How to time a cricket stroke

Tendulkar and Lara survey the competition

World class cricketers, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne Curtly Ambrose, Allan Border and Glenn McGrath have all had good and bad days on the cricket field. Many times their teams depend on them to head to the wicket, perfectly time ball, score runs and ultimately win cricket matches.

Things You'll Need

• Cricket Bat
• Cricket Ball
• A general grasp of the game of cricket and cricket terminology.

Instructions

How to Time a Cricket Stroke

1. Acknowledge and remember that there are numerous types of cricket strokes. They range from defensive to attacking, drives, on drives, square cuts, hook and chip and drive strokes.

2. Time a stroke, be it defensive or attacking, depends on expertise of batsman and the type of bowler he or she is facing. Batsmen change their stance and stroke play depending on the type of ball being faced being fast, slow, spin, off-break or leg-break. Knock your bat in before the start of the game so you feel comfortable with the bat before it is your turn at the wicket. Also try to research as much about the possible bowling line up for both your team and the opposing team.

3. Chose your cricket stance, and focus on the bowler at the other end of the field. Based on the run-up, line and length of the bowler and the ball then the batsman decides on the stroke he or she will play. It is important for the batsman to note that a faster ball will come unto the bat sooner than a slower ball will.

4. Focus on the ball, choose your stroke and as the ball moves closer to the wicket step forward to take the stroke or move to protect your wicket.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your eye on the ball. Research your bowling line up. Watch tapes of the bowlers bowling action and mannerism. Timing a stroke years takes practice. Don't get frustrated, persistence is key in the game of cricket. Remember even the most proficient of batsmen struggle. Cricket clubs often hold bowling and batting training camps. If you can afford a camp in your area it is a good investment.

• Some bowlers are ruthless and will even stoop to levels of bowling curve balls to frazzle batsmen.

Resources

• Perfecting your Batting Technique