One of the most essential qualities for a batter in cricket is the courage to face fast bowling confidently. In this lesson, the focus was on using the bowling machine to simulate high-pace deliveries, progressively building reaction time and mental resilience. The aim was to develop Bhakhti’s ability to handle speeds of up to 70 mph, eventually increasing to an impressive 83 mph—the fastest setting I’ve ever used with any player. The session highlighted her remarkable progress, showcasing her strength of mind and cricketing spirit.
Pre-Movement Batting Trigger: A Foundation for Quick Reactions
The cornerstone of the session was refining Bhakhti’s pre-movement batting trigger. This trigger, a small but deliberate movement before the bowler delivers the ball, helps a batter stay balanced and ready to react. By starting early with this trigger, Bhakhti could establish a solid guard position before the ball reached her. This ensured she was poised to respond quickly to any type of delivery, whether it required front-foot or back-foot play.
We emphasized the importance of triggering early and then settling into her stance before the ball pitched. By doing so, she could stay composed and avoid unnecessary adjustments when the ball was in flight. The goal was to let the ball pitch and then play the appropriate shot, focusing on technique and shot selection rather than instinctively moving or flinching under pressure.
Building Courage: Gradual Increase in Pace
To help Bhakhti acclimatize to high speeds, the bowling machine’s pace was gradually increased throughout the session. Starting at 70 mph, we worked incrementally, giving her time to adjust to each new speed. This approach allowed her to build confidence and adapt her timing and reactions without feeling overwhelmed. By facing the increasing pace in manageable increments, she was able to confront the challenge head-on without backing away or losing her composure.
As the pace increased, Bhakhti began entering a state of flow, where she moved seamlessly, free from hesitation or fear. Her ability to remain calm and focused under such intense conditions was a testament to her mental toughness and dedication. By the end of the session, she was consistently facing deliveries at 83 mph, an extraordinary achievement for any batter, let alone a developing player.
Key Lessons: Focus and Flow
A significant aspect of this lesson was the mental focus required to succeed at such high speeds. We emphasized staying in the moment, focusing on the ball, and trusting the training process. Once Bhakhti entered the flow state, she wasn’t just reacting; she was anticipating the ball’s movement, demonstrating excellent timing and shot execution.
The key takeaway was the importance of blending technique, mental resilience, and gradual progression to overcome fear and master fast bowling. Bhakhti’s performance was not only technically sound but also a showcase of her cricketing spirit and determination to push her limits.
Conclusion
This session with Bhakhti exemplified the power of deliberate practice and a gradual approach to facing challenges. The use of the bowling machine helped her build courage, refine her reactions, and develop a mindset that embraces pressure. Finishing the session at 83 mph marked a milestone in her cricketing journey and underscored her potential as a batter capable of handling high-pressure situations with composure and skill.
