One of the important facets in cricket, fielding is an art that every player must master if need to succeed at the highest level. Today, every team maintain top-notch fitness levels as becoming fit and being a good fielder have become equally important as becoming great batsman or bowler.
Fielding is a skill which involves taking catches and saving runs for the team. Every player in a cricket team must hone their fielding skills extensively. Having good fielders in the side help a team save a barrage of runs which result in restricting the opposition for as low a total as possible. Not to forget, the spectacular catches which sometimes change the complexion of the game and turn the game in your favour.
On that note, let’s take a look at some key cricket coaching fielding tips which can help cricketers a great deal:
1. ALWAYS FUEL UP WITH LOADS OF ENERGY
As a fielder, you must always be full of energy and anticipate the ball every time you come on to the field. There shouldn’t be any dearth of zeal and passion in you as your energy will pump other fielders around you and thereby make the team a formidable department as a fielding unit.
Every time you land up on the field, always be keen to take those spectacular catches and make crucial run-outs. As a fielder, you must give 100 percent on the field and save as many runs for the team as possible.
2. Attack the ball when fielding on the inner circle
It is very important that when you are fielding on the inner circle, you start walking towards the batsman as the bowler starts his run-up. This creates pressure on the mind of a batsman.
One of the major fielding tips we would suggest you is to attack the bowl and not wait for the bowl to come. This way, you will feel more energetic even as the concentration level boosts as well.
Also, make sure you keep your eyes always on the ball as it will help you take the most difficult catches, let alone the simple ones.
3. Watch how the best fielders go about their business
One more fielding tip we would like to suggest is to watch how the best fielders in cricket went about their way when fielding at different positions on the ground.
Over the years, the game has seen some wonderful fielders with the likes of Jony Rhodes, AB de Villiers, Ravindra Jadeja, exhibiting their excellent fielding skills. Watch their videos and see what they did to be counted among the best in the world.
4. Always look at the captain
One of the most important fielding advice we would want to give you is to always look at your captain. A captain hates when a fielder doesn’t look at him as he is the one in charge on the field.
It’s the captain who sets the field, and if you as a fielder, doesn’t look at the captain after every ball, believe me, it might cost your place in the eleven.
It’s the captain who makes the little adjustment in the field and as a fielder, you must always have eye contact with him.
5. Transfer your weight from back to the front foot while throwing
Once you have got hold of the ball it is very important to transfer your weight from back to front. While getting hold of the ball, try to take the weight slightly on the lower foot and once you use your arm to throw the ball, transfer your weight from back to the front foot, while use your front hand to get the accuracy.
6. Have your basics right
One tip or fielding advice every coach would suggest is to concentrate on basics and then proceed. Try practising catching- single and double hand. Practice until you master the art. Also, practice all the fielding drills in a bid to stop the balls travelling along the ground efficiently.
7. Valuable tip as to how to catch the bowl with fingers pointing up, down and sideways:
The seventh fielding tip is related to catching the ball. Here’s some info on how you should take a catch.
Whenever you’re catching the ball above your chest height, cup your hands together and make sure your finger is pointing up.
While, when you’re catching a ball below your chest height, cup your hands together and this time you’re fingers should be pointing down. Also, keep in mind that you must take the catch with soft hands and keep your eyes always at the ball.
