In this category, we show you how to play cricket step by step. Each player role and technique is broken down into phases to help you learn these techniques and build your confidence.
You will find here the very basics, the different types of bowlers and batters to distinguish the variety of techniques at your arsenal. Then, you should explore how to play a shot or how to bowl a delivery.
If you already know a thing or two, but still have lingering questions about your technique, we have several articles about improving some specific cricket skills with targeted drills and training.
It’s one of the most effective strokes in cricket and, when it’s played correctly, it’s also one of the most elegant. Let’s take a closer look at the cover drive. What is the Cover Drive in Cricket? The cover drive is an attacking shot which is intended to hit the ball on the off side. …
This is one delivery that bowlers will want to avoid. It’s important for all players to understand it so let’s take a moment to discuss the overpitched delivery. What is an Overpitched Delivery? An overpitched delivery will usually pitch close to the batter’s feet. It’s pitched far up the wicket and will generally reach that …
Over Pitched Ball – What is an Overpitched Delivery? Read More »
It can be the most exciting and most effective method of spin bowling, but what is a leg break and how do you bowl it? What is Leg Break Bowling? A leg break is a delivery in cricket. When sent down by a right handed bowler, the ball should turn from the leg side to …
Leg Break Bowling – What is it and How to Bowl the Leg Break? Read More »
It may seem like a minor point but the stance is incredibly important to a batter so let’s take a closer look at how it should work. How to Take a Batting Stance in Cricket? A batting stance is the position where a batter stands when they receive the ball. They will be standing sideways, …
Batting Stance in Cricket – Traditional, Open and Unusual Batting Stances Read More »
When you watch cricket on the television, you’ll often hear commentators talking about a good length ball but what, exactly, do they mean? What is a Good Length Ball? A good length ball is a delivery in cricket which hits a certain area of the pitch that makes it difficult for the batter to score …
Good Length Ball – What is a Good Length Ball in Cricket? Read More »
Fast bowlers are always looking to innovate and to implement new deliveries. The wobble seam ball is one of the newest inventions but how does it work? What is a Wobble Seam Delivery? A wobble seam ball is delivered by a seam bowler. The seam is upright when the ball is released but, as opposed …
What is Wobble Seam? – How to Bowl the Wobble Seam Delivery? Read More »
It’s part of the game that has died out but, from a historical point of view, it’s interesting to take a look at underarm bowling. What is Underarm Bowling? Underarm bowling is a style of bowling in cricket. Instead of delivering the ball with a round arm action, the ball would be released with the …
Underarm Bowling – What is Underarm Bowling in Cricket? Read More »
Conventional spin still has its place in the modern game of cricket and in this round up I’m going to be taking a closer look at off break bowling. What is Off Break Bowling? An off break is the conventional delivery of an orthodox spinner in cricket. When delivered correctly by a right handed bowler, …
Off Break Bowling – What is it and How To Bowl the Off Break? Read More »
These are important points for bowlers to consider so let’s take a look at around the wicket and over the wicket. What is Over the Wicket? Over the wicket is the line that the bowler uses when they release the ball. If a right handed bowler is bowling over the wicket, they will be on …
It sounds like it should be a very straightforward delivery but the reality is that an arm ball can really confuse a batter. So what is an arm ball and how is it delivered? What is an Arm Ball in Cricket? An arm ball is a delivery sent down by a slow bowler in cricket. …
Arm Ball in Cricket – What is it and How to Bowl an Arm Ball? Read More »
There are lots of different deliveries in the game of cricket and this is one of the more unusual. It’s time to take a closer look at the flipper. What is a Flipper Ball in Cricket? A flipper is a delivery in cricket which is sent down by the spin bowlers. It is predominantly used …
What is a Flipper Ball in Cricket? – How to Bowl it? Read More »
It’s an attacking shot that can be very rewarding to the batter when it is played correctly. In this guide I’m going to take a closer look at the pull shot and how it’s played. What is the Pull Shot in Cricket? The Pull Shot is an attacking stroke played to a delivery which pitches …
