Cricket: Ian Bell - Taking Guard v Spin

It's common for batters to change their stance depending on whether they're facing a right handed or left handed bowler. Whilst there is not one method that suits everyone in cricket, in this video, Ian Bell talks through how he sets up.

Played to a ball short of a length, roughly stump high.

Batsman should have a relaxed and balanced stance - head still, eyes level.

Back swing and step back. Their front shoulder should then dip.

With the base established, weight stays slightly forward. Shoulders rotate vertically, front leg drawn back, alongside the back foot.

Bat decelerates, ‘soft hands’ upon impact. Ball contact under eyes.

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter, a feeder, and a wicket keeper. 4 incrediballs or cricket balls are recommended, as they have a seam to spin ball. 4 good quality feeds eachPlayer feeds from one knee, throwing ball under arm as a leg spinner, with the key being a looped feed. (If players can’t spin it, a slow looped feed is sufficient). Feeder aims to land ball on a full length, on off stump. Batter looks to play ball straight, through zone 1, to be marked out from between the stumps to cover as shown.NB – Left hander’s will still score through same zone, and should ideally be grouped together.

PROGRESSION

Make target area smaller, if playing to square of wicket, make target straighter.Introduce points scoring system.Bring in Zone 2 (different scoring area for length balls)Change length of feedIntroduce coming down wicket.

Looking to defend ball after using feet coming down the wicket

Quick feet from the batter are essential when getting to the ball.

When advancing down the wicket, batter must aim to keep head as still as possible, and eyes level.

Batter needs to be in a still position by the time they make contact, and well balanced.

Encourage player to loosen bottom hand upon impact, and maintain their weight into the shot by leaning forward not back. Bat coming through straight s key, with soft hands, with player looking to drop the ball at their feet, making impact underneath their eyes.