Warming Up Before Batting
Also known as: warm up before batting, batting warm up, how to warm up for batting, warm up before going in to bat, pre-innings warm up, cricket warm up routine
Warm up before batting with light jogging and moving stretches, then a few short sprints and turns like running between the wickets. Finish with shadow batting and some throwdowns or catches to get your eyes and hands going. If you bat lower down, warm up again shortly before you go in.
A good batting warm-up has three parts. First, raise your body temperature with a jog and some moving stretches for the hips, legs, back and shoulders. Second, add short sprints with turns, because running between the wickets is fast and sudden. Third, prepare your skills.
Skill work should be short and sharp. Shadow bat your main shots and your leave. Face some underarm feeds or throwdowns to watch the ball onto the bat. A few catches also wake up your hands and eyes.
Timing matters. Openers can warm up just before the start. A middle-order batter may wait an hour or more. Stay warm with a jacket in cold weather, and do a short top-up warm-up when a wicket or two has fallen.
Tips by skill level
Make a short list of five warm-up steps and do them the same way every match. A routine also helps calm nerves.
Match your skill warm-up to the bowling you expect first. Practise leaving and short balls if the new ball is still hard.
Example
Batting at six, a player jogs and stretches before the toss. Thirty minutes into the innings she does short sprints, shadow bats and faces ten throwdowns.
Why it matters
A warm body and switched-on eyes help from the first ball. Many batters get out early because they are cold or not watching closely yet.
Common mistakes
- Doing only long, still stretches and no moving work
- Warming up hours before you bat and going cold
- Skipping sprints, then pulling up running a quick single
- Facing so many throwdowns that you tire before batting
Frequently asked questions
How should I warm up before batting?
Jog and do moving stretches, then short sprints with turns. Finish with shadow batting and a few throwdowns or catches.
When should a middle-order batter warm up?
Do a full warm-up before the match, then a short top-up when you are next in or a couple of wickets have fallen.
Sources
Related terms
- Warm-Up ProtocolA warm-up protocol is a structured routine that prepares the body for full-effort swings. It raises tissue temperature, activates relevant muscle groups, and syncs the nervous system.
- Nerves Before BattingFeeling nervous before you bat is normal, and a little helps you stay sharp. Get padded up early, watch the bowlers and plan your first few balls. Take slow breaths with a long out-breath. Then focus only on watching the next ball. The aim is to manage nerves, not to get rid of them.
- Fitness for BattingBatting fitness means rotational power from the hips and trunk, strong legs for long strides and low positions, and a firm grip. It also means repeated sprints between the wickets and the stamina to keep going through a long innings. Medicine-ball throws, lunges, carries and short shuttle runs with turns all help.
- Common Batting Injuries and PreventionCommon batting injuries include blows to the hands, fingers and thighs, blows to the head, hamstring strains while running between the wickets, and lower back soreness. Wear protective kit that fits, warm up before you bat and build running fitness. Stop if something hurts, and see a qualified medical professional about pain that persists.
- Sidearm Throwdowns (Ball Thrower)A sidearm, or dog stick, is a long-handled thrower that lets a coach deliver a hard ball at real pace without a bowler. It is ideal for grooving one length or shot. The ECB says only experienced adults should use one, and always from the full length of the pitch with a hard ball.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.