Pull Shot in Cricket – What is it and How to Play a Pull Shot? Read More »
It’s one of the most unusual deliveries in cricket. Very few bowlers have perfected it so let’s take a closer look at the Carrom Ball. What is a Carrom Ball in Cricket? The Carrom Ball is a type of delivery in cricket that is produced by slow bowlers. It features an unusual grip where the …
Carrom Ball – What is it and How to Bowl a Carrom Ball? Read More »
It’s one of the most important weapons used by a leg spin bowler but what is a Googly and how do you deliver it accurately? What is a Googly Ball? A Googly is a leg spinner’s delivery which is intended to turn from the off side to the leg side. The skill in executing this …
What is a Googly Ball in Cricket? – The Googly Explained Read More »
This is a very rare delivery in cricket and there is some dispute as to how it originated. It’s time to take a look at the Teesra. What is a Teesra Ball in Cricket? Also known as a Jalebi, the Teesra ball is a delivery bowled by a spinner in cricket. Rather than turn, the …
It’s one of the newer mystery balls in cricket but how much do we know about the Doosra? Here’s a guide to its evolution along with instructions on how to implement it. What is a Doosra in Cricket A Doosra is a ball delivered by an off spinner. Instead of turning in the traditional manner, …
Doosra in Cricket – What is it and How it Bowled? Read More »
It’s one of the most attacking and exciting shots in cricket but what is a hook shot and how is it executed? What is a Hook Shot in Cricket? A hook is an attacking shot that is played to a very short ball. The ball will arrive at the batter between chest and head height. …
What is a Hook Shot in Cricket? – Best Hook Shot Players Read More »
Every aspiring fast bowler should be looking to perfect the yorker so let’s take a closer look at this delivery and how to execute it in a match situation. What is a Yorker in Cricket? A yorker is a full delivery that is intended to pitch at the batsman’s feet when they are standing in …
What is a Yorker in Cricket? – and Why Yorkers are Important? Read More »
It’s an important part of the batter’s armoury but what is the backlift and what is the best way to execute it? What is Backlift in Cricket? The backlift relates to the lifting of the bat as a bowler prepares to deliver the ball. It’s an important part of the batter’s technique as they look …
Backlift in Cricket – Different Back-lift Techniques Explained Read More »
In modern day cricket, there is a great emphasis on high levels of fitness. One of the most strenuous challenges for players is known as the Yo-Yo test but what is it and what does it tell us? What is a Yo-Yo Test in Cricket? A Yo-Yo test is a multi-faceted fitness test designed to …
Yo-Yo Test in Cricket – Yo Yo Test Scoring Method Explained Read More »
We’ve probably all heard commentators speak about dew factor. It’s a common issue in limited overs matches which are played under lights but what does it mean? What is Dew Factor in Cricket? Dew is simply moisture that forms in the grass on the cricket outfield. It arises due to temperature differences between the ground …
Dew Factor in Cricket – How Does Dew Affect a Cricket Game? Read More »
It’s one of the best weapons in a fast bowler’s armoury and it can dismiss or unsettle a batsman but just how do you bowl a bouncer? What is a Bouncer in Cricket? A bouncer is a short pitched delivery in cricket which is sent down by a fast bowler. It will tend to hit …
How to Bowl a Bouncer in Easy Steps – Bowling Tips for Cricket Read More »
Many will say that they are the most important batsmen in the team. Their job is to get the side off to a solid start and build a platform but what makes a good opener? Who are the Opening Batsmen? The opening batsmen are the players who are listed as numbers one and two in …
The Role of the Opening Batsman in Cricket: What Makes a Good Opener? Read More »
I’ve previously looked at the two main areas of slow bowling – off spin and leg spin. In this review, it’s time to delve a little deeper and discuss variations plus specific types of delivery such as the Googly, Flipper, Carrom Ball and so on. Introduction to the Types of Spin Bowling I’ll kick this …
Types of Spin Bowling in Cricket – Spinner Techniques Explained Read More »
Traditionally, there are two types of spin bowling – leg spin and off spin – and in this article I’m going to look at the key differences between them. Leg Spin vs Off Spin Bowling The difference between leg spin and off spin bowling is the direction of the delivery. A right arm leg spin …
