In the infield (or within the 30 yards circle) the basic duty of the fielder is to stop the ball and prevent any runs. Mark the spot you have been told to stand at by the captain and move in slowly in a slightly crouched position, as the bowler runs in to bowl.

Your eyes must be on the bat held by the batsman and the feet must be balanced equally, to enable movement in any direction. You may also watch the bowler in his run - up and then shift your eyes to the bat, as the bowler takes his action.

When a ball is hit towards you, decide immediately the line the ball is taking and the pace at which it has been hit. If you think it is going to stop short of you, run in to cut across the line of the ball and keeping either foot behind the line of the ball, bend and pick it up with both hands, keeping your eyes on the ball all the time.

When you're sure the ball is safely lodged in the hands look up at either of the ends and watch for a run out chance.

If the ball runs slowly towards you directly, run in straight and as you pick it, flick it underarm to the wicket - keeper. If the distance were greater, a sidearm throw would be needed.

The important points here are anticipating the line of the ball early, moving in fast and a sharp accurate throw without wasting time.

In the outfield (or outside the 30 yards circle) the aim of the fielder must be to prevent boundaries and limit the runs to the minimum.

Near the boundary line, when a single is certain the defensive approach to fielding is recommended. This is done by running to the ball quickly and then bending one knee close to the other foot and creating a barrier to the ball.

The palm is opened with the fingers pointing downwards and the ball is allowed to roll or bounce into the hands. When running to the left bring the right knee close to the left foot and when running to the right, place the left knee close to the right foot to create the barrier.

The eyes must be on the ball till it is picked up. The moment it is picked up get up into the throwing position and throw to the end closest to you.

In modern day cricket however, the running between the wickets have improved tremendously and so the attacking approach to fielding is generally favoured. Here you have to move in quickly and as you approach the ball, bend the body downward with the hands extended in front, palms open and the fingers pointing down. The ball is picked up with two hands or with one hand and thrown while still on the run, to the end most convenient or where there is a chance of a run out.

Watching the ball throughout and maintaining the balance during pick up and throw are the essentials to excel in ground fielding.