ADVICE TO YOUNG PLAYERS

NZ Truth, Issue 881, 14 October 1922, Page 9

ADVICE TO YOUNG PLAYERS

EMBODYING TIPS JO OLD ONES(SY L T. COBCROFT.)

Before any "young- player can hope to achieve any success on the cricket field or, m fact, m any branch >o£ athletics he must live cleanly and keep himself physically fit. When you start to practice at tlie nets be prepared to do your share of fielding or bowling or whatever your club captain wishes you to do. Remember that discipline and unity must be carried out if you want to be on a successful side. When your turn comes to bat play as correctly as you can. Don't become careless, as it is apt to grow on you when you want to play serious cricket. , ..Always be looking for hints from coach- or, captain as to what is the better method to adopt. After you have had your turn with the bat or bail, whichever it may be, remember that;., there is a niost important branch of the game that requires your attention. That is fielding. Without it you cannot hope to get into a very high grade at cridket. When bowling at practice remember j that you must try and cultivate length; never^mind ' pace — that will come as your arm and muscles get more- supple. Don't think of, trying to make a ball break until you have thoroughly mastered your length and direction. ! Always try to bowl with as much ease as possible, as a laboring delivery does not enhance your prospects of becoming a top-notcher. When m I the field practice .picking Up cleanly and returning properly. For instance, if. you, are within • easy throwing distance of the wicket return on the full to the bowler or wicketkeeper. If fielding m the outfield always endeavour to return the ball on the- first hop or bounce. Be alive and active when m the field and keep your eye on ■ the captain or bowler before an over starts, ' so that a motion of the hand is sufficient to direct you to the place required. By so doing you set an example to> other members of the team m the\way of discipline, and, on the other hand, you do not give your position away to the batsman. Always make an effort to back up another fieldsman and never hold the ball m your hand or bowl it along the ground. Try and return the ball to. the bowler 'waist high. ■ Don't throw it along: the ground and ma}ie him stoop. You must remember that he requires . all his energy and strength. Try and anticipate a batsman's strokes, especially when he goes back to play a ball., Be on the move. When running between wickets run oft- the pitch. Always back up as soon as the ball' has left the bowler's hand, as a yard or two gained often cpmes m handy at .the other end. Run the first run hard and look for a /second/. Don't loaf oven the first and perhaps, get run out trying to make the second. ■ Ground your bat when running to- I wards the popping crease; don't have it ,m the air. If bowling, don't appeal for l.b.w. unless the ball has been pitched m a line from wicket to wicket and you .feel certain it would have hit the wicket. - N Never^ dispute an ■umpire's decision, even if you think he has given an erroneous' one. You are apt to forget that these gentlemen give their time to« the association simply for the love of the game, standing out m the field Saturday after Saturday without any remuneration. Granted that-ysome-times they do make mistakes — no man is infallible — does it ever occur to you that on different occasions you have touched a ball, but not enough to alter its course, and the wicketkeeper, having heard the noise, has appealed and you have been given not out? Do you then tell the umpire the decision was a bad one? So if you will weigh' the times you are given out and feel you were not with those when you think you were out and were given the benefit of the doubt they will pretty, nearly balance. When playing never underrate your opponents. Play all you know till the last wicket has fallen. Before going m to bat see that you are properly padded and no straps are protruding out as you are likely to be given out caught behind the wickets if the ball happens to touch them when you are playing a stroke to the on; "You, will only have yourself to blahie. Young players can- educate themselves a lot of an evening m learning to play with a straight bat by drawing a chalk line on the floor and making strokes at an imaginary ball supposed to be delivered along the chalk line. After you have made your stroke oast your eye and see the position of the, bat. " • . ' Let there be no talking on the field while batsmen are at the wickets, and move to your places quickly. . Before electing your captain foe sure he is the right man. Once he is appointed, obey, him to the letter. Come on to the field properly shod and attired. When playing don't think of averages; play for- your side. . 'By doing that you are enhancing your own reputation, -y . : Never complain about where you are sent m to bat or yhy you were taken, off from bowling. '•• Rest assured your' captain has a reason. When batting remember if standing at the bowler's wicket and the ball is played anywhere behind the, batsman you are to call for a run. For anything m front of the batsman he will call you. Remember, boys, that cricket is only one of many games, but, being a garnet play it m true sporting spirit and never seek to take any undue advantage over an opponent. Always have an object m view — such as getting as high up the ladder of your club as possible. It is really wonderful what one can. do when one sets his mind on it.