Slip Cordon Catching in Cricket Explained
How the slip cordon works, what each position does, and the technique behind catching edges in the slips.
What Is the Slip Cordon?
The slip cordon is the arc of fielders positioned behind the batsman on the off side, standing in a diagonal line between the wicketkeeper and gully. First slip stands closest to the keeper; second, third and fourth slip spread progressively wider and deeper. The cordon exists to catch edges from the bat when the ball deviates off the outside edge toward the off side behind the batter.
Roles of Each Slip Position
| Position | Location | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| First slip | Just outside keeper, in line with off stump | Close edges, wide keeper misses |
| Second slip | Wider and slightly deeper than first | Edges that fly wider or carry further |
| Third slip | Wider still, often at 45° to the bat | Edges with extra pace or deviation |
| Gully | Square of the wicket, 45° to off side | Thick edges, cuts, deflections from boot |
Catching Technique in the Slips
Slip fielders adopt a low, balanced stance: feet slightly wider than shoulder-width, weight on the balls of the feet, hands held low between the knees. The key is watching the bat — not the ball leaving the bowler's hand. The edge comes off the bat at unpredictable angles and speeds; the earlier you track it from the bat, the more time your hands have to react. Hands must be soft and cupped — rigid hands cause the ball to pop out.
Reading the Game to Set the Cordon
A captain sets the cordon based on conditions and the batter. A seaming pitch with overcast conditions usually warrants two or three slips. A flat pitch in good batting conditions might see slips removed after the new ball period. Left-handed batters shift the cordon: what was first slip now angles differently. Spin bowling often requires only one slip and a leg slip.
Famous Slip Fielders
Rahul Dravid, Mark Taylor and Greg Chappell are regarded as the greatest slip catchers in Test history. Dravid holds the Test record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper. Jonty Rhodes and AB de Villiers were celebrated in shorter formats. Shane Warne deliberately placed himself at first slip during fast bowling so he could hold his key catches and maintain game awareness.
Frequently asked questions
How many slips can a team use?
As many as the captain chooses — there is no limit. In theory all nine fielders could stand in the slips, though in practice more than four slips is extremely rare except for the very first over of a Test.
What is the difference between a slip and a gully?
Slip is directly behind square on the off side; gully is more square — at roughly 45° to the bat, between the slips and point. Gully catches thicker edges and cut shots.
Should slip fielders dive for the ball?
Only when the ball is clearly out of reach from a standing position. Unnecessary dives are a leading cause of dropped catches in the slips — a shuffle step is usually faster than a dive for balls within a body-width.