Wicketkeeping with Jason Mills
Wicket keepers are one of, if not the most important, players in a cricket team. They have a huge role to play within the team in so many ways but are often only noticed when they make a mistake. Wicket keeping is hard work due to the level of fitness and concentration required. As coaches we can tend to neglect their training requirements as they are just one of 11 other players - yet on game day we expect them to take every chance. Therefore it is important we work with our wicketkeepers at training and have exercises for them to do. To assist with this, some of the key fundamentals are:
GLOVEWORK
Watch ball all the way into gloves
Provide a large catching target - spread the gloves wide
Give with the ball in the direction it is heading (soft hands)
POSITIONING
Ensure delivery of ball is viewed
Hands below knees in stance
MOVEMENT
Get head in line with ball
Rise with bum first keeping head still and gloves low
Gloves rise with bounce of ball
Hands below knees when moving
TRAINING
Practise mentally switching on / off at practice
Involve wicket keeping drills in team fielding routines
Practise all areas of wicketkeeping
Keepers should take at least 50+ catches per training - either hit from a bat or keeping to a bowler
A STRONG WORK ETHIC IS REQUIRED TO PROGRESS
IN THE ART OF WICKET KEEPING
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