Tip of the Month

During preseason, it's always tempting for a player to jump straight into the nets and face some bowlers. However, a structured approach to batting training for the preseason phase is recommended.

Initially I think the player should spend some time going over setup: grip/stance/backlift, making sure that there is nothing in the setup that will compromise ballstriking ability or balance. This can be analysed with some basic underam throws or drop-drives with the coach. While I don't necessarily use drop-drive drills alot, I think they are useful preseason, just to get the feeling of hitting the ball late, under the batsman's eyes. The first tendency is for a batsman to "overhit", trying to hit the ball too hard. Re-training to hit the ball under the eyes is a mental discipline, and reprogramming the feel of getting good timing is useful this time of year.

I would then suggest they move onto underarm throws, working on FF drives, specifically weight transfer and balance.

Then I would go through some different shot isolation drills using underam then overarm throws when the athlete is ready. Introducing decision-making by mixing up the type of throws is the next step, followed by facing bowlers at a light intensity.

At this point, it is important to make sure your prelim movements, or "trigger" movements in your stance are in sync. This allows fluidity and timing into your batting, rather than being too mechanical. Hit plenty of balls, and overload in grooving your attacking shots.

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