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[NT50]

Hi guys! Although technically an equipment forum, this seems like the right place to post this topic.

I'm looking to get into cricket next year, and had a question regarding wicket keeping. It's definitely something I'd be interested in trying out, as it's been mentioned to me that being a goalkeeper means it'll be fairly familiar to me. But to me, although they share a few things in common ( emphasis on footwork etc...) surely they can't be as similar as people have been suggesting? For example, handling techniques look very different etc...

So I was basically wondering what your thoughts were on the possibility of a newcomer being able to become a wicketkeeper? ( Not sure if it's of any relevance, but I play a fairly decent standard as a goalkeeper, my footwork and handling are sounds, just not tall enough to play a better level!) I will be looking to join a team in the bottom division of my local league, who mostly play on astro wickets ( not sure if this will make it harder or easier to keep on )

Is there any tips people would give me about startin keeping? And could anyone suggest a half decent pair of gloves I could get for when net sessions start?

Thanks for any advice you could give me!

[Vitas Cricket]

I think you've Mentioned being quite close to us in the past?

Feel free to book some coaching sessions in our net. We could combine batting and keeping or just do keeping, I don't mind.

I'm a wicket keeper who played football at Peterborough and later Boston when they were in the football league right through my teens, dropping down the semi pro levels as my love for the game lessened before giving up at 23, so I'm hopefully very well placed to help you

We also have a wide range of 2016 keeping equipment in stock

[NT50]

I think you've Mentioned being quite close to us in the past?

Feel free to book some coaching sessions in our net. We could combine batting and keeping or just do keeping, I don't mind.

I'm a wicket keeper who played football at Peterborough and later Boston when they were in the football league right through my teens, dropping down the semi pro levels as my love for the game lessened before giving up at 23, so I'm hopefully very well placed to help you

We also have a wide range of 2016 keeping equipment in stock

Funny you should mention Peterborough, as I'm a fan and will be at the FA Cup game tomorrow, Small world!
That'll definitely be something I'd be interested in ( provided I can find a club, may be a pointless exercise if not!)
I also ordered a TON from you in the Black Friday sales last week, bit of an impulse purchase but I couldn't say no at that price!

[Nmcgee]

I started keeping this season due to a lack of keepers at the club. I spend a solid off season working with a quality coach and I absolutely love keeping.....and I'm in my late 30s.

Find a good coach and experiment a little with what gear you feel most comfortable with. I like wearing pads under my whites and use youth size gloves with Aero P2 inners, as I like a tight fit with my gloves.

[edge]

Our new 3s keeper last season came from football to being a cricket keoper and from what I hear did quite well so it's clearly possible, I'm sure a bit of coaching would go a long way too! Having dabbled with keeping for friendly games, get stuck in and stay low and if you enjoy it I'm sure you'll do alright.

[waikik]

As an ex goalie myself I think it was a huge help, hand eye coordination, footwork and reflexes.
There are great videos from one of the best keepers Ian Healy on YouTube that i found very helpful
even after years of keeping

[Sivlar13]

Played up at Nantwich FC for a season as a keeper, but found that I ended up picking up the ball wrong and tried to save everything as a wicket keeper, suppose that's just because I didn't practice enough for goalkeeping, but it certainly helped with coordination and things like that. No better feeling in cricket than a leg side stumping.

[jezza39]

Biggest tip(s) is to keep low, your weight forward and watch the ball closely.

Great practice is to get a mate, head down to the nets and have them give you throw-downs with a bag or a chair in front of the stumps, that'll help you learn how to move and keep when the ball looks like it will hit the edge or if it is heading down leg-side.

[blocka]

-Practice lateral movement (side to side), going to need it at club level with the leg side strays.
-don't need to fully crouch to pace bowlers however recommended for spinners as you're closer to the stumps. Come up with the bounce of the balls.
-always watch the ball not the batsman. I don't wear a helmet but it can help to give peace of mind knowing you don't have to worry about getting hit when watching the ball and not the bat.
-Follow the ball into the gloves, take it with your hands going back. If you take it with flat hands or hands going forward you're going to drop the catches
-when the batsman snicks it, try to block the appeals and "catch its" from your teammates

That's as much as I can think of for now.  If you can develop into a great gloveman you'll be vital for the team as alot of club teams just choose the bloke who owns a set of gloves or is the worst at running. That's how I started, but realised I actually still have to do my job rather than just stop the ball.

Also your legs are going to be sore as hell after the first few games so practice squats each day and stretch thoroughly every chance you get.

[smilley792]

Due to lack of stumper I started to stump this winter indoor.


A knight are for learning as you have to stand up to l bowlers(sod all room to back wall)

I've got okay on the offside, but the ones I stop down leg are more luck than judgement.


And yes my quads were in tatters after the first few games and it's only 15 overs in doors.
And I think the oppo and crowd thought I was a loony when I took my first catch stood up to.
Haha, I celebrated that like no other

[Simmy]

I Think goal keeping and wicket keeping go hand in hand.

As i was a goal keeper and wicket keeper.

reflexes, good hands and a good eye.

foot work is slightly different.

I think thre is a video on youtube with Joe heart and Josh butler that shows the differences

[Simmy]

-Practice lateral movement (side to side), going to need it at club level with the leg side strays.
-don't need to fully crouch to pace bowlers however recommended for spinners as you're closer to the stumps. Come up with the bounce of the balls.
-always watch the ball not the batsman. I don't wear a helmet but it can help to give peace of mind knowing you don't have to worry about getting hit when watching the ball and not the bat.
-Follow the ball into the gloves, take it with your hands going back. If you take it with flat hands or hands going forward you're going to drop the catches
-when the batsman snicks it, try to block the appeals and "catch its" from your teammates

That's as much as I can think of for now.  If you can develop into a great gloveman you'll be vital for the team as alot of club teams just choose the bloke who owns a set of gloves or is the worst at running. That's how I started, but realised I actually still have to do my job rather than just stop the ball.

Also your legs are going to be sore as hell after the first few games so practice squats each day and stretch thoroughly every chance you get.

all this is good advice. 

[Northern monkey]

Work on stopping the ball
But try and develop your keeping as much as possible, it's a crucial team role that can make a huge difference to match outcomes
I've played with some excellent 'backstops' but very few all round keepers
Padihams Tripathi in Ribblesdale league was a class keeper

[jgi751987]

I am not sure how old you are and whether you remember Jack Russell and his keeping ability. For Jack, it was a shame that Alec Stewart was a much better batsman as Jack Russell was a much better keeper. That is high praise indeed as Stewie became a fantastic keeper. When I started out keeping I had issues being quite tall, so adopted some of Jack Russell's technique. Watch his masterclass via the two Youtube links below and pick up some pointers. All keepers have different styles, so where you take the ball. Whether under your eyes, or the Australian way 'to the side'. Whatever feels natural is best. After all you want to be in the best frame of mind when there are knicks at crucial times. You will be seen as the best fielder, but be warned, it's a thankless task with bowlers moaning if you don't take the tough chances!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6XI0r3-EQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ozsDbT_Wt4

[NT50]

Really appreciate the advice that everyone has given me so far, thank you!