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[niceonechoppy]

Hi all,

I have been thinking about my technique virtually all winter now. I'm now 6'2, RH batsman and use a SH bat, however now whenever I tap my bat behind my right foot when facing up it is almost as if my back is arched instead of straight, like you seen from every pro on TV.

I know this is a result from growth, and could be due to the fact that I never bendmy knees in stance. I would like to hear all of your views on stances, and whether bending your knees in the stance set up is beneficial or whether there is anything I could do to improve it currently.

Thanks

[Colesy]

I am the same as you mate 6'2, RH using SH. I stand with my bat between my feet and they're slightly wider than shoulder width. Works for me.

[captainofcricket2011kse]

I used to be like this, although im slightly shorter, but my coach got me to just stand up as the bowler was running in and not to worry about tapping the ground. It also improves your backlift because you are already halfway up so you have more timeto select your shots if you have a high backlift.

[Riddy]

im an inch taller than you boys, but also RH using a SH, i have my bat behind my left foot, with knees bent and in quite a low position when the ball is released...   but everyone is different i guess

[Colesy]

I think as long as your eyes are over off-stump then you're ok, and you bat comes through straight

[niceonechoppy]

I am the same as you mate 6'2, RH using SH. I stand with my bat between my feet and they're slightly wider than shoulder width. Works for me.

Do you bat with bent knees Colesy? Or upright?

[tim2000s]

Shouldn't you be on the balls of your feet ready to dance down (or back up) the wicket and smash the bowler away?

[Colesy]

You judge....

[niceonechoppy]

I would say yes, if only a little.

[tommy2tink]

Try changing where you tap your bat, if at all. Between your legs lets you stand taller while waiting.

[Buzz]

it doesn't matter where or if you tap the bat - what matters is where you bend your back - it is important to bend from the hips not hunch your back - so you look like a bit a bit more upright version of this slightly exagerated position (with your eyes level):



the above pic is before the backlift - but the batsman is about 6ft2

If you are not sure how it should feel, stand up tall, tense your lower stomach muscles and bend forward from your hips. Bending/flexing your knees should make it more comfortable and allow you to move your feet better too.

not sure i have explained what I mean particularly well. if you aren't sure, give me a shout!

[captainofcricket2011kse]

I would love to bat on that pitch.....

[Buzz]

I would love to bat on that pitch.....

That pitch is a meadow... but a very picturesque ground - West Horsley

[Kulli]

Pretty sure I dend from the back rather than the hips, causes my eyes not to be in line.

[captainofcricket2011kse]

I was joking although it does look a lot better than some of the ones we get around Camnbridge