In this episode, we dive into one of the most commonly repeated — yet misunderstood — pieces of batting advice: “Watch the ball.” We explore what that really means and how cricketers can improve their ability to see and track the ball more effectively through techniques borrowed from baseball and other sports.

You’ll Learn:

• Why just telling batters to “watch the ball” isn't enough, and learn what elite players actually do when they're watching it. You'll hear why many dismissals happen because players lose sight of the ball at a crucial moment.
• How shifting between a soft focus on the bowler’s body and a hard focus on the ball’s release point helps players track the ball better. These techniques, rooted in baseball, can transform how cricketers perceive and react.
• How keeping your head still improves both depth and speed judgment.
• How to improve your ball-tracking ability beyond match play — including apps, drills, and slow-motion practice. It’s not just about reflexes; it’s about awareness and training your visual muscles.

Key Takeaways:

• Soft and hard focus work together
  Soft focus helps you gather general information about the bowler's body and movement, while hard focus allows you to zero in on the release point. Switching between the two is a skill that can be practiced and developed.
• Not all bowlers are the same
  Facing bowlers with slingy or sidearm actions makes ball-tracking much harder. This is where a flexible visual strategy becomes essential.
• Stillness improves visual clarity
  A still head allows you to better judge line, length, and speed — it’s not just about technique, but perception too. A moving head can distort how fast the ball appears to be coming at you.
• Vision training is crucial
  Like any other physical skill, your eyes and focus can be trained. From net practice with slow-motion to using baseball-inspired vision apps, there are many ways to develop this edge.

Quotes:

“Soft focus is the wide gaze on the bowler; hard focus is locking in on the release point.”

“Not all bowlers present the ball cleanly. Some you lose it before you even pick it up.”

“Your eyes are muscles — they can and should be trained.”

Find James on:

• Instagram: @jamesbreese
• Twitter: @_jamesbreese

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