BATTING ESSENTIALS
TM
Cricket COACHING SYSTEM
SNAP & WRAP is the coaching language used when assisting players to develop a full wrap around swing.
SNAP & WRAP refers to use of the wrists and arms during the full swing of the bat used when playing the Cut Shot and Pull Shot.
ALL players need to develop a SNAP & WRAP swing
COACHING LANGUAGE:
SNAP THE WRISTS – WRAP THE BAT
CUT / PULL
(SNAP & WRAP SWING)
SNAP & WRAP explained
WRIST SNAP (BOTH HANDS)
This is the unloading of the wrist(s) providing the bat acceleration at the end of the bat swing (refer to Wrist snap concept).
SNAP & WRAP
This is full swing of the bat used for the Cut Shot and Pull Shot where both wrists snap during the contact phase to accelerate the bat into the hitting zone before the bat is wrapped around the body after impact to ensure full bat speed was maintained through the Hitting zone.
BOTH WRISTS SNAP
During the Cut Shot and Pull Shot, both wrists snap in order to accelerate the bat into the ball.
BAT SPEED
After contact is made, the bat is wrapped around the body to ensure that full bat speed is maintained through the Hitting zone of the shot.
WRIST SNAP
-v-
ROLL THE WRISTS
My preference is to use SNAP & WRAP language rather than using "roll the wrists" to describe the required movement.
How to establish the SNAP & WRAP Swing
METHOD
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Explain to the player the concept of the SNAP & WRAP swing and that the development of a strong SNAP & WRAP swing, is essential for power in both the Cut Shot and Pull Shot
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Demonstrate the movements associated with the SNAP & WRAP swing (or show Videos and Frame by Frame sequences provided further down on this page)
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Player to repeat the movements WITHOUT hitting balls – correct as required
NOTE
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The front elbow is one of the keys to this swing and the top hand must remain in control of the bat swing with the elbow high and away from the body
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The tendency will be for the bottom hand to take over the swing and for the front elbow to collapse beside the body – this will drag the bat down and force the blade to close too early before impact
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The coach should encourage the player to use both hands to control the SNAP & WRAP swing
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One way for players to get used to controlling the bat when completing a SNAP & WRAP swing is to use the Swing Path Training Exercise (refer to the section below)
SWING PATH Training Exercise
COACH – SLOW MO to REAL TIME
PLAYER – REAL TIME
The SWING PATH TRAINING EXERCISE is an excellent way to introduce the SNAP & WRAP swing as it encourages the player's elbows (especially the front elbow) to remain up and away from the body.
It can be a good idea for the coach to demonstrate the SWING PATH TRAINING EXERCISE for the player. If you are not able to provide a good demonstration, have the player watch the Videos provided in this section.
METHOD
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Begin this exercise with a set of plastic stumps and remove the centre stump
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Have the player take their stance while the coach positions themselves in-line with the player's back hip (the Hitting zone for a Cut Shot)
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Hold the stumps so that they are positioned between hip and lower chest high, with the open end facing towards the player
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Have the player try to swing the bat so that the bottom of the bat passes through the gap between the outer stumps
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Player to carry out the training exercise – correct as required
NOTE
Most beginning players will tend to hit the lower stump as they try to swing the bat through. This happens because the front elbow wants to collapse, dragging the bottom of the bat down, as the bottom hand adds the power. To successfully swing the bat through the stumps, the top hand needs to control the swing with the front elbow remaining away from the body.
SNAP & WRAP discussion
