This instruction manual has been completed by Gerard Clarke, a former Victorian opening batsman and current national coaching accreditation scheme Level III coach. |
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Introduction - An easy guide for players, coaches and parents
Using the batmat training method
y following the two stages of the BatMat training method you will be able to learn the different batting strokes clearly marked on the BatMat. It does not matter what skill level you are at – BatMat has been designed to suit cricketers of all levels. Even if you have been playing cricket for sometime, it is recommended that you start from Stage 1 to make sure that you are learning the correct feet placement for the various batting strokes that will help improve your game. There are two stages to the BatMat training method.
In Stage 1 you will learn how to play shots using the small and large batting poles provided. When you have mastered Stage 1 of the BatMat training method you can move into Stage 2.
In Stage 2 you will learn how to play shots without the batting poles. For Stage 2 you will need a friend, coach or parent to either underarm the ball (for front foot shots) or throw the ball (for back shots) into the position where the ball would usually sit on the small or large batting pole. This is more clearly defined later in the manual under Stage 2.
In Stage 1 you will learn how to play shots using the small and large batting poles provided. When you have mastered Stage 1 of the BatMat training method you can move into Stage 2.
In Stage 2 you will learn how to play shots without the batting poles. For Stage 2 you will need a friend, coach or parent to either underarm the ball (for front foot shots) or throw the ball (for back shots) into the position where the ball would usually sit on the small or large batting pole. This is more clearly defined later in the manual under Stage 2.
Right hand batters
For right hand batters the red lines to the left of the feet markings indicate the front foot shots – on drive, straight drive, off drive and cover drive. The ride lines to the right of the feet markings indicate back foot shots – square cut and the pull shot.
Left hand Batters
For left hand batters the grey lines to the right of the feet markings indicate front foot shots – on drive, straight drive, off drive and cover drive. The grey lines to the left of the feet markings indicate back foot shots – square cut and the pull shot.
Assembling The Mat
Roll out the BatMat onto a level surface. Grass or concrete is suitable. If using BatMat on a grass surface make sure the grass is not long. Insert the small or large batting pole (depending on which shots will be practiced first) into the pole base provided. For front foot shots the small pole is used and for the back foot shots the large pole is used.
If you are using wickets, the wickets should be placed on the ground directly behind the wicket markings on the mat at a distance of 4ft/1.22 m. For right hand batters this is behind the red wicket markings and for left hand batters this is behind the grey wicket markings. Note: The only other item you require for use with the BatMat is a cricket bat (not included). A wooden or plastic bat us suitable for use with this product.
If you are using wickets, the wickets should be placed on the ground directly behind the wicket markings on the mat at a distance of 4ft/1.22 m. For right hand batters this is behind the red wicket markings and for left hand batters this is behind the grey wicket markings. Note: The only other item you require for use with the BatMat is a cricket bat (not included). A wooden or plastic bat us suitable for use with this product.