With the standard of fielding improving drastically all round the world in the last decade, it has become necessary to learn advanced fielding techniques to provide the team with an edge.

• The scenes where a fielder dives to stop a ball or take a catch are some of the most exciting moments of a cricket match.
• This has to be done only after much practice, as otherwise it could end up in an injury.
• To dive and stop a ball, throw yourself at the ball headfirst and hands outstretched. Take care to keep you head up and eyes on the ball as you land on your chest and the outstretched arm stops the ball.
• Bring your knees up and get into the throwing position as soon as possible after you have caught the ball cleanly. While diving to the right or left, try to land on the back of the right or left shoulder by hunching it a bit and then roll over to a position where you can get up and throw.
• The eyes should be on the ball for the longest time possible and the attempt made must either gather the ball in the hand or atleast block, it from going beyond you.
• While diving to take a catch, try to take it with both hands. If this is not possible, go for it with one hand.
• Take care not to land the elbow on the ground as this could make the ball pop out in a reflex action. Try to land on the back of the shoulder blade and complete the rolling motion to retain control of the ball.

• This is like the sliding tackle used in football. This can be used either while chasing a ball or cutting it off, on the left or right.
• This is done by throwing one leg forward as you approach the ball, with the other leg bent and tucked underneath it.
• Try to land on the thigh of the tucked leg with the leading leg straight. As you slide past the ball, pick it up and get into the throwing position.
• While chasing a ball to the left of you, the left leg is straight and the right leg is tucked beneath it and for a ball to your right, the right leg is outstretched and the left knee bends, tucking the leg under the right.
• While fielding close to the boundary, it is advisable to tap the ball inside, instead of picking it up, as the slide may take you into the boundary ropes and you give away a boundary if the ball is in your hands.

• A very key aspect of fielding is concentration. You must be alert every single ball, whether you are fielding close in or in the deep.
• Concentrate, staying relaxed at the same time and expect every ball to come your way. Know your bowlers well and the variations he possesses.
• Judge the condition of the pitch and the outfield and make necessary adjustments in your movements, to adjust to the same. Try to be always involved in the game and keep motivating and encouraging the others, as it helps you too.
• You must back up the bowler or the wicket - keeper whenever a throw comes in from the deep, to prevent overthrows. While fielding, try not to let your mind wander and watch the captain & bowler, in between each ball, so that you can move immediately when there are small adjustments to be made in the field placements.
• You must get the knack of relaxing the mind in between each delivery and then focussing your concentration again as the bowler runs in to bowl. This helps you to do better for a longer duration.
• It is advisable to catch a few balls and practice your ground fielding before the start of the match as this helps to keep the hands and body warm and allows you a feel of the conditions you are going to be fielding in.