Playing the Bouncer
This is a ball which is very short (i.e. halfway down the wicket), and bounces above shoulder height. Generally, against fast bowlers, you duck and sway. If the ball is short and bouncing over middle and leg stump, try to duck. If the ball is short and bouncing over off stump, you should sway.
Always be aware when a fast bowler has the ability to bowl you a bouncer but never prejudge that he is going to bowl it the next ball. Rely on your natural reactions and believe you will get out of the way.
Never take your eye off the ball when evading a bouncer.
SWAYING
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DUCKING
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Take a good step back in the crease. |
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SWAYING
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DUCKING
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Head must be still - Do not take your eye off the ball! |
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View Videos of Playing the Bouncer
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SWAYING  
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DUCKING
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Video Analysis of Playing the Bouncer
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1. Step back in the crease, getting your head and body in line with the ball. 2. Leave your head forward of the body. 3. Weight on the back foot with head over the front foot. 4. Let your front foot slide to meet your back foot. 5. Stand tall in a sideways position and WATCH THE BALL. 6. With head forward of leading shoulder, lean away and let the ball go past you. 7. Drop your hands down close to your body so they are out of the way of the ball. 8. If the ball bounces higher than you expect, get up onto your toes. |
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1. Step back in the crease, getting your head and body in line with the ball. 2. Leave your head forward of the body. 3. Weight on the back foot with head over the front foot. 4. Let your front foot slide to meet your back foot. If you pick up the bouncer early enough (i.e. you step back as you are ducking), then your feet will be spread. 5. QUICKLY, bend both knees and duck underneath the ball. 6. Keep your hands low. |
KEEP WATCHING THE BALL - NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF IT!
HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR NATURAL REACTIONS!
Do not look for the bouncer or prejudge it
You will get out of the way naturally, by instinct.
THINK! "THE QUICKER THEY BOWL, THE BRAVER I WILL BE"
