In the previous blog post, we learnt how to bowl fast and perfect bowling the off and the leg spin. In this blog, you will be equipped with everything there is to know about how to go about fielding the right way. Let’s dig right in!

An introduction to fielding

Learning to bowl in the last blog post was fun, wasn’t it? Just like how the technique for batting and bowling is important, fielding has its own technique as well. It’s not just about blocking or fielding, it’s about how you get into position and return the ball to the wicket keeper or the bowler without losing your balance.

In the shorter formats of the game, fielding and catching can be the difference between winning or losing the match. On the other hand, along with speed, accuracy plays a major part in becoming a great fielder. Therefore, for the best fielding technique, focus on your movement and positioning more than anything else.

Below are the different types of fielding:

Close catching or silly point fielding

Fielding is all about your reflexes when the ball is struck close to you. Ready for a challenge? The close catching or the silly point fielder is ideally placed close to the batter. This is generally to stop a single or to force the batter to make mistakes.

For the best technique, bend your knees with both your palms close to each other and most importantly, stay relaxed. Never lose focus on the ball. After the ball is released, shift your weight to your toes so you are prepared to react in any direction the ball goes.

Slip fielding

Next comes the slip region. This is another fielding position that requires quick reflexes. The idea is to stay prepared and practise a perfect fielding position. Ideally, the slip fielding position is somewhere near the wicket keeper. This is because in case the batter edges or knicks the ball, there is a fielder to stop a run or even catch the ball.

In this case, the feet are pointed inwards while the weight is equally distributed on the area before your toes. For the best stance, bend down, preferably knee-level and stay ready to move in any direction. It is extremely important to judge the ball as a slip fielder. If you see the ball arriving fast towards your chest, use the reverse cup technique to avoid losing balance at any given point in time.

Fielding in the outfield

Outfield positions are ideally outside the inner 30-yard circle of the field. These are fielding positions on both left and the right side of the pitch. More than reflexes, fielding in the outfield is all about your timing. For example, if you are placed near the boundary and the ball is hit square of the wicket, the timing of your run towards the ball will determine how comfortable you feel while catching the ball.

Keep your head steady, always focus on the ball and most importantly, pull or ride the ball into your body using your hands to avoid any drop catches. For the best technique, after the release of the ball, move 2-3 steps forward and get into position. This helps you anticipate the direction of the ball for the best outcome.

High catch

Just like the name suggests, the high catch is for balls that are lofted high up in the air. Now, when the ball is directed towards your chest, practise the reverse cup technique to master the high catch. Place the thumb and the forefinger of your dominating hand above the other, be quick to read and reach the line of the ball and finally catch it with soft hands.

Remember to always stay ready and in position when the ball is near your body. Keep your arms ready and move it slightly above your chest for a safe catch. Therefore, even if the ball slips out of your palms, you can always support it against your chest for the best technique.

Mid/Flat catch

Next comes the mid or the flat catch. These are balls that arrive not high up in the air nor along the ground. This is an example of fielding positions where the ball arrives rather flat. To perfect this technique, stand with your feet a little wider than your shoulder width. Place your palms together, fingers slightly spread out and pointing downwards. With both your arms in front of your body, lean forward with a relaxed posture and grab the ball using the softest part of your palms.

Long barrier

Fielders at the long barrier region are responsible for protecting the boundary. Generally, these are balls that are hit hard and low towards the outfield. As you move towards the ball, shift the weight on your non-throwing foot. Your front foot should be facing the direction of the ball while your back foot is placed on the ground at a 45-degree angle so there is no room for the ball to pass through.

Throwing

Just like fielding, accurate throwing techniques is an art form. This involves having great balance so the ball reaches somewhere around the wickets. Here are some tips to become great at throwing the cricket ball and possibly cause a run-out.

1. Focus on the ball and using your non-throwing hand, aim at the stumps to throw the ball.

2. Never wait for the ball to arrive near where you’re positioned. The intention is to attack the ball, save runs and or run someone out.

3. Never move diagonally towards the ball. With your eyes-level, collect the ball moving straight.

4. Keep your fingers rather loose and avoid using your palm to throw the ball.

5. The best technique – release the ball in a flatter trajectory.

Hope you like today’s post about fielding and throwing. For the next blog post, we learn different fielding positions all around the wicket.