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[Buzz]

Really interesting article on the trend of batting in a more upright stance with you bat in there air here

http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/931739/the-downside-of-up

The formatting is a pain so you will have to follow the link to read it.

However the one weakness in the article is it states a number of the pros and cons of standing upright but the only pro it can find for the more traditional bat tapping technique is it increases fluidity and balance (but then what more do you need..)

Personally I have always been a bat tapper but don't believe there is a right or a wrong method here - both can be successful in my view.

[uknsaunders]

I've mucked around with both styles recently and just find having the bat up waist height (no higher) seems natural. I was brought up in the Graham Gooch era though!

[Maverick79]

Good article. Haven't really consciously thought about what I do, but I tend to tap a couple of times as the bowler starts their run-up and then go bat up with the bat between knee and hip height depending on their pace

[roco]

Interesting if not misleading article

Interesting as I have never been a batsmen till recent years so never really learned the classical technique, so I started bat up as was facing genuine fast bowling that wanted to kill me batting at 10/11 so wanted the bat as close to my face where the ball was aimed. This season I went from mid level ala Kallis to more of a Roooooooot/Smith so bat higher up and had my best season with the bat for a while (even with crippling back for first 5 games).

I have found that I need to bend my knees more otherwise I fall over but I have found I play swing and seam easier with higher bat as I make my decision later.

misleading as trying to compare the aussie batsmen of the last 5 years to the all conquering side of the 90's regardless of technique is not right as they were a cut above anything around today and 2nd in my eyes only to the West Indies side of the late 70' early 80's.

I do agree with the fact a large part of the bat up is people using bats too heavy as its a constant argument I have with the youngsters. So many turn up with huge bats that they cannot swing then try to adjust their technique to match the bat rather than the other way around.

[ppccopener]

Gone from bat about shin high and bending over to about waist high( I think) to try to save backache in the old stance.May be a coincidence but the runs have stopped like someone turned off the tap.Or that might just be i'm not as good as I was before

Trying to stay upright I've always been told is best and the bat has to come up naturally with an upright stance.

staying upright seems to help getting 'two-eyed' and not looking at mid-off.

I think a few of us at the Hampshire net this Saturday may be looking for some observation from those that notice stance and technique
 

[Buzz]

My view is that the only key difference is that you are more likely to need some form of trigger movement with an upright stance to stop you being rigid at the crease.

Personally I don't like a trigger movement, but for a pro who gets loads of practice I don't see it as a big deal.

The heavy bats thing for kids is a big deal though. Plus you can't tell a kid his bat is too heavy - they won't listen. I had to surreptitiously "modify" my son's bat when he was at school and then reapply the stickers so he didn't notice...

[roco]

they all want massive bats but cant then hit the ball, but we have to try and teach them the error of their ways.

For me its all about comfort. I HATE!!!!!!!! the part in the piece that is sooooooooooo ECB. "All kids should be forced/taught this way then develop"

I have regular arguments with "high" ECB coaches about the best way to coach people. Coach the player not the text book, if they naturally pick bat up high and it works for them so be it help them. Only change something early if it is detrimental to health (bad action, poor posture etc...) otherwise work with the player.

[tim2000s]

I bat more upright because I'm 6'5 and tapping my bat on the floor is right uncomfortable!


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[Buzz]

don't start me on cricket coaching for kids

I was teaching a kid in the summer who said he was batting in a school game, they needed 6 to win with more than 1 wicket left and was told by the school coach to block the last ball for the draw.

Seriously. Why would you say that.

He walked down the track and smashed it for 6.

I teach kids to hold the bat correctly, have a reasonable stance and to hit the ball as far as they can. As often as they can.

[roco]

Yep quite a few of our kids play for the county and mid wales but come back with some strange habits

My coaching style is all about keeping it simple and being comfortable then seeing what is their to start with, whether it be batting or bowling.

Im all for that go for the win screw the coach haha

[StillNotOut]

I've recently changed my stance due to a back injury. I stand upright with slight bend to the knees and bat help up above the height of the stumps. It's actually improved my batting and timing of the ball.

[ProCricketer1982]

don't start me on cricket coaching for kids

I was teaching a kid in the summer who said he was batting in a school game, they needed 6 to win with more than 1 wicket left and was told by the school coach to block the last ball for the draw.

Seriously. Why would you say that.

He walked down the track and smashed it for 6.

I teach kids to hold the bat correctly, have a reasonable stance and to hit the ball as far as they can. As often as they can.

Well, if the other batsmen coming in are Chris Martin types then why risk losing the game ? Assuming the kid is playing at the right level the last over bowler shouldn't be a mug. The draw isn't a negative result, it's not a loss

[smilley792]

Well, if the other batsmen coming in are Chris Martin types then why risk losing the game ? Assuming the kid is playing at the right level the last over bowler shouldn't be a mug. The draw isn't a negative result, it's not a loss

It's the last ball. Other batsmen aren't coming in. And it's a draw if he's out. So why not go for it??

[ProCricketer1982]

It's the last ball. Other batsmen aren't coming in. And it's a draw if he's out. So why not go for it??

He didn't say last ball, just said six to win with more than a wicket. Last ball then sure as long as you can't be AO have a swing.

[smilley792]

He didn't say last ball, just said six to win with more than a wicket. Last ball then sure as long as you can't be AO have a swing.

Read it again, says last ball.