Most of us have just started the winter nets and getting back into the swing of things can be tough going. Timing the ball is hard work and the ball just seems to squirt out off the inside edge, or flies past the outside edge as we come down late on the shot.
It's always good at this time of year to take the opportunity to remember the basics and look at your grip and stance, which determine so much of what is going to follow.
If you get the grip right, it will allow you a free swing of your arms through the ball; it will allow you to bring the bat through on a straight path into the shot; it will allow you to use your hands to manoeuvre the ball into gaps. Classically there will be two "V"s formed by your forefinger and thumb on each hand, which should align between the splice and the outside edge of the bat. This alignment prevents the bat face from becoming closed. These days, you see a lot of top class cricketers with the "V"s aligned down the splice. I don't recommend that but it seems to work for them.
Next is the where the bat is held. I prefer hands close together and towards the top of the handle. Lots of top class cricketers hold the bat well down the handle. To my mind this restricts the free flow of the bat through the ball as you hit it. However, it is largely a matter of personal preference and holding the bat lower down can offer more control. When I tired later on in an innings, I often used this technique to keep more control in my shots.
Then comes grip pressure. Bottom hand grip pressure is the most important here. Hold the bat too tightly and you are bound to bring the bat through at an angle. Thumb and forefinger basically, with middle finger there in support, a bit like holding a pencil. Top hand is tighter, to lead and control the bat. You should be able to break your wrists and bend both elbows in the backswing.
Next, check out your stance. If you find you are losing your balance, just have a look in the mirror and see where your head is in your stance. If you are too bent over with your head outside the line of your toes, you're off drive may look good but if the ball swings in to middle stump, you could be in trouble. Keep your knees flexed, your hands pretty close to your body and your head over the hands and toes. It will help to slightly open your shoulders i.e. align them slightly towards mid on, which will bring your head comfortably round to face the bowler. It's then your head and shoulders that lead you into your shot, which is a simple step, swing and hit. And away you go into the new season. Simples.
