WICKETKEEPING

WICKETKEEPING “ Now a days we find batsman standing behind the wicket than pure wicketkeepers” “Very few coaches, even at elite levels have a good understanding of the demands on a keeper. For too long, coaches have neglected wicket keepers due to a lack of confidence in their knowledge of this specialized art”

WICKETKEEPING Keeping wickets is a complex & subtle art Focal point for the fielding team Earn respects Leader / Second Captain

GENERAL QUALITY / ROLE Natural feel or love to keep wicket He enjoy to keep Must have a good pairs of hands - Ability to gather the ball - “Soft hands” motto of good keeper Dynamic and energetic Positive thinker and master of positive reinforcement Mentally tough and psychologically trained

GENERAL QUALITY / ROLE Must have a good appreciation of the games tactics and a thorough knowledge of bowling and batting Captains principal advisor Feed back to the bowler Must be fit - school cricket - largest boy - un – athletic – squat 600, run to stumps, agile Anticipates – when loses sight behind batsman body He gives the wining impression of efficiency, enthuse, and aggression Expect every ball to come to him

WICKETKEEPING KEYS POINTS CROUCH POSITIONING GLOVEWORK FOOTWORK CONCENTRATION EQUIPMENT

CROUCH Feet approximately shoulder width apart Weight evenly balanced on the balls of the feet Gloves open and lightly touching the ground

POSITIONING - Ensure a clear view of the bowlers hand in delivery Position to take the ball at hip height standing back To spinner, crouch with inside leg in line or just outside (5cms) off stump and about 2 foot lengths back

GLOVE WORK - Cupped gloves rise with the ball Keep gloves slightly out in front of the eyes Point fingers at the ground, sky or sideways NEVER at the ball Extend the arms, then give with the ball

FOOTWORK - Keep the weight on the balls of the feet When standing back, position the feet to take the ball on the inside hip Maintain flexed knees through sideways movements Keep the head over the gloves (in line with the ball) to the spinners Move sideways in a straight line Keep the head in line with the ball when standing up to stumps

CONCENTRATION Focus when the ball is “live”, relax when it is “dead” Recover from error by positive thinking and involvement (self talk … “Watch the ball“ “On, Off”) Lead by example in the field and at training

EQUIPMENT Suitable and comfortable for the individual size Loosen up and maintain gloves by wrapping them up with your training balls in the pocket Inners: totally up to the individual whether they choose to wear padded or unpadded… depending on the need for “feel” Encourage children to wear a hat, sunscreen, mouth guard, helmet (if in danger) and a small protector (for comfort)

WICKET KEEPING DRILLS Drill should simulate match conditions as closely as possible Half – Volleys Fast Bowling – take ball in line inside the hip Slip Cradle Wall Catching High Balls Stumping Nicks Underarms Run out