Being a batter is never an easy task, if you want to be a successful and brilliant batter in cricket the most crucial step is to judge a line and length in batting. Being a cricketer you must already be roughly aware of what it is. 

 So, you must be aware that by mastering this technique, you can master the perfection of shot selection, footwork, and timing. All of this will collectively contribute towards your batting performance on the field.
 

What is Line and Length in Batting 

So, first, we will introduce you to the words Line and Length, their significance in cricket, and how they help you master the skills of batting. Basically, line and length are referred to the placement and distance of the ball thrown by the baller.  

Although the initiation and actions are related to the baller they have direct relations of post actions to the batter. Understanding them is important as it allows one to judge the move of a batter that they have to opt for and understand the mindset of the baller, or what the baller is planning to do with his moves.  

Understanding Line 

The line is actually referred to the direction of the ball while keeping the stumps in the center of concentration. Line in cricket is basically of three types –  

1. Off Stump Line – This is the line that is supposed to be outside or near the off stump.  

1. Leg Stump Line – This is the line that is aimed along the leg side of the batter or stump. 

1. Middle Stump Line – As the name suggests, it goes quite differently from the name it is near or at the right side of the batsman.  

Understanding Length  

In simple words, if anyone wants to understand it, this is basically the distance between the batter and the distance at the pitch where the ball pitches. The length is basically of four types –  

1. Short Length – As the name suggests these are the short length balls that are the nearest to the ballers.  

1. Good Length – These are considered to be ideal for the ballers as the batter has no idea at all of where to position their foot and what should be their next move. 

1. Full Length – This is the length nearest to the batters and hence is considered to be the full length. This allows the batter to prepare for the attack or drive shots.  

1. Yorker Length – This is the actual full-length ball as it strikes the ground at the foot of the batter.  

1. Bouncer Length – This is a short lengthened distance on the pitch covered by the ball, but is with high strength and is mainly aimed at the upper body parts of the batter.  

How to Judge Line and Length  

Since now you are fully aware of the line and length of the ball and their types, it is time to introduce you to the key elements to judge line and length. We from here will guide you step by step so that you can master the technique of knowing line and length in cricket.  

1. Focusing on Ballers Hand –  

The first thing that one needs to pay attention to is the baller’s hand moment and point, especially at the time he releases the ball from his hand.  

What you need to really focus on is the angle of his hand, the seam position of the ball, and also the movement of the wrist to study the delivery the baller is about to provide you with.  

1. Pick the Ball Sooner –  

Now by this point, we don’t actually mean to pick the ball, instead, we advise you to keep your focus on the ball while considering the hand gestures as well as spot the ball and its whereabouts the moment it leaves the hand of the baller. For this purpose, one needs to practice the quick eye movement exercise so they can be really sharp in this field. This will help you in keeping track of the ball.  

1. Knowing the Pitch Better – 

The delivery of the ball depicts a lot of things, which come to be very helpful for the batter, all one needs to do is keep an eye on the ball. The ball delivery explains if the field is bouncy, flat, or turning through this one can depict the length of the ball.  

1. Understand the Strategy of Baller –  

Through the line and length of the ball, one can easily judge the baller, all one needs to do is study the line and length from the past few deliveries and recognize the pattern or mind of the baller which explains the kind of ball he is planning to deliver next.  

How can you Improve the Judgement of Line and Length? 

Since now we have explained everything related to Line and Length and till now you as well must have cleared up your doubts, but a single doubt or problem you might have left in your mind and that is how to improve the judgment of line and length.  

So now we will proceed to clear this doubt of yours –  

1. Throwdown Practice –  

You can practice this at different speeds and angles so that you can improve your judgment by actually witnessing it closely yourself.  

1. Bowling Machine –  

You can put bowling machines to very good use, which are set to deliver the balls at different angles and positions as well as varying speeds. This will also help you to judge the delivery keenly. 

1. Train yourself Visually –  

You can take your time in watching videos of the expert batters as well as ballers focusing on the line and length formula, this will help you to choose the shot and what actions to opt at sudden moments. 

FAQs  

Ques – Which pitch is good for batting? 

Ans – A hard pitch is considered good for batting.  

Ques – Which pitch is bad for batting? 

Ans – Dry pitch is considered bad for batting.