Core Principles of Cricket
Before looking at core principles consideration must be given to the following;
1. A player’s existing natural and individual technique (people do things for a reason)
2. A player’s individual skill may differ from a conventional technique
3. Players have very different needs (a one-size-fits-all approach to skill development doesn’t work)
4. What technical input should be offered to players plus when and how
Batting Core Principles
- Balanced and comfortable set-up enabling a ‘ready-to-move-quickly’ position
- Head in optimal position allowing you to see the ball at release and throughout
- Decisive body movements to establish a stable and balanced base
- Co-ordinated body movements (hips/shoulders/arms/hands) to enable clean contact with the ball
- Presenting the full face of the bat to promote clean contact
Bowling Core Principles
- Rhythmical, balanced and aligned approach to the crease
- Head in optimal position for you (player) to enable focus on target area throughout action
- Jump and gather towards target
- Strong, tall and aligned (hips and shoulders) at back foot contact (throughout action to release)
- Increase energy towards target throughout delivery
- Maximum energy from the action transferred to the ball at the point of release (to enhance pace, seam, swing or spin)
- Energy continues towards target through to full completion of action and follow through
Fielding Core Principles
- Establish ready position (position specific) which allows you (player) to see the ball and move dynamically in any direction required
- Decisive, balanced and controlled movement towards the line of the ball
- Catching – establish a strong and balanced position to receive the ball – present a comfortable and maximal catching area with head and hands in line with the ball
- Fielding – establish grip that enables a controlled throw – select and then focus on an appropriate target – establish a strong and balanced base to throw the ball – maximum energy transferred to the ball and towards the target
Wicket Keeping Core Principles
- Head in optimal position for you (player), allowing you to see the ball (maintained throughout)
- Strong body posture to enable quick and decisive movements
- Establish a strong and balanced position to receive the ball
- Present a comfortable and maximal catching area with head and hands in line with the ball