Fielding

Skill in fielding is the most attractive feature of the game, and yet it is the one most neglected. While effective bowling is an essential part of the attacking force in a cricket contest, unless the work of the bowler be well supported on the field, half its effectiveness will be lost.

There is no point in a bowler bowling for catches,if the ball is dropped by an incompetent fielder placed in the position purposefully to catch it. Cricket cannot advance so long as such an important aspect of the game as sharp fielding is neglected.

To be a good fielder in cricket, a man must unite in himself the qualities of activity, courage, nerve, quick sighted, and sound judgment, and especially control of temper, and he should ever be on the alert.

Here are Five Fielding Tips

1. Where ever you are fielding you should always be on the balls of your feet so you can react and change direction quickly. If you are caught flat footed you'll be slower off the mark and potentially give away more runs.

2. Try to anticipate where the ball will go; you can do this by carefully watching the batsman's shape and movements. This may be a little difficult at first but after a bit of practice will become second nature and you'll react much quicker to any shots coming your way and field better as a result.

3. When you are fielding close to the boundary and have to throw from the deep, try to aim your throw just above the wicket keepers head and the ball should drop nicely in to his gloves, provided you have a relatively strong throwing arm.

4. When catching close to the wicket, such as in the slips, gully or short leg, make sure that your stance is correct with your feet shoulder width apart or slightly wider. Spread your weight evenly across both feet, resting lightly on the balls of your feet, with your knees flexed. Keep your hands together, close to the ground with your fingers pointing down. Keep your head up with your eyes level and stay alert.

5. When catching the ball in close, watch the ball all the way into your hands, allowing the ball to come to you; don't try to snatch at it. 'Give' with the ball as you catch, cushioning the impact. When catching in the deep, try and catch the ball at eye level and cushion the ball into your chest.

When you are in the field the ball can come to you at any time so it is important that you stay alert so that you can stop that vital run or take a match winning catch.

These are just a few cricket fielding tips that you can incorporate into your game; there are many more cricket fielding tips for specific aspects of fielding. You can find out more here.