallamKeeper]

I wouldn't advise the squeak ha.

I have a bit of coaching with a bowling machine. My coach asks the cricket centre to save the old worn out yellow balls because they can bounce funny or swing a bit more than normal, so it is a bit more realistic and you don't just get into a comfort zone. If you can get a mate to stand as the batsman that is also useful.

I appreciate coaching is not for everyone. I'm sure you could do some work with a half-taped up tennis ball and a friend 'bowling them' cross seam to get the variable bounce. Or something a bit more innovative.

The reason I am a fan of variable bounce is so you don't come up too early just in case it keeps low. You also practice having a more explosive leap if it really gets up fast which you wouldn't necessarily do if you are already half way up.

[TangoWhiskey]

Just let it hit you.

That's always Plan B.

I wouldn't advise the squeak ha.

Me either, gets embarrassing!