Principles of Batting

1. Keep the full face of the bat on the line of the ball for as long as possible.

2. Build an innings. Start slowly and go up through the gears, gradually accelerating. Try to build partnerships. Initially score in small targets of 10-20.

3. Early in an innings, leave the balls wide of off stump. Play in a narrow V. Build your attacking shots round a solid defence.

4. Get used to the pace and bounce of the wicket before trying to play more attacking shots. Be patient. Control your eagerness to score too quickly.

5. Familiarise yourself with the bowler's pattern of bowling. (You can begin doing this while waiting to get into bat.)

6. Have a look at new bowlers when there is a bowling change. Get used to them, and be ready to punish their bad balls.

7. Know the match situation and have in mind your personal game plan of how you are going to bat. Always know the team's target. Keep assessing targets.

8. Look to get a new batting partner off the mark. Talk to him to relieve any initial nervousness.

9. Good solid defence when building an innings. Play with soft hands and look for singles.

10. Controlled, calculated stroke play when chasing targets. Do not try to hit the ball too hard. Maintain good technique with attacking shots. Play good cricket shots - Do not slog.

11. Disciplined, focused shot selection throughout the innings.

12. Total belief in yourself and your batting. WHY? Because you have practiced well and you feel good.

13. When you first go into bat in a match try to be mentally alert and physically relaxed. (Never think you can get out first ball, always think where are you going to score my first run - Positive self talk).

14. FINALLY -TOTAL CONCENTRATION ON THE BALL, while still maintaining an overall view of the game (focused, relaxed).

The Importance of Discipline: DISCIPLINE MINIMISES MISTAKES
A successful player is a disciplined player. Disciplined players make a disciplined team, and a disciplined team is a successful team

1. Lack of discipline shows in poor dress. You play as you look and feel.
(Are you interested?)

2. Lack of discipline shows in turning up late, or unprepared.
(Are you bothered?)

3. Lack of discipline leads to irrational shots under pressure.
(Why dont you stick to the game plan?)

4. Lack of discipline is bad for team morale.
(We're bothered but we're not sure you are.)

5. Lack of discipline breeds lack of focus and poor performances.
(Let's drop him for someone who is bothered.)

Key areas of discipline
1. How you dress
2. Punctuality
3. Obeying instructions
4. Staying cool under pressure
5. Patience
6. Quality of practice
7. Shot selection
8. Concentration

1. Practice in a disciplined manner, creating pressurised match situations. When you are in a match you will be familiar with the situation and less nervous; therefore you will perform better.
CONFIDENT IN PRACTICE > CONFIDENT IN A MATCH.

2. Discipline yourself to regular practice times.

3. Practice with a purpose. A short, focused practice is better than a long drawn out practice with no direction and commitment.