5 new fielding techniques that have developed in the recent past

Preemptive movements by close catchers

The close-in fielders have to be on their toes at all times

With the swift nature of the game, it is imperative for close catchers to be on their toes at all times. Part of it involves anticipating the kind of shots a batsman will play, and being a step ahead.

Certain shots, such as the paddle sweep or the ramp shot, require shaping up to play the shot, which gives the fielders an indication as to where the ball might go. We are now seeing close in fielders, such as first slip and short leg, follow the batsman’s shot and move in a more vantage position to take a catch.

A video grab of Smith running towards the vacant leg slip position to complete a catch.

Steven Smith took a catch of Fawad Alam by running from first slip towards the leg slip position to gobble up the former’s sweep shot, in an ODI against Pakistan in 2014.