9/2/17
Wicket-Keeping
Concentrating on working with stance not quite so wide in readiness to offer maximum speed & distance when moving laterally, this will benefit both standing back and up to the stumps establishing a stronger position which to work with/from. Feeds looking to go just outside hip line and focus on technique, opening the body slightly when required but inside foot remaining anchored in at off-stump in order to take the ball back to the stumps comfortably. Spoke about first and foremost the emphasis on catching the ball and secondly 'ideally' being well placed to take the stumps as/when it arises, which can be difficult at Ewan's age but is something to challenge himself with to continue his development. Identified that to LHB Ewan tended to go with his full body to ball's outside hip line on occasions, and he understood the benefits of trying to open body slightly and be well placed to get the ball back (as well as a couple of less important, but beneficial reasons identified). |
Batting
Ewan demonstrated he can time the ball very well, and has excellent hand-eye coordination but was challenged to try to keep his hands a little more in rythmn (strong (hockey) bottom hand) and also aim to get a little closer to balls outside off-stump to benefit his hitting percentage and reduce risk with hands not quite so far away from his body at contact. Spoke about head tending to fall a little off-side which can lend itself to bottom hand coming through strong and 'dragging' the bat across the ball and a little more towards the leg side than desired. Also take more risks from straight balls working across the line through falling over. Work at maintaining a well balanced position with head to provide the opportunity to open up scoring opportunities down the ground (as well as being able to defend comfortably also). This can only tend to be achieved if 'managing' head position, which in turn will create the chance to establish a strong position leading out with front foot and then weight transfer (courtesy of head leaning in and over the ball). |
31/1/17
|
|
Session Feedback:
Tennis ball feeds focusing on catching the ball up to the stumps when balls are relatively straight just outside the batsman's off stump, working with both left and right hand batsmen and incorporating a shadow batsman to provide a realistic distraction. Points raised were to ensure hands are creating a big catching area (start off in a good place out in front), relaxed, thumbs nice and wide and hands out in front as well as trying to stay as still as possible just coming up with the ounce of the ball. - As still as possible when the ball is coming within hip line - coming up with the bounce, head & hands working together - Sole focus on the ball arriving and 'getting used' to the distraction that the batsman presents, trying to get used to standing up to the stumps a little more at his age. |
Opportunities for improvement:
- Stance not quite as wide to establish a strong powerful base position at setup - Hands relaxed, offering good hand presentation and remaining relaxed as the ball arrives to offer a big catching area (and also not snatching at the ball - pushing hands towards it = No Ball?!). - Be careful bending knees inwards as the ball arrives (sub consciously worrying about missing the ball?) but this movement can affect hands and balance. Be confident, but relaxed watching the ball all the way into the hands. - As little movement as possible with the ball coming within hips line, head and hands work together rising with the ball |