Leg Spin vs Off Spin in Cricket Bowling: What is the Difference? Read More »
Knuckleball in cricket is an extremely difficult, strategic delivery, but it’s not impossible to master. There are several bowlers in the cricketing world who use the knuckle ball as a potent ploy, and we are going to explore how do they do it. What is a Knuckleball in Cricket? A knuckleball is a slower delivery …
Learn the Knuckleball in Cricket – How Does the Slow Ball Work? Read More »
Within the fast bowling sphere, there are lots of different subcategories that can be applied but, whilst many have heard of them, what do they actually mean? Fast Medium vs Medium Fast Bowlers: What is the Difference? In very basic terms, a fast medium bowler is quicker than a medium fast bowler. The clue is …
Fast Medium vs Medium Fast Bowlers – Types of Fast Bowling Read More »
Throwing is a technique and it’s not just about how fast you release and how far the ball travels so let’s take a closer look at this important part of the game. How to Throw a Cricket Ball Properly This is a fielding technique that can help get an edge over the batting team. Throwing …
How to Throw a Cricket Ball – Perfecting the Bullet Throw Read More »
Getting the basics right is key to learning the elementary techniques needed to play cricket and, once those have been taken on board, you can build and develop those fundamental skills. 10 Fundamental Cricket Skills for Batting, Bowling and Fielding 1. Hand-Eye Coordination This is a vital skill to learn for anyone who wants to …
10 Fundamental Cricket Skills You Should Know – Cricket Basics Read More »
It’s one of the many new shots to have crept into the modern game but what is a flick shot and how should it be executed? What is a Flick Shot in Cricket? A flick shot is usually played to a straight, full length ball or to one pitched on middle and leg. It’s played …
How to Play a Flick Shot in Cricket and When to Use It Read More »
The modern day batsman has to add strength and power to their game. Timing remains important but power hitting boosts the run rate so here are 12 exercises to increase that capability. 12 Best Strength and Power Exercises for Batsmen 1. Squats This is one of the most common exercises around and it can be …
12 Best Cricket Exercises for Batsmen: Improve Strength and Power Read More »
Fast bowling is the one part of the game that can bring the fear factor for new players so, in this article I’m going to look at some tips and drills that will allow you to play it more confidently. How to Play Against Fast Bowlers In order to learn how to play fast bowling …
12 Tips and Drills to Play Fast Bowling Perfectly Read More »
I don’t think that enough young players practise their fielding skills and, because it’s a crucial part of the game, I’m going to list some cricket fielding drills that can make things fun. How to Practise Fielding at Home You don’t need a big garden to practise your cricket fielding skills at home but you …
Fun Cricket Fielding Drills for Practising Catching and Throwing Read More »
The yorker is arguably the most important delivery for a fast bowler to use so this is a guide on how to perfect it. How to Bowl a Yorker Step 1: How to Hold the Ball for a Yorker This is the first part of the equation and, while it may seem simple, this is …
How to Bowl a Yorker – Mastering the Yorker in 6 Steps Read More »
When we start playing cricket, most of us want to be fast bowlers but whether you’re new to the game or more experienced, these drills will help your action and performance. How to Improve Line and Length in Fast Bowling Pace is important but you should avoid bowling deliveries in the wrong areas. Hitting a …
Fast Bowling Practise Drills: How to Improve Line and Length Read More »
This is another important skill to learn: Running 22 yards might sound easy but you need to know how to judge a run and to get yourself prepared for a second, or even a third. How to Decide Whether to Attempt a Run or Not At times this will be obvious: The ball may be …
Running Between the Wickets: Basics for Beginners Read More »
The saying states that catches win matches and that’s why it’s important to take a few moments to read through my guide on the art of catching. How to Catch the Ball: The Basics of Cricket Fielding Note that there are different types of catches in cricket and these will generally vary, depending on where …
How to Catch a Cricket Ball – Fielding for Beginners Read More »
