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[Kulli]

Over the winter the clubs new skipper had asked me about having a go at opening the batting as both the guys in who did it last year had struggled a bit and I'm probably one of the more technically correct and patient batters in the side. I never changed much, just practiced again the new nut in nets and looked to play a touch later.

This has all gone pretty well and I've got 350 or so @ 30ish in the first half of the season, but I've found that once I get in I'm really struggling to go on and dominate. I had a bit of a think about it at training last week and wondered if I should be looking to lift my bat a bit higher again once set (or the ball is a bit older) is this something anyone else has done/considered. I certainly found striking the ball cleanly in nets a lot easier once I did.

All inputs appreciated.

[tom line]

At the end of it the only real way your going to find out whether it will work for you is trying it in a match situation. I sometimes choose to change the height of my backlight dependent on the conditions and the bowler. If the bowler is fast and the ball is swinging I use a shorter backlift so the bat has less of a way to go so I don't get done for pace and equally so I don't play too. Far out infront when it is swinging as I find with the higher backlift I get more momentum through the swing so can end up too far in front. However this is useful against slower bowlers as you can get more momentum through the shot when trying to force the ball when there's not too much pace to work with

[Seniorplayer]

Weather you lift your back lift higher depends  on how high are you currently picking up your bat I open the batting and start waist high against the new ball  as the ball gets older I go higher the thinking is greater bat speed you dont have to pick the bat up only bring it down also high bat lift helps when leaving the new  ball outside off stump which I do quite a lot.
As you are striking the ball in the nets with an higher bat lift you will do so outside. Just be aware of the quicker ball.

[jamferg]

Bat all the way through ( 46 overs in our league) at 2 or 3 runs per over and you have a ton, let the other end dominate , just keep going at a steady pace ,dont force it.

[Kulli]

Bat all the way through ( 46 overs in our league) at 2 or 3 runs per over and you have a ton, let the other end dominate , just keep going at a steady pace ,don't force it.

We only play 35 overs, main issue I have had is getting past 50 then making the next 20 or so all in 2's and 3's with the field spread and knackering myself.

Currently I pick my bat up til about horizontal, probably just a fraction above.

[Seniorplayer]

We only play 35 overs, main issue I have had is getting past 50 then making the next 20 or so all in 2's and 3's with the field spread and knackering myself.

Currently I pick my bat up til about horizontal, probably just a fraction above.

As the ball gets older unless you are  exceptionally tall go higher.

[arsenal123]

I had the exact same problem as you.  Picking my bat up higher has helped massively!

[Kulli]

I had the exact same problem as you.  Picking my bat up higher has helped massively!

Did you do it gradually throughout an innings, or reach a consious point where you decided 'now's the time'. I think I'll try and work on it at nets this week and see how I feel/play.

[Spanky]

So your looking to change your backlift even though your current one is clearly working?

Just a thought maybe look to increase your fitness instead, so your not knackered taking 2s and 3s when the field is spread late in the innings.

[arsenal123]

Sorry that was a very short naff answer in hindsight.

If I'm batting at the top of the order I pick it up in my regular way and just bat through normally, only picking up a bit higher for spinners (my eye is in, should be able to time it).

If I'm batting middle/lower order and I need to get a move on I'll pick the bat up a lot higher against medium pace and spin from the off.

I first worked on all of this in the nets and its made a notable difference.  I've always been a top order bat in twos cricket and I'm now a number 7 in ECB Prem ones (I'm a keeper).  I was always known for being a nudger/accumulator.  The other day I made a 25 ball 40 at the end so its obviously made a difference.  As always, practice it loads though!

[Rob580]

I'm sure Ricky Ponting did a piece about his backlift on one of those Sky Masterclass things. He said the key was not particularly high hands, but cocked wrists, allowing you to get the power through that way.

Definitely a video worth watching either way.

[Seniorplayer]

There's posts on here recently regarding holding the bat with cocked wrists.

[Kulli]

So your looking to change your backlift even though your current one is clearly working?

Just a thought maybe look to increase your fitness instead, so your not knackered taking 2s and 3s when the field is spread late in the innings.

I get your point but I'd say that I'm looking to add options to my game when the match situation requires a different approach, I'd like to be able to dominate when set and I was much moire of a boundary hitter before i made the changes, so hoped I could be cheeky and get the best of both worlds.

[northernboy1987]

I'm sure Ricky Ponting did a piece about his backlift on one of those Sky Masterclass things. He said the key was not particularly high hands, but cocked wrists, allowing you to get the power through that way.

Definitely a video worth watching either way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb6nFAeM2FM

 

[icewolf]

I struggle to hit as well but I think practicing with tape ball could help with playing shots


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