In general, the game of cricket consists of three main disciplines
The objective is to HIT the ball. The outcome is to SCORE RUNS
Watch the ball
To watch the ball closely; the seam, the writing on ball, the shiny or rough side of the ball, from the point of release until you either hit the ball or decide it is safe to leave it.
Balance
To be in a stable position with your head still at impact. Good balance is being in a position to hit the ball with the full face of the bat.
Full face..
The full face of the bat is presented to hit the ball along the path the ball is travelling.This enables quality striking of the ball.
Top Hand
When holding the bat the top hand needs to be dominant firmly hold the grip to ensure the full face of the bat is presented to hit the ball. The bottom hand becomes more dominant for back foot, horizontal bat strokes.
The objective is to
Pace Bowling
BOWL FAST
Grip
Two fingers either side of the seam with the thumb resting on the seam underneath.
Run Up
Commencing with a slight lean forward and small steps gradually increasing in stride length. Maintain balance and a path towards the target.
Release
Aim to release from the highest point with the fingers behind the ball so that the seam is released in a perfectly upright position.
Follow Through
Driving through the crease bowlers need to continue in a straight line until returning to a vertical position.
Spin Bowling
SPIN THE BALL
Spin Hard
A firm and comfortable grip on the ball to enable either “wrist” or “finger” spin as hard as you can.
Spin Up
Releasing the ball high over front leg, aiming to flight the ball above the batters eye level. However, the skill is to ensure the ball bounces before the batter providing an area of uncertainty for the batter to move either forward or back.
The outcome is to TAKE WICKETS
The objective is to CATCH OR STOP the ball. The outcome is to SAVE RUNS, Get RUNOUTS, Help TAKE WICKETS
Watch the ball
To watch the ball closely (seam, writing on ball or shiny/rough) from the point of release and contact right through until the ball is in your possession.
Stop It
To ensure your eyes and hands are in line with the ball moving in an assertive manner toward the ball.
Catch It
To provide open and soft hands. Fingers must not point at the ball. Hands and eyes in line with the path of the ball.
Throw It
Fingers on top of the ball with the throwing arms elbow above shoulder height. Point to the target, release and follow through
The objective is to CATCH the ball. The outcome is to SAVE RUNS, Get RUNOUTS, Help TAKE WICKETS
Watch It
To watch the ball closely (seam, writing on ball or shiny/rough) from the point of release until you catch the ball or it is returned from the field
Catch It
To provide open and soft hands. Fingers must not point at the ball. Hands and eyes in line with the path of the ball
All these elements are of equal importance. It is not unusual for individuals to excel at a single discipline while remaining very average at the others.
An individual who is Extremely proficient in all disciplines or all others except wicketkeeping is usually referred to as an allrounder.
Wicketkeeping is a specialist type of fielding and is treated separately whenever we define the core principles of the sport. There are also wicket keep(er)ing allrounders.