Tim Bresnan continues to share his international-quality coaching tips with the third in a series of blogs. You can also check out Tim's guides to becoming the perfect modern day bowler and 5 shots you need to master this season.
You can have all the skill in the world with bat and ball in hand, but leaking unnecessary runs in the field can undo all the good work that's been done elsewhere.
Fielding has come on leaps and bounds in the international arena in recent years, and improving individual and team performances in the field can be done with just a few simple tips and drills – just so long as you practice, practice and practice a bit more.
Throwing at the stumps
Nicking runouts as opposition batsman scurry to complete a dubious run is not only a satisfying bonus wicket, but it also ensures batters will think twice before taking you on again.
Make yourself alert in the infield by practicing your aim at the stumps. My teammate Adam Lyth is one of the best fielders in the business, and he's got there through relentless practice.
The more you throw down at the stumps, the more you'll hit. Just remember you need a solid, balanced base when you release – aiding both accuracy and power.
Flat catch
Catching a firmly hit rocket that's homing in on your face isn't the easiest thing you'll be faced with a cricket pitch, but remaining balanced and calm can save you from having to invest in some new teeth.
Get your head and hands in line with the ball so you're able to watch it all the way in, and keep your fingers pointing upwards.
Pickup and throw
The pickup is an integral part of keeping those singles down in the 30-yard circle, and again a few simple pointers can help maximise your skills in the field.
Start with an aggressive mindset. The world's best fielders prowl the infield like a panther, springing out at a seconds notice to hurl the ball towards the stumps.
Get your head in line with the ball and pick it up in-between your feet – saving you the embarrassment of the ball creeping through your legs and away for runs.
Katchett board
For slip fielders, the katchett board is a sure-fire way to improving reactions and turning your hands into buckets.
To replicate a game situation to a greater degree, place an obstacle in the way of you and the board. Clipping the obstacle on the way though, you'll have to react quickly, adjust and take the catch – just like the best slippers around do.
High catch
With bowlers working hard to create chances for you in the outfield, all that effort can go to waste if you haven't got the correct technique (if only there were a snappy line to sum up the importance of taking catches...) to take those chances.
Judging a high catch can be tricky, but the steps to pulling it off remain the same. Position yourself under the line of the ball, and take the catch at eye-level – watching it slip safely into your hands.
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