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[aman]

What are the best drills for picking length?

I have access to a bowling machine which is a great tool for practicing individual shots and found that it has improved my batting a heep but as always you can do it better.

[HallamKeeper]

I was told to put different coloured socks (or similar ball like objects) on different lengths and either get someone to say each colour then play a pretend shot to that particular ball or say it to yourself. Not sure if it actually helps pick up the length but maybe helps not assuming you can just plant your foot forward.

[Buzz]

Length is usually picked up on from the arm/ball release point. Using a bowling machine is hard for that.
I will think up some drills for you, but it is hard to do on your own.

[gerhard303]

I'm looking forward to this next instalment of Buzz's kitchen coaching clinic sessions on YouTube!

[InternalTraining]

@aman,

Bowling machine will develop your ability to track balls with your eyes and it is a very useful skill against quick bowlers. But, I don't think you will get much help in terms of picking up length at the "point of release". In regards to human bowlers and length determination, I have not had any luck with watching the release of the ball and determining length instantaneously. Maybe, likes of Virat Kohli can do it. The best advice I heard about length is actually anticipating a full (or fuller) ball on release and then tracking a ball with your eyes for actual length. What it means is that you expect a full delivery but go to back foot if the ball pitches (that is where eye tracking bit comes into play) short i.e. by closely watching the ball and the area where it hits the pitch (you should have a mental map of the area of the pitch where if pitched, the ball will be short).

For any delivery kicking up off the good length, you should be on the front foot; the above mentioned technique will ensure of that.

[brokenbat]

I used to be terrible at this, but a few things helped.

1. watching the ball right out of the hand (easier said than done)
2. staying relaxed (clear mind)
3. Head still, eyes level

all basic stuff, but thats about it!

[aman]

Thanks guys much appreciated and BUzz looking forward to those drills. It's not an alarming problem it's Just when facing decent pace i splice the odd pull shot.

Here's a couple of adjustments that i've made to my current practice when facing the machine is focusing on my trigger and watching the ball hard rather than focusing on what shot i'm working on.

[InternalTraining]

I used to be terrible at this, but a few things helped.

1. watching the ball right out of the hand (easier said than done)
2. staying relaxed (clear mind)
3. Head still, eyes level

all basic stuff, but thats about it!

I don't know any amateurs who can pick up length at the point of release.

[InternalTraining]

...
Here's a couple of adjustments that i've made to my current practice when facing the machine is focusing on my trigger and watching the ball hard rather than focusing on what shot i'm working on.

Yup, just watch the ball, and your instincts/muscle memory will take over.

[rickjames]

Yeah I certainly can't, but then again I'm dreadful

[Woodyspin]

What helped me was at sussex they have 3 boxes on off stump, 1 back of a length, 1 good length, 1 full. Fairly long rectangular shaped but looking for the pitch of the ball in the boxes. Then analyze yourself what the bowler looks like at release for each length. With the instant response i found i can pick up our quick off a short length with in 4/5 balls.

Hope this actually makes sense...

[jamielsn15]

I don't know any amateurs who can pick up length at the point of release.

Maybe not exact length, but you do figure out that a shorter ball will leave the bowler's hand later. I always try to get a rough idea of his point of release for a standard length ball and have a rough idea of that release point.

Im not suggesting by any stretch that amateurs, of which i definitely am one, can accurately pick length at point of release, but you can get an idea of a shorter ball. Im not suggesting i can react to it though...!

[HallamKeeper]

I've heard a few theories that top batsmen pick up short balls from the bowler's body language and delivery before the ball is released.

Also that you can't actually follow the ball all the way from the bowler's hand. You just see it for a few yards (probably the most important if you want to get the length) then again around where it pitches. I think that is proper pace bowling not a medium pacer most of us face.

[aman]

I actually found out that i wasnt watching the ball hard enough and thats helped a little bit. Watching the ball out of the hand is exactly what i want to work on but I don't have access to someone that could bowl or give throw downs unless i get to a personal coach but i can't pay $60 an hour!

Where i'm seeing it is probably a 2 yards out of the bowlers hands

ps. anyone on the forums in the Perth regoin in the northern suburbs keen for a hit 2+ times a week? haha

[Seniorplayer]

I used to be terrible at this, but a few things helped.

1. watching the ball right out of the hand (easier said than done)
2. staying relaxed (clear mind)
3. Head still, eyes level

all basic stuff, but thats about it!

Spot on keep it simple watch the ball