Most batters, despite some denials, experience significant anxiety before taking the field during an intense game. So, if you’re experiencing the same thing, know that you’re not alone.
How can we maintain composure under these circumstances? If you’re a batsman, one of your goals at the crease should be to remain as calm as possible, and we’ll show you how to do just that in this piece.
Spend Some Time Visualizing And Shadow Batting
It’s important to get your head in the game before you go up to the plate; shadow hitting and visualization are two great ways to achieve this.
You can practice shadow-hitting anywhere and don’t even need a bat. It’s like practicing your strokes against a wall instead of a bowler. By imagining yourself facing a nice length delivery on and off your stump line, you may practice the stroke you would play to such a delivery.
You may get your body moving and your head in the correct place by doing some shadow-hitting before you walk out to bat for real. If you’re having trouble concentrating and staying calm, consider taking some CBC oil. Taking even a few drops might help you concentrate and relax.
Have Faith In Yourself And Keep Repeating Positive Things
When used effectively, positive reinforcement may have a dramatic effect. It’s as if our minds are playing tricks on us when we’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed. We are compelled to consider the numerous negative outcomes of our present circumstances rather than the many favorable ones.
Instead of letting negative, anxious thoughts take control, we may tell ourselves encouraging things over and over again. This may be done silently or aloud; the important thing is that we constantly remind ourselves to take pleasure in the moment rather than endure it.
Take Several Deep, Calm Breaths
Keeping your breathing in control is an excellent method for releasing some of that jittery energy, and there are a few simple breathing exercises you can try. When anxious or nervous, you can breathe more quickly and shallowly than usual.
You may break rid of that frame of mind by engaging in some targeted breathing exercises and forcing yourself to breathe slowly and carefully. In times of high stress, this is especially important since it aids in delivering more oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body.
Keep Your Eyes On The Ball
The phrase “watch the ball” is repeated in many professional players’ heads every time the bowler nears the crease. This is a fantastic method for blocking out any distractions and putting all of your mental energy toward the present delivery and ball movement.
After some time, it will just become second nature to you. Your ability to respond swiftly to the ball will suffer if you spend mental energy worrying about the bowler’s speed, your head posture, or what your team will say if you go out for a duck. When we boil the act of hitting down to its barest elements, our ability to track the ball becomes crucial.
Final Words
When it comes to an intense game, almost everyone feels nervous. You may be as anxious as you want, but you still have to keep an eye on the ball as it leaves the bowler’s hand and be prepared to adjust your stance, footwork, etc., for every single ball. Batting is a struggle against the bowlers, not against oneself; all you have to do is be calm and know that you are calm.