As a beginner, you need to start with the basics and here are 8 of the most important cricket shots that you will need. How to Play Cricket Shots The basics are all about stance, keeping your head still and watching the ball as you start to learn these shots. 1. Straight Drive This is …
Learn 8 Basic Cricket Shots: How to Play as a Beginner Read More »
I learnt a lot of cricket terms by watching games on the television. One of the more common phrases relates to line and length. It’s specifically about the bowlers but what does it mean? What is Line and Length in Cricket? The phrase line and length describes where the bowler is delivering the ball. The …
Line and Length in Cricket – What is It and How to Use it as a Bowler Read More »
A cricket ball is hard and it can hurt. Even the top professional players can suffer injuries at times. However, those cases are very rare and, if fear of injury is holding you back, here are some tips on how to overcome it. How to Overcome Fear of Getting Hit in Six Steps Fear is …
How to Overcome Fear of the Cricket Ball in 6 Easy Steps? Read More »
Hitting a six is one of the most exciting things that can happen in cricket. The thrill of seeing the ball clear the boundary rope provides a huge thrill for both the batsman and the spectators. Power is a necessary factor to have but hitting maximums also requires great skill so, in this guide I’ll …
There are altogether six types of cricket pitches, all of which show a different degree of moisture and compaction. Each type of pitch offers advantages either for the bowler or the batter, now let’s take a look why. What are the Types of Cricket Pitches? Green Pitch A green pitch has a higher covering of …
Different Types of Cricket Pitches and How to Read Them Read More »
This is a basic guide to beginners, young and old. We all had to start somewhere and this round up is an entry point to playing your shots as a batsman. How to Bat in Cricket: The Basics of Cricket Batting Step 1: How to Hold the Cricket Bat When you’re first learning how to …
How to Bat and Play Your Shots – Learn Cricket Batting in 8 Steps Read More »
This is a brief but comprehensive guide about the approach to playing cricket as a left handed batsman. In the round up I’ll discuss equipment, stance and any potential advantages and disadvantages to being left handed. If you’re just starting out in cricket and you are a natural left-hander, you’re in very good company. At …
Everyone has to bat in cricket but not all players will get to bowl. However, all youngsters learning the game should be fully conversant with the art. In this guide I’ll talk you through some basic coaching advice on how to bowl and we’ll also take a look at some common techniques. The Basics of …
How to Bowl in Cricket – Tips & Lessons for Beginners Read More »
As a batsman, your guard is an important thing to consider. This is the point on the wicket where you stand, in front of the stumps. There are a number of choices to take and, while it may seem like there are small margins involved, they can make the difference between being dismissed and staying …
Taking Guard in Cricket – Which Batting Guard to Choose Read More »
Why do bowlers and their fielders shine a cricket ball? In this guide, I’ll look a bit closer at the dynamics and why it is important to maintain that shine. Also under the spotlight are the ways in which you can and can’t treat the ball while on the field of play. How to Shine …
The Best Way to Shine a Cricket Ball – and How Does It Help Swing Bowling Read More »
Getting a batting order right is one of the most important parts of a cricketing strategy. I captained my club side on a few occasions and often found this to be the toughest part of my day. Here’s a guide on how to assess the eleven players taking part in the match and how to …
Batting Order in Cricket: How is a Batting Line Up Set Up? Read More »
In this guide I’m going to be looking at all the different cricket shots that are available to batsmen. I’ll also discuss the strategy and approach to selecting an appropriate shot to the ball that has been delivered. The aim is to help readers understand shot selection and to hopefully make them more prolific run …
All Cricket Shots – Types of Cricket Shots, Batting Technique Explained Read More »
I’ve seen some of the world’s greatest fast bowlers in action: In one of my earliest visits to a test match, I saw the great Michael Holding take England apart at The Oval and it was fascinating to see reel pace. But how fast do bowlers bowl in the modern game and what have been …
How Fast Do Bowlers Bowl? Cricket Ball Speed and the Fastest Deliveries Read More »
