Stage 2 - advanced
Where to use batmat for stage 2?
You can use either the ball and elastic cord provided or your own ball for Stage 2. If using the ball attached to the elastic cord (keep the elastic cord attached to the BackMat) you can use your BatMat in the backyard or open space.
If however you want to use your own ball that is not attached to the BatMat you should use BatMat at the local cricket nets, oval or in a large open space. If using your own ball it is strongly recommended that only soft balls such as a tennis ball be used.
If however you want to use your own ball that is not attached to the BatMat you should use BatMat at the local cricket nets, oval or in a large open space. If using your own ball it is strongly recommended that only soft balls such as a tennis ball be used.
Set-up for stage 2
In Stage 2, you use exactly the same set-up as for Stage 1. The difference in Stage 2 is that the batting poles are removed and you will require a coach, parent or friend to either underarm or throw the ball into the position of where the ball would sit on the small or large batting pole as described in Stage 1.
Note: As a safety precaution the person either under arming or throwing the ball should stand approximately 3 metres from the front of the mat.
Note: As a safety precaution the person either under arming or throwing the ball should stand approximately 3 metres from the front of the mat.
Practising shots in stage 2
The example used below is an off drive played by a right hand batter with the ball being underarmed by a coach, parent or friend. It is recommended that the feeder person should underarm the ball for front foot shots to give the ball the chance to land in the correct spot.
When practising back foot shots in stage 2 the feeder will be required to throw the ball in an over arm action.
By now we hope that you have mastered all the shots of the BatMat.Even if you have, you should keep using BatMat to continue improving your batting skills and enjoying the great game of cricket.
- The floating foot is placed on the red off drive line at an easy stepping distance (as illustrated under “using the floating foot”).
- The batter stands with both feet on the stance markings.
- The batter then lifts the bat (as described under the backlift tips) and at the same time moves their left foot from the gray foot marking onto the yellow floating foot.
- The feeder person then underarms the ball to the position of where the ball would usually sit on the small batting pole.
- The batter then swings the bat n a straightforward motion and attempts to hit the ball in the direction of the off drive line. Make sure that after hitting the ball the bat is swung in an arc through the line of the ball and finishes over the left shoulder.
When practising back foot shots in stage 2 the feeder will be required to throw the ball in an over arm action.
By now we hope that you have mastered all the shots of the BatMat.Even if you have, you should keep using BatMat to continue improving your batting skills and enjoying the great game of cricket.