Q&A for How to Bat in Cricket

To hit the ball hard, tighten the left hand (if you are right handed). The more you tighten the left hand, the more you will be able to hit hard. (Do it vice versa if you're left handed.)

Sit at a peaceful place. Hold a tennis ball tightly in your hand and move your hand continuously in different directions while looking at the ball. Just keep your focus on the ball and start moving your hand faster. This will cause your eyes to see the ball faster and easier. Your eye reflexes will enhance and your focus on the ball will increase, resulting in hitting better shots from the middle of your bat.

To play a short ball, first shift your weight to your right leg in case you are right handed or do vice versa. Then try to play a pull shot or hook shot. If it is too high, then don't try. It may became a catch. Leave it and look at the umpire for a no-ball or a wide.

There are two tips: 1. Hit the ball before it lands on the ground. 2. Remain on your place and defend the ball.

Rather than swinging the bat faster, try to time the ball properly. To increase shot power, you may do some strengthening exercises which will eventually result in hard hitting.

First, see where the ball is coming and it approaches near, take the position.

Closely watch the wrist of the bowler as he or she bowls, doing so will ensure which line he or she bowls. Play the same bowler many times and understand his or her pattern. Avoid any distraction (chants from opposition). Try playing unlimited over match (test). Ultimately, experience is the key.

Duck it and look at the umpire. This may cause the umpire to deem it was a no ball or if you feel confident enough, swing at it like you would a pull shot.

The most important thing to teach them to make proper contact with the ball. All the shots in a batsman's repertoire are of no use if the batsman cannot make good contact with the ball. It's difficult to make a 5-year-old understand the nuances of batting; the physics, mechanics and the shot selections might confuse the young learner. Start with the basics.

Ask your coach for advice. Maybe ask your friends to make a video of your batting, so you can study it later.

Spin the ball clockwise while throwing so that it would go right, then do the opposite for left.

Yes, especially if you are playing on good batting pitches. It opens up room for many types of shots, especially straight drives. It becomes difficult for the bowler to find opening, thus reducing chances of getting an out.

Preparation, practice, and visualization of a positive outcome are all ways to increase confidence.

It is. Some people say it's good for the bat, but its actually not. Using coconut oil makes the stroke of the bat weak, and can even make the ball slip out of your shot. In the long run, it will actually harm the bat and make it unfit for use.

A googly is a ball which turns into a right hander and vice versa. You can play a googly easily if you're a right hander -- just push for a single to long off or according to the field where no fielder is. Or if you want to hit it for a boundary a good option would be sweep shot or try to hit back foot six over deep mid wicket area.

Every batsman has failures in his career. Next time you bat, just think that you have to bat well this time. The more matches you bat well, you will forget those matches you played poorly. Just have faith in yourself and practice.

The best way to do this is to start enjoying every moment while you are on crease and take it as an opportunity to show the world what you can do. Always remain focused on next delivery that would automatically make you look serious on crease and a batsman who means business. Never take any delivery lightly and try to stamp your authority on every bowler.

Stay alert. Stay calm. Watch their feet and look for patterns. Most people have a spot where they stop and release. Follow their wrist movements and get to know when they like to release. Don't be afraid to fail, you'll get better with more experience. Reacting in haste will only make you make mistakes.

Go for long distance jogs. I have been on multiple 21 K runs and this has done wonders for my stamina and fitness.

Oil your bat regularly every month or so. Get the plastic sheeting for the face of the bat.

You can go on the back foot, and if the ball is on the off side then you can punch it, and if ball comes in leg side then you can go on the back foot and you can pull it.

Watch the bowler's hand and the timing of their release of the ball, and take your position to hit or defend the ball.

It depends on your height and weight. If you want to take a short stance, then just play a little outside the crease.

You can practice catches off a wall and if there is space behind the wall then you can throw the ball at the bottom of the wall and run in to pick up and throw

Observe the bounce. If it is a short pitch ball you can hit hard with correct timing to hit a six.

Stick to the basics: always try to bowl on the wicket. That is the most important quality that a fast bowler should have. How to bowl on wickets? The answer is practice.

Yes, you can play football to stay fit. Playing football will work your legs and when you play cricket, your legs will be strong.

Yes, you can. Do not play inside your home, but your yard would be fine.

if the bowler has bowled 2 overs, you should see their rhythm, e.g. going down leg, going down leg, wide outside off, going down leg. Keep this in your head and when the ball has come to play the hook. Preempt the shot and step towards where it has pitched and wait for the ball to reach you. Once it's reached, most batters go onto one knee and swing the bat horizontally in front of them and time the swing to hit the ball; all you can do is practice the pull.

Move your front leg toward the ball and play the shot when the ball is right under your eyes.