How to catch a cricket ball in 4 easy steps (and then a few more)

Following our recent lack of ability to catch anything at all (reaching the stage where, somewhat disappointingly, it's not really funny any more), and in association with Mr Mildon’s eagerly anticipated pre-match fielding practices; I present a brief guide on the theory of how to catch a ball that will hopefully be of some assistance. I have deliberately kept this simple, and not included e.g. the vagaries of slip catching, so if I’m going over stuff you think is basic - suck these eggs!

The primary, and most important consideration, is actually wanting to catch the ball in the first place. If you want to catch the ball, you are much more likely to hold onto it than if you are trying to hide in the field in fear of the ball coming to you, or are thinking about dropping it as a catch loops towards you.

So - positive thinking (is this like an American motivational talk yet?)- having decided you want to catch the ball - how are you going to do it?

The Ideals

1. Get your body in the right position. Walk in with the bowler, and be on your toes. Watch the batsmen’s shot. Most of the time the way he shapes for a shot should indicate where, and at what speed the ball is going to go (notable exception Mark Butcher’s blinder at Lords on Saturday). Ideally you should be aiming to take the ball at chest height, and as close to your chest as is comfortable, with feet shoulder length apart.
   
   
2. Get you hands in the right position. The cup position is preferable. Join your two hands together, with the tips of your fingers curved slightly skywards. Your two little fingers and the edges of your palms should be touching. Your hands should then look like well, er.. a cup.
   
   
3. Watch the ball all the way from the batsmen into your hands. Do not look at the ground ahead of you if you are running for a catch - keep watching the ball. If there is any doubt about who might catch the ball, call your name clearly. The player running forwards should have priority. (Note from Exiles game: - Clearly if Mr OD Bayne calls for the ball, but is in fact miles away, ignore him and take it yourself)
   
   
4. As you watch the ball into your cupped hands, let the ball hit the base of the fingers on the palm (which means on reflex your fingers will close around the ball). Let the ball come into your hands - don’t snatch. Your palms should be soft and give a little on impact. This give is crucial - it greatly reduces the chance of the ball bouncing out.
   
   

The Variations

All very well, I hear you say, but what about when the ball is thrashed at me at 100 miles an hour, and the only way I can take it is diving full length? Here’s a few ideas to help when all is not perfect.

1. If the ball is being hit in a flat trajectory, or is over your head, the hands are effectively in a reverse cup, with the thumbs touching, and the little fingers forming the width of the cup. The same principles about watching the ball into the hand, and a little give on impact apply. (NB you can catch all catches like this if you feel comfortable - although it’s primarily an Aussie habit)
   
   
2. If you are diving full length, it is still best to try and catch the ball with 2 hands. Make sure you get under the ball. Also roll over sideways slightly as you take the catch. Two reasons for this - first it looks better for the crowd and on the replay screen. Second if you elbows crash against the ground, the reflex is to open your hands so the catch cannot be completed. So - roll slightly to avoid jarring your elbows.
   
   
3. Running for the catch. Try to run smoothly to take a catch on the run rather than sprint/come to a crashing halt. Eyes on the ball at all times will help this.
   
   
4. By taking the catch into your chest, as high as is comfortable, you have a better chance of having a second bite of the cherry should you spill it the first time. Similarly if the balance of your weight is very slightly forwards, you have more chance of retrieving any spillage (yet clearly still picking up a 20p juggling fine)
   
   
5. Don’t be afraid to go for it. 99% of the time it is best to try and take a catch and lose a few runs if you miss it, rather than pull out of it. It’s amazing what you can get to if you want to.
   
   

All of the above will improve if you practice catches before each innings, so try and get your confidence up before the match.

Well hopefully you are not all too bored by now, but I’m sure we’ll all enjoy the games more if we catch more chances than we have done so far this season.

Mr Clipsham has recommended further excellent coaching guidelines that can be find at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/default.stm if you want to look at other areas of the game.

I appreciate this has been quite a long one, but even if we can at least just remember to watch the ball from the bat into your hands, and to use soft hands - giving slightly on impact - then cricketing glory will be ours.