Batter collapsing his/her back leg

Tom BeanCoach, England

Hi Mike,

A batter collapsing their back leg is most likely a sign that they`re off balance when playing the shot so need to use their knee on the floor to maintain their balance.

The balance comes from footwork all the way up to maintaining a good head position.To prevent the back leg from collapsing, reduce the stroke right down to the fundamental movements.

Initially get them moving their feet into position to play the shot - some inexperienced batsmen only move their front foot and get themselves stuck and off balance by keeping their back foot planted.

Then build up into the stroke, initially playing it without a ball so they can focus on their footwork to then play the stroke with a still head, not leaning to either side or forwards or back.

Adding into impact should be done with a drop feed so the batter can get used to keeping their balance over their front foot when playing the stroke and not needing their knee to steady themselves. (perhaps one way of keeping their knee off the ground and to force them to get forwards onto their front foot is to put a cone under where their knee drops. If they touch the cone, they get instant feedback to their lack of balance).

Continue to build gradually until the player begins to recognise how they can best balance themselves. Once they do, they will soon be playing powerful, well-directed shots that stay on the ground all the way to the boundary.

Hope this helps!

Sample drop feed

DESCRIPTION

Balls is dropped on a length to batter by feeder Ball is dropped from the batters ‘off-side’ to ensure feeder safety. Ball should be a comfortable distance away from batter, and this is personal preference indicated by batter Ball is dropped from a horizontal position, arm fully stretched out, and batter looks to hit ball on the second half volley

Sample drop feed

DESCRIPTION

Balls is dropped on a length to batter by feeder Ball is dropped from the batters ‘off-side’ to ensure feeder safety. Ball should be a comfortable distance away from batter, and this is personal preference indicated by batter Ball is dropped from a horizontal position, arm fully stretched out, and batter looks to hit ball on the second half volley