The defensive stroke should be played to a ball of good line and length.
Players stand in a relaxed and balanced stance, head and eyes level.
Back swing and step forward to meet the ball.
As they prepare to strike the ball the front shoulder dips and the front knee bends.
Shoulders rotate vertically and the bat decelerates on contact. The back heel should be raised to help get above the ball and players' bottom hand should be relaxed to avoid over hitting the ball.
The covers are on and the last tea has been served. What your club does between now and April decides how the next season starts. Here is a simple, honest winter plan for players, bowlers and juniors.
August is when seasons are decided, and most club games are lost chasing rather than setting. Give your batters a framework for the chase and you win the close ones.
Green July pitches and a shiny Dukes mean the ball is talking. Here is how to coach your batters to survive the moving ball, trust their defence, and cash in once the shine has gone.