Post by Acumen on Sept 13, 2019 19:12:24 GMT
Once again the issue of safety, especially "best and safe", rears its head.
This does not mean "get as far away from the ball as possible". It does mean "get as far away from the probably throw of the ball as possible".
Often this means going on the same side as the ball - for example, if the ball goes to Square Leg then, unless the throw is particularly wayward, you are less likely to be hit if you go towards (short) mid on! If you go off side, you may obstruct, or be obstructed by, a fielder or bowler as well as being too late to avoid any last minute deflection.
The crucial points are:
1 start to move immediately if there is the slightest possibility of a run - do not wait to see whether they do start.
2 do not look at your ball/over dial counter until the ball is dead (see 11 below)
3 keep watching the ball
4 watch where you are going (difficult if running backwards)
5 move as far sideways as possible
6 even if you think you are going the wrong way - keep going
7 move towards the line of the Popping Crease
8 use "tennis umpire" or sideways position to watch ball and runners
9 note where the receiving fielder is looking for the ball
10 be stationary at the critical moment - even if only at 45 degree angle.
11 Even when it is dead, keep looking at the ball - or be aware - especially returns from outside the boundary.
Draw yourself a few diagrams - perhaps one of my readers may like to contribute something here.
For example, a ball through the slips will be invisible if you go leg side - the bowler and both batsmen are likely to be in your line of vision!
This does not mean "get as far away from the ball as possible". It does mean "get as far away from the probably throw of the ball as possible".
Often this means going on the same side as the ball - for example, if the ball goes to Square Leg then, unless the throw is particularly wayward, you are less likely to be hit if you go towards (short) mid on! If you go off side, you may obstruct, or be obstructed by, a fielder or bowler as well as being too late to avoid any last minute deflection.
The crucial points are:
1 start to move immediately if there is the slightest possibility of a run - do not wait to see whether they do start.
2 do not look at your ball/over dial counter until the ball is dead (see 11 below)
3 keep watching the ball
4 watch where you are going (difficult if running backwards)
5 move as far sideways as possible
6 even if you think you are going the wrong way - keep going
7 move towards the line of the Popping Crease
8 use "tennis umpire" or sideways position to watch ball and runners
9 note where the receiving fielder is looking for the ball
10 be stationary at the critical moment - even if only at 45 degree angle.
11 Even when it is dead, keep looking at the ball - or be aware - especially returns from outside the boundary.
Draw yourself a few diagrams - perhaps one of my readers may like to contribute something here.
For example, a ball through the slips will be invisible if you go leg side - the bowler and both batsmen are likely to be in your line of vision!