Developing Game Plans for Different Bowlers

“Players cannot just walk out to bat and play the same way on each occasion. They need to assess the wicket, the bowling, the state of the game and the range of shots they are able to effectively play”


Information and Background
One of the most important skills for a batter to develop is the ability to adjust to different situations over the course of the game. In too many instances players have only one mode of play and cannot alter their game in accordance with the situation presented to them. This inflexibility is known as being “one paced”. Schoolboys are commonly one paced players and attempt to play each bowler they face the same way rather than making different plans for the different opponents. The aim of this article is to provide the player with information on how to develop this part of the game and the concepts and ideas they need to understand to develop their game.

When players talk about knowing their own game they are referring to this ability to adjust to different situations - taking the least amount of risks while scoring the maximum number of runs. The philosophy we are attempting to impart is that of “risk management”. Players are required to choose the options that can provide the maximum number of runs with the minimum amount of risk.

Risk (of being dismissed) < - > Reward (runs scored from each ball)

Batting is merely the assessment of the situation with the player determining the ball that is delivered and the risks involved in playing a stroke against the ball. The best players in the world are able to make the choices making giving the maximal number of runs while taking the minimal amount of risks for dismissal.

Strengths Weaknesses of the Batsman
Each batsman has their own strengths and weaknesses. Players need to determine which strokes they play the most effectively and implement them into their ‘standard’ game plan. It is important players are not looking to play strokes that are outside their ability to execute. Most players, with a little self analysis, have a strong understanding of the areas they are strong and weak in.

This process can be helped through the completion of the Activate Batting Assessment.


State of the Wicket
The state of the wickets also needs to be assessed in developing game plans for different batsmen. The player must be watching the game to determine how the wicket is playing. This assessment should allow the player to choose which shots they should, and subsequently should not be playing. Not assessing the state of the wicket and making relevant changes is one of the primary reasons why many players are dismissed.

An example of this is if the wicket is playing slowly then the player needs to be looking to score from the back foot rather than looking to drive.

Type/Quality of the Bowling
Logically the type and quality of the bowling also has a significant effect on the game plan the player attempts to institute. Batters need to assess the bowling that is being presented and determine the most effective method to score runs using the batting strokes they have listed above. It is generally simple to assess the quality of the bowling and determine where you are going to get the deliveries to score runs from.

There are a few simple questions that can be asked:
• Are you going to be looking to play off the front foot or the back foot?
• Which bowler in the attack is the easiest to score from?
• Are you a good player of spin, if so are you taking the majority of deliveries from this bowler?


State of the Game
The state of the game is also important in determining the game plan for the match. There are a range of match situations that may alter the way the player looks to play. An example of this may be the fall of a wicket and just before a break in play. Players should speak to their coach regarding the state of the game and what the player should be doing for the team in each of the situations that present themselves.

An example of this would be that shortly before an interval or the close of play batters should be looking to close down play and minimise their risk of dismissal.

For more information on developing game plans please contact one of the coaches at the Centre on the details provided.