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[Kulli]

Hopefully justa quick question on technique.

Unfortunately the level of my bowling has always dragged me up to a level on cricket where I've batted in the bottom 3/4 and only really batted when we're out of the game already, or are having a quick slog at the end of the innings. I don't mind too much but I do enjoy batting so it's always nice to improve.

Anyway, what I'd noticed that was when batting at nets if I walked 1-2 steps down the pitch just as any medium pace bowlers were in their action that I found I was able to play a lot more fluently then when I remained still in my normal stance.

Firstly I'd like anyones theory on why this might be, and secondly if there is any way I can keep these improvements without having to incur the wrath of every fast bowler I face.

Cheers

[Canners]

Queue Buzz..............

[Buzz]

firstly - this isn't a trigger movement as such - more giving the bowler the charge. As a theary it can work against medium dross bowlers as you have time to walk done the track at them, you make their good length balls into a half volley and that much easier to hit - not least because the bal will come on to the bat better.
But remember you are in the nets - usually a keeper should stand up to this kind of bowling - which means if you get it wrong you get stumped in a match.
 
This will be harder against quicker bowlers as you don't have time to walk down the track to them - plus their short ball wont be a long hop.

Without removing the charge from your armoury (it is a favourite of mine) you should get used to waiting longer for the ball to get to you - which is harder for a lower order batsman who has been itching for a bat all afternoon.

The important thing if you are going on the charge is to keep your head still and watch the ball really closely - and not find yourself looking at different Nimbus or Cumulonimbus

[Kulli]

Cheers for the replies guys.

Buzz-I appreciate what I was doing wasn't a trigger movement, I just wondered if there was someway to gain a similar effect through a reduced version of the movement.

I definately agree that doing so can turn good balls into half volleys and disrupt a medium pacers rythem but I also found I was doing alot better doing the same against guys who had a bit of pace about them, I was even finding I was in position quick enough to pull the odd short one which is something I never normally do. Maybe the adrenaline was pumping and I was just seeing the ball better.

Tommy-Normally I struggle against anyone with any real pace (I really struggle to pick up the length, possibly due to my height). I've tried batting both further out of the crease and deeper into it at various points but I still find that standing still at the crease makes life difficult.

I hadn't thought of your last point though, it is something various coaches have said to me, that I don't get forward enough and get my head over the ball. I'll maybe see if I can get someone to film a net and see if I do change anything like that.

[tim2000s]

I hadn't thought of your last point though, it is something various coaches have said to me, that I don't get forward enough and get my head over the ball. I'll maybe see if I can get someone to film a net and see if I do change anything like that.

That's often an issue caused by fear of being hit in the face. I presume you wear a helmet?

[Buzz]

Buzz-I appreciate what I was doing wasn't a trigger movement, I just wondered if there was someway to gain a similar effect through a reduced version of the movement.

I think Tim's and Tommy's points are very valid and useful.

On the mini trigger - yes you can do something similar - Ravi Bopara does a trigger where he moves down the track slightly - rather than the standard back and across trigger. If I was coaching someone who was insistent on using a trigger I would suggest this first as it is easier to stay in line and keep your head still whilst pushing your weight is a positive direction - ie towards the ball.

Whispering slightly in case someone over hears (shh - I usually say don't trigger!) if I am facing a really quick bowler and my feet aren't going early on I will look to have a mini trigger like this as it helps me get my feet moving. I don't do it very often though.

If you are struggling to pick up quick bowling I always suggest that you try to start watching the ball mid way into the bowlers run up - try and concentrate on the seam all the way through the bowlers action - frequently this helps.
Failing that - do some shadow batting in the mirror and check that your eyes are level - if you head is at an angle it is impossible to pick up the ball.

[Kulli]

Tim - I do always bat in a lid, thought it's perfectly possibly that's initially why the fault developed, I think now it's just a bad habit I need to paractice to get out of.

I'll have a dig on youtube and see just what Bobara does then, previously I've always just tried to stand as still as possible, Incidently I did have an issue with my eyes not being level because i was bending from my back rather than my hips.

Not watching the ball is also something I'm very guilty of. Here I was looking for a quick fix and I'll I'm doing is giving myself more hard work in winter nets