How Young Cricketers Can Improve Length Picking in Batting
- May 24
- 4 min read
Why Going Forward First Makes Batting Easier
One of the biggest challenges for young batters in cricket is picking length early. Almost every young player struggles with deciding whether to go forward or back - and usually, the problem is not technique alone, but understanding how length actually works.
At FCCA (First Class Cricket Academy), we spend a lot of time helping players improve this skill because good length picking is one of the foundations of successful batting.
Why Length Picking Matters
Every ball a batter faces requires a quick decision:
Is it full enough to go forward?
Is it short enough to go back?
Or is it somewhere in between?
The difficulty is that these decisions happen in fractions of a second.
The good news is this:
If you are going to make a mistake, it is usually safer to make the mistake by going forward rather than going back.
That is a very important concept for young players to understand.
Why Going Back to a Full Ball Is Dangerous
If a batter goes slightly forward to a ball that is a little shorter than expected, they are often still okay.
They might:
Get hit on the pads
Get hit on the body
Defend awkwardly
Or simply adjust late
But they are less likely to get out.
However, when a player goes back to a full ball, suddenly a lot more dismissals come into play:
LBW
Bowled
Caught behind
Caught in the slips
This is why coaches often encourage young players to look to get forward first.
That does not mean planting the front foot blindly. It means having a mindset that makes batting safer and more adaptable.
Understanding Bowling Release Points
Another key part of length picking is understanding the bowler’s release point.
For a bowler to bowl a fuller delivery, the ball is generally released from a slightly later point.
For shorter balls, the release is usually earlier.
This is where many young players struggle: their brain is often waiting to see the short ball before reacting - but by then, it is already too late.
Instead, players should:
Look to move forward initially
Read the release point
Then adjust back if needed
This creates a much more balanced and controlled movement pattern.
“Stop and Watch” - A Simple Analogy for Young Players
At FCCA, we often explain this concept using a simple real-life example.
Imagine crossing a road.
What do your parents tell you?
“Stop and watch.”
You stop first, assess the situation, and then move.
Batting works in a similar way.
Instead of pre-deciding to go back, players should:
Stay balanced
Watch the release
Then react
This allows the brain more time to process the ball correctly.
Great Players Reduce Their “Good Length”
Top batters are exceptional because they reduce the area where bowlers can trouble them.
Their:
Forward movement is sharp
Backward movement is efficient
Length picking is consistent
This is why elite players spend so much time practising against:
Seam bowling
Spin bowling
Bowling machines
Variable bounce surfaces
They are constantly sharpening their reactions.
Drills to Improve Length Picking
1. Seam Bowling Practice
Facing real bowlers helps players learn to read:
Wrist position
Release point
Seam presentation
2. Bowling Machine Work
Bowling machines are excellent for repetition and improving reaction speed.
Especially useful when practising:
Back-of-length adjustments
Front-foot reactions
Spin and turn variations
3. Front Foot First Drill
A simple but effective exercise:
Player initially looks to move forward
If short, they adjust back quickly
Helps train safer decision-making
The Key Message for Young Batters
Length picking is difficult for everyone - even professional players make mistakes.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is to:
Improve reactions
Reduce errors
Make safer decisions
Train the eyes and brain together
And most importantly:
Length picking only improves through repetition and quality practice.
The more balls you face with the right mindset, the better your judgement becomes.
Train Smarter with FCCA
At First Class Cricket Academy (FCCA), we help young players develop:
Better batting fundamentals
Stronger decision-making
Match awareness
Advanced batting techniques
Our coaching sessions focus on real player development through structured drills, technical understanding, and game-based practice.
Explore our coaching programmes at:https://www.fccaltd.co.uk
You can also check out more coaching insights and cricket development articles in our news section:https://www.fccaltd.co.uk/news
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FAQs
Why is length picking difficult in cricket?
Length picking happens extremely quickly. Batters must judge the ball’s length immediately after release while also preparing their movement and shot selection.
Is it better to go forward or back as a young batter?
Generally, it is safer to make a mistake by going forward rather than going back to a full ball, which brings more dismissals into play.
How do professional players improve length picking?
Professional players practise repeatedly against seamers, spinners, and bowling machines to sharpen their reactions and improve decision-making.
Can bowling machines help with batting reactions?
Yes. Bowling machines are excellent for improving timing, reactions, and movement patterns because they allow consistent repetition.
How long does it take to improve length picking?
It takes regular practice over time. Consistent exposure to quality bowling and structured drills gradually improves a player’s judgement and reactions.
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