The basics of running between the wickets

The concept of running between the wickets is the part of the cricket. It has never been more important since its beginning.  However, at the start and for a long time thereafter, it was measured to be a regular way of achieving runs since it was assumed that good batsmen would divide the fielders and find the fence easily.  In the limited over cricket, both for ODI’s and T20’s, every ball is valuable and counted. Good running is a necessary talent that minimizes the weight of hitting the boundaries.

The good running has become a must have talent. It rotates the strike, reduces the pressure of hitting boundaries and does not let the bowler settle into a line and length.

Backing Up

The non-striker running between the wickets must start moving when the bowler sets his back foot in the bowling pace. The bat has to be held in the  hand nearer to the bowler and your body must be facing the bowler so that you are alert of his movements. However, it is important to back up only to the point you can return easily if required, unless it is a desperately determined situation.

The setting off the running

Run the best while taking the first run. Your initial few steps of your performance set the speed for the whole run.

• The time when you run, keep your head down and stay low in the position of a sprinter.
• Hold the bat across your body and pump your arms.
• Your feet must be behind your centre of gravity to help you accelerate with your lower body muscles propelling your body.
• Take a few quick steps.
• As the shortest distance between two points runs straight. Hence it is important that you run on the corresponding line.

• For a quick single keep going with long strides by running between the wickets. This reduces the possibility of becoming bouncy in the air in case  the ground is bumpy or getting stuck if the ground is wet or soft.