Steelbacks’ seamer David Wigley continues his quest to fine-tune your game.

Boundary Hitting

Let’s face it; everyone loves ‘smoking’ a boundary. And let’s also face it, with the evolution of one-day and Twenty20 cricket, increasingly it is the hitting of boundaries that is the difference between winning and losing matches. However, when it is absolutely necessary to hit a boundary, not many players know where their strength lies, and, even if they do, how many actually practice it?

This drill is designed to counteract this, and is best done on a bowling machine, although being bowled to in a net or being fed balls manually can be just as useful. More often than not, it will be a case of trying to hit attempted yorkers, although hitting length balls should not be ignored. The feeder, whatever the format, should bear this in mind.

Ross Taylor generally hits to leg as his favoured boundary option

The drill is not very complicated at all. Simply pick an area to hit to, and attempt to strike every ball there, every time. Doing this can be useful for finding out what your ‘hitting area’ actually is, or simply practicing your ability to play to your strengths.

It should be pointed out that you should have at least two hitting areas, simply because if your first choice is blocked by a fielder, you will need a plan B.

Attention should be paid to the batters’ set-up in this drill. Experiment by using the depth of the crease more, using the width of the crease more and holding the bat at different heights on the handle. It’s a case of trial and error. However, when you find something that works for you, practice it like mad!

Good luck, now go out there and smash some boundaries.