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 you are fielding.
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In the slips or close in the ball will tend to come at you with speed. You’ll
need quick reactions and the right technique.
Out on the boundary, you’ll be generally looking for high balls coming out
of the sky. Technique is important again but, as you will have more time to
think, you’ll also need to stay calm.
Step 1 – How to Prepare for a Catch
You should always expect the ball to come to you, wherever you are in the field. This is the
first step in the process of preparation.
Think too about your positioning: If you’re in the slips, remain relaxed with your hands ready
to claim the ball. In the outfield, you’ll be walking in and you will have more time to get
those hands into position.
Step 2 – How to Catch a High Ball: The Reverse Cup
As the name suggests, the reverse cup will see the fingers pointing up towards the sky.
The shape of the hands still forms a ‘cup’ but the positioning is simply reversed. This
used to be called the ‘Australian’ method but it’s now commonplace across the world.
This technique is better used for higher balls as they drop towards you. Watch the ball all the
way and, once again, you are looking to catch it at the base of the fingers. Keep the hands soft
and yielding as the ball drops and bring them into your body as you make contact.
Cricket Catching Tips
These are the basic techniques involved in catching a cricket ball but is there any more advice
that I can give you? We’ve all dropped some easy chances at times and that’s going to
happen – even the pro cricketers do it.
The important thing at all times is to keep calm and try to stay confident. If you’ve dropped
one or two lately, get into a training session and start practising.
Technique is important but confidence and staying calm as the ball approaches is also crucial.
If this is an issue, maybe work on some methods that help you stay calm under pressure.
Retrieving Ground Balls
If the ball travels along the ground or it’s not possible to catch it, ground fielding is the skill
to master. You are aiming to collect the ball cleanly and return it to the bowler or wicket
keeper as quickly as possible.
Once again, you should be expecting the ball to come to you on each delivery. Don’t switch
off as this will cause mistakes: By wanting and expecting the ball, you are helping to
maintain your vital powers of concentration.
Outfielders should walk in as the ball is bowled; this helps to maintain balance and should
allow you to move quickly in any direction. If the ball is hit to you, move towards it and look
to get in position.
The Long Barrier
My advice to young players when fielding ground balls would be to adopt the ‘long
barrier’. Get down on one knee and place your back leg behind your hands. The leg will
then provide a second ‘barrier’ if the hands miss the ball.
It’s very rare for the professional cricketers to employ the long barrier because it actually
slows down the process but I would recommend this for beginners. In time, you will build up
your confidence to the point where your hands do all the work. You can field on the move
and release the ball which will save runs and increase the chances of a possible run out.