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[craigwm]

     Right guys, basically when I catch a ball in the slips, or a ball coming straight at me at waist height, the ball seems to bounce off one side of the cup shape, made with my hands, and it doesn't go straight in and stick. Help would be much appreciated, thanks guys.

[Buzz]

do you wear sunnies when you field? I have a theory that they distort the vision and cause dropped catches occaisionally.

(that is my excuse and I am sticking to it!)

Not that that is a solution, so sorry - if I had that then I would be a serious coach.

Do you spend much time practicing?

[nicks]

How do you setup? In the past I used to position myself with hands ready and watching the edge of the bat (drilled in from school).

Was watching Sky Sports over the summer and Gower, Botham and Warne were involved in a discussion about slip fielding. Gower suggested watching the bat whilst Warne and Botham were certain that you should watch the ball from the bowlers hand. Additionally Warne said that a slip fielder should be as relaxed as possible, resting their hands on their knees. This advice certainly helped me!

[pacman75cricket]

think you need to be as relaxed as possible with hands in position where they can give as you receive the ball.

also remember something about watching the ball @ 1st but the wider you are try watching the edge.(probably about what works for you)

[johan95]

Catching net? I dropped 2 catches in a game; was really angry at myself; took it out inthe catching net for 2 hours, next 3 games = 3 great catches!!

[tim2000s]

It sounds as though you may have two issues.

1. You are seeing the ball late, so aren't getting your hands in a position to guarantee the catch.

2. Your hands are not relaxed as you taking the catch, making it harder for the ball to stick.

I'd agree with the guys who have mentioned that you should watch the ball from the bowlers hand rather than off the edge as you will then have the full trajectory of the flight and are far more likely to "track" the ball effectively and get in the right position for the catch.

With regard to point two, practice. Get on the slip net/cradle, get someone to practice slip catches with you so that you become more comfortable with the style of catching and are more relaxed about the fact that you can do it comfortably and how it feels going into your hands. This will also help you with 1. and should help the ball to stick as your hands give when you take the catch...

[Simmy]

im not sure if this is just me but when i take a catch i bring my hands back alittle with the ball. To cussion the impact that way when the ball hits ur hands its not hitting a frozen target?
allthough only just before point of impact half a second.

catching a tenis ball is good practice as they are very bouncy and u will notice that they bounce out ur hand alot more.

[johan95]

Yeah Simmy, you're right, you do have to give with the ball, hitting a rigid base is just like what happens with a dig in volleyball..

[tim2000s]

Watch the pros. As they take a catch they give. That's what all effective catchers do with a cricket ball. There are two reasons. 1. It stops the ball bouncing out of your hand. 2. It means you don't get a massive bruise when the ball is really travelling...

[Simmy]

i dont really think about how to catch a ball i just kinda do it..

but as a keeper i have to do it pretty much every ball so do get alot more practice than most people.

i cant really think of any other tips other than allways watch the ball and cussion it into ur hands.

[Tumo]

You should always bring the ball back into your chest if it's at that sort of height. If not, then as Simmy says, bring it back into you a little. Nice soft hands, relax. I don't field in the slips often, I get bored and don't have the patience for it, but when I do I relax, arms resting on my thighs, NOT my hands because then they're not in position to take a catch. And Buzz is right, I've dropped 3 catches in sunnies this year. At least I HOPE it's the sunnies... 

[craigwm]

Thanks a lot for all the help guys, will start practising at my next training session. Once again thanks.