The 'guard' behind the stumps
One of the immediate pressures on wicket keepers is
the limited opportunity he gets. This can be easily
understood from the fact that a fourth best batsman
in the team plays in "A" team, but a fourth best
keeper plays in the "D" team.
Wicket keeping differs from batting and bowling
because at the end of the day, a wicket keeper
cannot show his worth due to the lack of
opportunities
For instance England's Godfrey Evans, who in his
time was the leading stumper. He could not take
catches to bowling attacks that missed the edges by
whiskers.
A good keeper, like good umpires, is often not
noticed. It is always the bowlers who are in good
position to judge the standard of the keeper. A
good keeper is in the position to bring the best
out of the bowlers. He can do this by advising and
encouraging them, organising the field and
assisting the captain.
A keeper must review his performances, identify his
weaknesses, and correct the same while out on the
field. Points that should be considered are:
Position,
Footwork,
Amount of talk and encouragement and
General gloves work.
To become a good keeper, one must observe and work
with a good wicket keeper and take frequent advices
from the coach and captain. Keepers must
concentrate on every ball and should be aware that
their errors reflect on whole team's effort.
During a match, bowlers, batsman, as well as the
fielders can consult one another. But a wicket
keeper is all by himself. At the most, he can
consult his captain. He has to therefore to
motivate himself to improve his performances. He
has to engage in lot of physical activity to
sharpen his skills.
Energy and fitness components.
1. Leg power for quick sprints to the stumps
and jumping
to take the ball.
2. Agility to move body in all the
directions.
3. Manage squatting with strength in leg
musculature.
4. For taking the ball strength in forearms
and hands.
5. Capacity to maintain sharpness in the
field.
6. Power for high intensity activity and
numerous
short durations.
Body to manage with awkward
positions and flexibility.
CRICKET TRAINING FOR THE KEEPER
1. Shuttle running forward backwards.
2. Extensions of wrist.
3. Skipping.
4. Push-ups.
5. Vertical jump.
6. Sit-ups.
7. Step-ups.
WICKET KEEPING ACTIVITIES
Half-volleys: To establish
effective foot-work and focus which is required in
the game. For e.g. Right handed batsman missing the
ball outside the off stump/leg stump.
1. Wicket keeper back in semi crouch position
2. Throw to batsman on bounce;
make to take catch imagining a particular type of
batter.
CRICKET TRAINING FOR THE KEEPER
1. Shuttle running forward backwards.
2. Extensions of wrist.
3. Skipping.
4. Push-ups.
5. Vertical jump.
6. Sit-ups.
7. Step-ups.
VARIATIONS
1. Work leg side/offside (10 each).
2. Vary distance back.
1. Take ball in line with inside hip.
2. Wait on balls of feet.
3. Gloves low.
4. Movement strong and well balanced.
5. Cross over or side stepping.
SLIPS CRADLES OR ROLLERS
1. Ball thrown into cradle.
2. Keeper moves from crouch to make a catch.
VARIATION
1. Have one slip next to keeper to develop
understanding.
2. Vary pace/angle of throw.
WALL CATCHES
This exercise is to develop
effective sideways movement for quick and slow
bowlers, to ensure the hands are cushioning the
ball enough and the ball is seen entering the
hands, and to enable mental imaginary for tight
situations.
1. Keeper sends player onto wall in
semi-crouch position
with inners on.
2. Throw golf ball to rebound of the wall
then concrete
(or vice versa) before catching.
3. Move sideways along wall and back.
VARIATIONS
1. Change angle/height/pace of throw.
2. Change distance from wall to take
diving/reflex catches.
3. Place sand, stones or stump in bounce
zone.
4. Utilize thrower from behind keeper.
NOTE : Additional drills on the same will be dealt with in the subsequent
article