1. WICKETKEEPING

2. 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”

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. WICKETKEEPING KEYS POINTS CROUCH POSITIONING GLOVEWORK FOOTWORK
CONCENTRATION
EQUIPMENT

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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