The Crouch
The crouch is a position that is applied by the wicket-keeper to ensure they are in the best possible position to stop/catch the ball effectively also know as the 'Take'. A good stance helps in being balanced and has good mobility to take a catch behind or a stumping.
- Crouched, slightly to off side of batsman (left foot in line with off stump)
- Weight on balls of feet.
- Head still, eyes level.
- Relaxed Stance.
- Hands pointing down, fingers together.
"L" Take
This take is good when the ball is pitched up to the batsman and is a good or full length, so the wicket-keeper just moves to the side to take the ball. This will only be applied to a slow/medium bowler or a spin bowler as the ball will not carry if the wicket-keeper was standing back. This is also a deterrent to stop the batsman using his feet (hopping down the wicket) as they may be stumped if they miss the ball and are out of their crease.
- Start in the wicket-keeping crouch position.. as the ball is delivered.
- Your head and body in line with the ball.
- Hands/ body rises with the bounce of the ball.
- Hands cup together (so there's no gap) and give to the side of the body with the ball.
- Watching the ball at all times.
"K" Take
This take is good for short of a length delivery of a high bounce so you move back and across in line with the ball. Going back gives you more time to react with the ball to catch it and gives you the ability to bring the ball back in one continuous motion to stump the batsman.
(Fareham and Crofton Cricket Club, n.d.)
- Start in the wicket-keeping stance.. as the ball is delivered.
- Step back and across (depending on the line of the delivery.)
- Rotate body, taking the ball outside of the body to 'give' by rising with the ball.
- Bring the ball back to the stumps for a stumping.
- Watch the ball at all times.
(Fareham and Crofton Cricket Club, n.d.)