Close Catching

Catching Drill 1 – The Close Catch

Close catching usually takes place within 10 metres of the batsman.

Junior players are not allowed to field within 10 metres of the batsman in front of the crease, but they are allowed to field close behind the batsman. Close catching positions can have some unusual names, for example:

  • Slips
  • Gully 
  • Short Leg 
  • Silly Point 
  • Backward Point 
  • Leg Slip 
  • Fly Slip 
  • Silly Mid Off

Usually the word ‘silly’ is used to mean a variation of the normal fielding position but very much closer to the batsman; so close that protective equipment is often worn including a helmet and abdominal guard. However, only the wicket keeper is allowed to wear gloves.

When using close fielders it is important that the bowler bowls accurately as loose bowling can be hit aggressively increasing the risk of injury to close fielders.

In junior cricket at Lilleshall, your first experience of close catching will probably be in the slips. So how do you prepare for close catching – start with the base position.

Adopt the correct position

  • Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width apart and with knees bent.

Pages: 1 2 3 4