The wicket keeper has one of the most important and difficult jobs on a cricket team. He is responsible for stumping the batsman and taking catches. This requires athleticism as well as a great deal of focus and concentration. Beyond watching and studying masters at the position, a few simple adjustments can step up your performance.
Stance
Your best position depends on your bowler. If he is a spin bowler or slow bowler, stand up behind the stumps -- just make sure no part of your body gets in front of the line. With medium and fast bowlers, you will want to stand back a little. Crouch with your left food lined up with the middle stump and your weight on the balls of your feet. Begin to rise as you gauge the bounce of the ball, but don’t move until it has bounced. This can take a great deal of self-control and practice. Once the ball bounces, you can line up with it.
Catching
Keep your arms down as the ball comes toward you so that you can avoid going back down for it if it bounces. Bring your hands up underneath it. If you’re catching it at chest height or lower, your fingers should be pointing down. If it is higher than that, your hand should be palm up. Of course, some deliveries will not be so simple and will require diving catches. CricketSecrets suggests making these catches with two hands, then either roll to avoid jarring it loose or injuring yourself, or try to land with your arms outstretched.
Stumping
Stumping -- hitting the wickets when the batsman has left the crease -- is an art in itself. You probably won’t become proficient at it without a great deal of practice. Have someone throw the ball to you past the stumps, both leg side and off side. Take some throws standing up and some of standing back. You also can have someone stand in the batsman’s position and tip the ball as it passes so that you get used to catching and reacting in a lot of possible scenarios. Once you’ve taken the ball, move your weight toward the stumps and use your hands hard and fast to break the wickets.
Mental Edge
Mental conditioning can be the hardest part of wicket keeping. MyCricketGame recommends deep breathing between balls to shake off tension and give yourself a moment to get ready to focus on the next delivery. Watch the ball leave the bowler’s hand. If you have to dive, aim with your head so that you can keep your eyes on the ball. With experience, your brain will start to take over and help you subconsciously align yourself into proper position to make the catch.
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