Wicketkeeping Assistance

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Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Simbazz said:
Thats great Liz! But the thing is, he is having trouble with standing back as a WK, so the reaction ball wouldn't really be so great because he needs to work more on technique of catching and diving well, rather than reactions.
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But why concentrate on only one skill to the detriment of others? Anything that can be practiced at home or on your own is going to be a useful drill to know.

Though helpful to have a partner reaction balls are just as good when used on your own.

Lastly, standing back is largely about technique, I'll look into that later, when I have some spare time.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

I agree there A_A but if you have one problem, then don't you tend to sort that out over you're already decent skills?

Theres nothing wrong with lessening the practise of your good techniques to sort out another.

But as you say, and i mentioned, revision is good! Not only in cricket ;)
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Standing back basic take points to check:

Head and hands in line with the ball
Hands together, thumbs wide apart
Slight give with the hands on the take, don't snatch just ride with it.
Stand far enough back to catch the ball at the peak of the rise or just past the peak.
Economy of movement

If you can honestly say yes to all these I would want to see a video!
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Hi guys,
Simbazz, I can get two people to help me for sure
Harrowdrive, I definitely cant say yes to those points you listed

I need something cleared up, when standing back you should take the ball inline with your head and hands or should you take it on the inside? When you say economy of movement, what does this mean? I have a problem with the giving part of taking the ball....how far infront shold i take the ball? how much should i give with the ball? I can catch the ball alrite, but not with the correct tchnique. I know tht hdrive made a list but could some do a more advanced list?and for my final question, when do you rise frm the crouch when keeping back?
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

You should take the ball where ever you feel most comfortable for its hight and speed. If you're wearing a helmet, then over the face would give you the best chance of seeing the ball, but i wouldn't suggest it if you're helmetless.

I tend to take it at my side alittle, but still have my leg in the way, incase i do drop it, it just hits me instead of go for runs.

I'd suggest that as a WK, you should always put something more behind the ball, just to make sure.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Ok thanks, so what about my other questions about when to rise from the crouch. I hear everyone commenting on good technique is essential but noone has mentione what exactl is good technique. And what about giving with the ball. Please explain the concept properly and how i should implement it into my keeping.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Slowly, keeping your eye on the ball. Hands together.

Do you play rugby? If you do, are you familiar with the W ball catching mimic?
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

I live in Barbados mate...rugby is a new sport here, and i dont know much about it. Anymore tips? and could you explain the giving thing a little better and tell me when to rise frm the crouch
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

You should after a while get the instinct in how quick to rise to each individual ball. Its just, that once the ball has bounced off the track you should be almost at the top of your hight (On your tiptoes almost) with your hands together, almost as if you're being offered lots of coins, if you understand what i mean.

Its how you're most comfortable in the end.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Ian Healy Master Class.

The above can show you more in 9 minutes then I can in typing 10 posts so I really recommend viewing it.

The main points can be summarised as follows though:

Glovework

Fingers never point towards the ball

'Go get' the ball out in front of you

Give a nice relaxed cushion


The crouch

Used to get a good view of the ball and bounce

Feet shoulder width apart, weight on the balls of the feet

Nice and comfortable, then gloves on the ground, open and wide.

Footwork

Powerful sideways movement

For Pace bowlers

Take it on the ‘inside’ of the body

So for a right handed batsman – take the ball on your left hand side when it goes down off or on your right hand side when it’s going down leg!

Move in a semi crouch position - for good power and movement

For spinners

Basic position (or mark)

Two foot lengths back from the stumps

Then 5cm from the off stump

Offside

Stay down with the bounce, keep head and eye over the gloves – anchor with the left foot.

Legside

Move both feet, low step, head and eyes over gloves again.

Concentration

Learn to ‘ration’ your concentration

Get involved with other things on the pitch, only concentrate when you have to, i.e. for every ball, much like a batsman does.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Hey thanks plenty!!!that was superb. Anymore tips,advice or drills would be appreciated and I still dont fully get the giving with the ball thing
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Giving with the ball just means that you cushion it with your hands. The idea is that you take it away from the body, and then bring your hands and ball into the body.

If you just stuck your hands out there they is a danger that the ball would just pop out but by giving with the ball, you minimise that risk.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

It's hard to describe. Take a look at the BB or Healey Masterclass tips for a visual representation.

Think of your hands as a soft cushion that the ball settles into.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Ok thanks, what are your views on the different crouch positions? Does it really matter? Or is it just personal preference? ( I am talking about full crouch semi crouch and touch and go crouch)
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

Personal choice, the key things are to have the weight on the balls of the feet in order to allow movement and gloves low down in order to follow the bounce of the ball, apart from that it's up to you.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

OK, Any more tips and advice on how to become a great keeper? I really want to do well cuz i would like to keep for my school team but we already have a keeper but he isnt great....and I want to surpass him. Another reason is that I went to Barbados national under-15 trials as a bating allrounder earlier this year but i had to pull out cuz of my injury.....so i'm looking to improve fast enough to go to trials as a wicketkeeper/batsman....so tips and advice welcome.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

I think that the Ian Healy masterclass covered a lot of the basics and is well worth watching a few times.

Other than that it's a case of getting some drills and practice under your belt.

I'll post up a little drill later which works on the skills of moving up to the stumps (for taking throws) as well as a little bit of fitness.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

OK, Thanks alot, I'd just like to let you know that I really appreciate the help that I am receiving and its going to go a long way toward making me a top keeper.

After Christmas I will post a video of my keeping so that you can critique it and make suggestions.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

No problem, we are here to help after all. The main thing I find is that it gives you a chance to get different points of view, some good and some bad but as long as you realise that then I'm sure that there is always something that you can learn.

Look forward to the video, it'll help when looking for flaws or helping to refine your technique.
 
Re: Wicketkeeping Assistance

hi guys,
Recently I came across something say that practicing keeping with a golf ball improves your skill.....How and why do you practice keeping with a golf ball?
 
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