Anticipation in Cricket Fielding: Reading the Game to Save Runs

Anticipation — the ability to read where the ball will go before it is hit — separates good fielders from great ones. Fielders like Jonty Rhodes, A.B. de Villiers, and Ravindra Jadeja consistently save more runs than their peers because they are already moving when the bat hits the ball rather than reacting after contact.

Reading the Batter

Watch the batter's feet and body position as the bowler approaches the crease. A front-foot stride toward off stump signals a likely drive through the covers or straight. A back-foot movement signals a cut or pull. An open stance with weight on the back foot in T20 suggests a pre-meditated slog. This information lets the fielder lean in the right direction before the ball is bowled.

Reading the Delivery

Watch the bowler's wrist and arm angle as well as the batter. A full delivery outside off stump is likely to be driven; a short ball on middle will be pulled. A slower ball will draw a mis-hit. Processing delivery cues simultaneously with batter cues allows a fielder to move a split-second earlier than those who only watch the bat.

The Ready Position

Anticipation is only useful if the fielder is in a ready position to move. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of the feet, knees slightly bent, hands low and relaxed. This athletic position allows movement in any direction within a fraction of a second. Flat-footed or upright fielding positions increase reaction time significantly.