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[Felix Tito]

So basically trying to get back playing again after 5 years away from the game. I used to be an opening batsman but I screwed up my knee and sort of never bothered trying to play again after injury.

So on to my problem, basically I've got a dicky back and as such I can't duck/weave and am now more concerned white getting pinned that than playing the ball.

Any tips/advice is much appreciated 

[dcullen8]

While it may not the the textbook answer, get in the nets and let someone serve some tennis balls at you. It wont hurt as much as a cricket ball and youll eventually stop worrying about getting hit and start thinking about getting your body into a good position & playing the right shot

[alexhilly1492]

I have a similar thing, hate getting hit and end up backing away and getting squared up, the best thing for me is practicing that, groove your technique to play the ball on merit and play the correct shot, a well worked ball down the elg side to bring one and get off strike and out fo the way is a good option especially if your back is preventing the pull/hook shots, practice makes perfect and soon itll come into its own and youre hands will help keep you safe

[ppccopener]

not a text book answer from me either. This is how I've done it.  same as previous poster.

1. lid, arm guard and whatever else protection you want before you bat.

2. get in the nets and ramp up the speed.

3. get in line, as in move towards the ball.

it's easier to get out the way of any short stuff if you are in the line of the ball in the first place.

remember a small movement can take out of harms way as the ball passes. Normally the ball stays on one line, so if your in line a slight movement take you out and the ball passes by.
you don't have to be ducking and swaying all over the place.


ALWAYS...keep your eye on the ball

for balls on your body but too short to duck, get behind the line and play with a straight bat.

[Seniorplayer]

Carlo (ppopener ) is spot on  to begin with use as much protection you need to give you confidence and remember not many bowlers at club level can actually seriously hurt you but the best way to avoid injury is to watch the ball that way you rarely need to duck and weave  as you spot the short stuff early and a slight movement inside the line of the ball is all you need.

[brokenbat]

Two things in addition to whats already been said..

1. Follow up the tennis ball drills with a machine sending short of length balls (bouncing between your waist and chin)...stay relaxed, still head..and focus on getting behind the ball and playing it VERY VERY late, right under your eyes, with soft hands..you'll soon realise that you have plenty of time to react to any "nasty" stuff

2. This is slightly unconventional, but taking boxing / Muay Thai classes can help. You can't afford to close your eyes when someone throws a punch - you have to keep your eye on it and react accordingly. Great workout, and I think it can help overcome the fear of the ball. But as i said, this is a bit weird and not everyone's cup of tea.

But keep at it mate - you'll be back in no time.

[Biggie Smalls]

Two things in addition to whats already been said..

1. Follow up the tennis ball drills with a machine sending short of length balls (bouncing between your waist and chin)...stay relaxed, still head..and focus on getting behind the ball and playing it VERY VERY late, right under your eyes, with soft hands..you'll soon realise that you have plenty of time to react to any "nasty" stuff

2. This is slightly unconventional, but taking boxing / Muay Thai classes can help. You can't afford to close your eyes when someone throws a punch - you have to keep your eye on it and react accordingly. Great workout, and I think it can help overcome the fear of the ball. But as i said, this is a bit weird and not everyone's cup of tea.

But keep at it mate - you'll be back in no time.

This is great advice . Get in the ring !

[alexhilly1492]

i had a net last night and actually played the short ball well, me vs bowling machine although i closed my eyes i didnt egt hit.. miracles do happe, let us knwo how you get on mate

[Calzehbhoy]

Took my getting hit by a pretty sharp bowler in the chest to realise that you're actually not made of glass and that it doesn't hurt all that much even if you do get hit at a decent pace.

If you're worried, chest/arm/thigh guard will all help.

[Churchy1989]

1. lid, arm guard and whatever else protection you want before you bat. Chest Guard