Catching is a fundamental fielding skill and one of cricket’s most crucial aspects. During a match, you’ll need to handle overhead, chest-level, and ground balls, so mastering different catching grips and techniques is essential. Since catching a cricket ball requires sharp hand-eye coordination, regular practice drills will help improve your skills.
Part 1: Mastering the Orthodox Cup
Step 1: Stay Low and Balanced
Start in a low, balanced stance. Keep your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight on the balls of your feet. Distribute your weight evenly so you’re ready to move quickly in any direction. A solid stance helps you react faster to the ball.
- Key tip: Always keep your eyes on the ball.
Step 2: Position Your Hands Correctly
For the orthodox cup (used for catches at or below chest height), turn your palms up with pinkies touching. Your hands should form a wide cup or bucket shape, fingers and thumbs extended.
- Why it matters: A larger surface area improves catching success.
- Pro tip: Keep your hands relaxed—stiff hands increase the chance of drops.
Step 3: Absorb the Ball’s Impact
As the ball approaches, cup your hands and keep them slightly close to your body (don’t overextend). When the ball hits your hands, gently pull them toward your torso to control it.
- Safety note: Catching with fully outstretched arms increases injury risk.
- Reminder: Never take your eyes off the ball.
Step 4: Adjust for Side Catches
For balls coming from the side, use a modified orthodox grip:
- Line your hands on the side where the ball is approaching.
- Bend slightly toward the ball, positioning hands sideways (one thumb up, the other down).
- Example: If the ball comes from your right, cross your left arm over, cup hands on the right side, fingers spread toward the ball.
After catching, draw your hands inward to maintain control.
Part 2: Making High Catches
Step 1: Use the Reverse Cup
Interlock thumbs and index fingers to form a “web” with palms facing outward. Raise your hands and aim to catch the ball near eye level.
- Note: Relaxed hands prevent rebounds.
- Exception: If you’re running, use the orthodox grip for quick catches.
Step 2: Position Yourself Under the Ball
Track the ball, call out (“I got it!”), and align yourself beneath it. Bend your knees slightly to cushion the impact.
- Communication is key: Shouting avoids collisions with teammates.
Step 3: Guide the Ball to Your Shoulder
Catch at eye level, then pull your hands toward your torso (left or right shoulder). Avoid bringing the ball toward your face—this could lead to injury.
- Pro tip: Favor your dominant side for easier throws afterward.
Step 4: Orthodox Grip for Running Catches
If you’re sprinting, use the standard cup grip. Run toward the ball, position yourself under it, and catch at eye level if possible.
- Lower catches = higher drop risk.
Step 5: Follow Up with an Overarm Throw
After securing the catch:
- Turn sideways toward your target.
- Shift weight to your back foot, then forward as you throw.
Part 3: Fielding Low Balls
Step 1: Attack the Ball
Don’t wait—charge toward ground balls to pressure the batting side.
Step 2: Lead with Your Non-Dominant Side
Turn your body so your weaker side faces the ball (sets up a stronger throw later).
Step 3: Drop into the Long Barrier
Lower your non-dominant knee to the ground, aligning it with your other foot’s heel. This creates a blocking angle.
- Right-handed example: Right foot flat, knee bent; left knee down, aligned with right heel.
Step 4: Scoop with an Orthodox Cup
Cross your hands slightly, pinkies touching, and scoop the ball toward your torso.
- Bonus: Even if you miss the catch, the long barrier stops the ball.
Step 5: Transition to a Throw
Push up, shift weight to your back foot, and prepare an overhand throw.
Part 4: Practice Drills
Drill 1: One-Handed Catches
- Stand 10+ feet apart with a partner.
- Toss underhand, catching 10x with only your right hand, then 10x with your left.
Drill 2: Dual-Ball Toss
- Juggle two balls simultaneously (right-to-left hand exchanges).
- Complete 10 throws per set.
Drill 3: Two-Handed Catches
- Practice high, chest-level, and ground catches (10 reps each).
Drill 4: Solo Fielding Practice
- Work on barrier drops and throwing stance.
- Toss the ball high and practice reverse/orthodox catches.