ICC Umpires Practical Training-Ball Pitching Judgment

Ball Pitching Judgment

Training Objective:

To increase the accuracy of judgment of where the ball pitches in relationship to the line of the stump.

Application:

Increased decision-making accuracy of LBW - ball either pitching in line or outside leg stump.

Process: (How are we going to do it?)

• The training illustrated in this document is took placeat indoor net facilities (ICC Global Cricket Academy) using one net space. The same type of exercise can be carried out in any similar facility with a bowling machine.

• One person is required to operate a bowling machine that has been set up to deliver balls around the line of the batsman in his normal stance. (Some training and instruction are required on the operation and use of the machine and is to be sought and provided prior to the module starting). The optimal speed and direction of the bowling machine needs to be also set up prior to the training session commencing - a guide speed of 75mph is recommended to replicate a fast bowler. Red plastic balls are to be used in this session. (It is optional to use white practice balls to simulate a limited over match). The colour of the ball is important to simulate match conditions applicable.

• The umpire will stand in his normal position behind the bowler’s end stumps and the Umpire Coach will stand next to him with the Recording Spreadsheet R1. The Umpire Coach records the balls individually as to the pitching call advised by the Umpire. The Umpire Coach will record all judgments on ‘Spreadsheet R1’ accordingly using the suggested legend codes …

OSL Outside leg stump

L Leg stump

M Middle stump

O Off stump

OOS Outside off stump

• The Umpire Coach is to ensure the overhead camera is set up at the bowler’s end so that they are just above the line of the umpire’s head, so that he can record the actual pitching of the ball in relation to the ‘mat’. He is to ensure each delivery is tracked / marked on video through the use of a scoreboard displayed front on. For example, before the first delivery is sent down the scoreboard will identify the umpire and ball number - ‘ball 1’, then ‘ball 2’, etc.up to ‘ball 12’ until the module is finished for that umpire. The recording speed of the video should be such that it can be slowed down to accurately assess the judgment skill of the umpire.

• The Coach should ensure that there is at least some variety in ball pitching line and length from the bowling machine. From an initial position where the bowling machine is over the wicket to the batsman to changing position to around the wicket and then varying the length from fuller length to shorter.

• Once the judgment activity session is completed, all participants and the Umpire Coach should go to the video room where the computer and monitor are located. The footage from the session should be reviewed and compared with the markings on the spreadsheet R1. The footage for each delivery should be viewed, actual pitching assessed by the Coach from the video and compared to what the umpire has ruled. Out of the deliveries, the umpire is to be given feedback as to their accuracy - judgment and technique reviewed and discussed.

• Consideration can be then given to redoing the exercise with …

  • The Umpire either standing closer or further back from the stumps

  • Reviewing the stillness of the Umpire’s head throughout the delivery

• It may be necessary to develop a screen template to lay over the top of the monitor to indicate the “pitch mat” so that accurate pitching judgment can be properly assessed - this will be venue specific depending upon what recording, and monitors are available for use.

• Another option is to run the “Silicon Coach” computer program and overlay the pitch mat stripes to also better assess where the ball actually landed.

• The umpire(s) is then to deliver feedback to the Coach as to the appropriateness and success of the training module and determine whether it should be repeated at a later date.

Training Tools/Time Required (What we need)

• 1 Indoor nets at the GCA

• One bowling machine (plus one operator if necessary)

• One bucket of at least 12 red plastic cricket balls (or white)

• One batsman kitted up

• One camera - from behind the standing umpire

• Meeting room with computer and screen (program to view footage)

• Recording spreadsheets, folders, and pens x 2

• Scoreboard(s) to indicate and record ball number on camera

• Practical training time required is approximately 10 minutes for umpire (depending upon how many deliveries)

• Review time in meeting room is approximately 20 minutes depending upon umpire / trainer outcomes and discussion.

Anticipated/Desired Outcomes For Umpire Coach

1. Accuracy of ball pitching position judgment

2. Confirm that the shorter the ball pitches, the less likely it is to pitch in line with the stumps unless there is significant in-swing. Needs to be a full length to pitch in line when there is an around the wicket fast bowler.