KEY POINTS

COMMON PROBLEMS

CORRECTING THE PROBLEMS

• Aggressive batting is not “smashing the ball”.

• Aggression in batting means taking the challenge up to the fielding team.

• This is done by looking for opportunities to score from every ball.

• Sound technique, and concentration will assist in your aggressive batting.

• Wrong mindset – thinking that you must try and belt every ball to the fence.

• Succumbing to pressure in limited overs situations.

• Look at match situation and play accordingly.

• Don’t over-hit the ball.

• Remember that each ball can have runs scored from it if you rely on you technique and concentration to get you through.

• Be aware of field placings, and look for gaps in the field.

A lot of people think that being aggressive with your batting means going out and swinging the bat at every ball that comes your way in order to smash it to the boundary to score runs quickly.

Not only is this an incorrect interpretation of the meaning of aggressive batting, but it is also a recipe for your downfall as a batter!

What Does Aggressive Batting Mean?

Aggressive batting refers to a mental state of being as much as a physical state of how you play the ball.

Aggressive batters take the approach that every ball has the opportunity to have runs scored from it.

Again, let’s reiterate that this does not mean trying to smashing the ball to the boundary every delivery, but rather thinking about the field placings, and how you can work the ball around the field in between the gaps.

How Do You Bat Aggressively?

Aggressive batting comes about from a few simple things:

• Good technique

• Good concentration

• Good game plan

Technique

By having sound technique (that is, stance, grip, ability to play the basic shots and good footwork), you will be able to combat the majority of balls that are delivered to you in the course of an innings. You may not play every ball exactly as you want to, but at least you will be able to protect your wicket and make some scoring shots.

Concentration

By concentrating and focusing on the ball and clearing your head of all other thoughts (including “How am I going to smash this ball?”), you will give yourself the best chance of being able to play the ball the best way possible. For instance, with the wrong mindset, you may be thinking as the bowler comes running in that you need to score some runs, so you will have to smash the next ball to the fence no matter where it is pitched. Concentration and technique will enable you to play every ball to the best of your ability without having to try more than necessary.

Game Plan

By understanding what your team’s needs are in the particular situation that you are batting in, you will not only be able to bat with your team’s goals in mind, but you will be more able to clearly understand what type of batting is required from you. For example, with 40 runs required off 10 overs, you require 4 runs per over to win the match, so perhaps a more relaxed style of aggression will get you through the game.

However, with 120 runs remaining off 10 overs, that is 2 runs per ball, so a more aggressive style of batting will be required. Look for gaps, and work the ball through the gaps. Put the bowler off their line and length if necessary, and be aggressive by putting the pressure on the fielding side – make them work harder than you.