Does it Hurt to Catch a Cricket Ball? (Warnings Included)

Cricket is often considered as an ideal sport mostly played by international players and, of course, by exuberant youngsters. And just like other sports that make use of a ball, such as volleyball, basketball, and baseball, cricket also involves the use of a ball. 

The cricket ball is often batted by the batsman at a certain distance to be caught by the player. On that note, does it hurt to catch a cricket ball? 

Catching a cricket ball does not hurt, but it all depends on your concentration and confidence. You could sustain minor injuries on your hands if you become afraid of the ball and lose focus. Nevertheless, you can still catch the ball even if it travels at high speed without experiencing any pain. 

Professional cricketers have emphasized the need for maximum concentration to play effectively. You need to conquer your fear of the ball and muster up enough courage if you intend to play cricket without getting hurt. 

Does It Hurt To Catch a Cricket Ball?

Many cricketers are always afraid of the ball due to the dreadful consequences the player bears if they are struck by it. Well, who wouldn’t be terrified when a strong flying ball is approaching to wreak havoc! Admittedly, catching a cricket ball (outside the boundary) that’s batted harshly will hurt.

Consequently, you could hurt your fingers or fracture your bones due to the force applied to your hands by the ball. However, fear is the root cause of the pain most cricketers experience on the field.

 You need to overcome your fear to become an expert player. Subsequently, you can practice different techniques that will enable you to catch the ball at different angles. 

Plus, the key to reducing the pain of the ball is relaxation and focus. You can do yourself some good by inhaling deeply and exhaling before playing a match. Your main focus should be centered on catching the ball, and you should ignore other complicating thoughts.  

How To Catch a Cricket Ball Without It Hurting?

Catching a cricket ball tends to be a great challenge to many young cricketers who are not yet experienced in the sport. You might even come across some players missing the catch and running away from the field due to fear of the ball. 

Nonetheless, there are simple procedures you can easily adapt to catch the ball. When the ball is batted in your direction, you can keep your hands near your body rather than stretching out your hands to catch the ball. This action will help you besteer the ball, lessen the time taken to catch it and reduce the pain inflicted by the ball.

 Newbies usually adopt the wrong techniques when catching the ball, and this results in pain and injuries. Notwithstanding, you can do well by practicing the right techniques suitable for a perfect catch. 

Also, you can consult a professional to improve your cricket skills and become an outstanding player.

Why It Is Difficult To Catch a Cricket Ball?

A cricket ball is usually more difficult to catch than a tennis ball or a football. This is primarily because the ball has an enormous momentum due to its great mass. As a result, many young players new to cricket find it quite difficult to catch the ball without dropping it. 

Despite its weight, you can still catch the ball by observing the batsman. And accurately determining the speed and time at which the ball will get to you. It’s also important for you to increase your speed and creativity when catching the ball. You can move your fingers up or down to catch the ball. 

What Happens If You Get Hit By a Cricket Ball?

We cannot simply ignore the fact that cricket balls are as hard as a stone and may be used as weapons. Currently, many batters and close fielders put on protective gears just to prevent unforeseen injuries. 

This proves that cricket balls are indeed dangerous and can be used to hurt a person. Well, if a cricket ball hits you, the outcome is certainly not pretty as you could sustain major injuries that will land you in the hospital. You will also suffer a contusion which will further escalate to inflammation.

 For instance, there was a case in the West Indies that took place in 1962. An Indian batsman had an early retirement after being hit on the head by a cricket ball. Similarly, an Indian cricketer is known as Raman Lamba also died due to the same reason.

 Hence, it is advisable to keep cricket balls out of reach for your kids’ safety. They might play with it and could end up hurting themselves or someone else. Cricket players are always advised to tread with caution and put on protective wear that will protect them against the effects of the ball.

 Although this does not guarantee the player’s safety, it goes a long way to reduce the impact that is exerted by the ball. Ignorance of this requirement will only lead to detrimental health problems, further leading which could further lead to an early grave. 

For instance, if a batter enters the field for a match without his helmet, the ball could hit his head or eyes. This could lead to brain hemorrhage or permanent blindness, which will keep you out of the sport for a lifetime. 

What Are Some Common Cricket Injuries?

I bet you’ve never thought of cricket as a dangerous sport that leaves its players and bowlers with a few injuries. Averagely, 10% of the bowlers and players sustain minor injuries during cricket with constant batting, catching, standing, etc. 

An injury gotten as a result of a cricket match can be quite unpleasant and could potentially end your career. It’s inevitable to sustain injuries during this sport due to the constant movement of the hands and arms.

 Well, there are many injuries players experience during cricket, but which ones are more common? Alright then, let’s find out! 

1. Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain 

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles in the shoulder that are injured during cricket. It frequently occurs in cricket and affects both the batsman and the bowlers. This shoulder injury is mostly as a result of an unexpected forced movement precisely in a difficult position. It can also be due to overloading of the shoulder joints. 

This term generally describes the pain in the rotator cuff muscles, tendons, and surrounding tissues. The pain experienced by players suffering from this injury is excruciating. You can perform some exercises to reduce the pain. Alternatively, you can consult a physiotherapist for further help. 

2. Contusions

Contusions are often caused as a result of the effects of a cricket ball. The player will experience pain and swelling in the affected area. And these are obvious signs of inflammation; an increase in the redness and swelling of the affected area shows the damage length.

 If this is not appropriately handled in the early stage, it can lead to other unwanted health issues. For instance, it could lead to joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and in the worst-case scenario, even death! 

Contusions have different grades of pain; they are numbered from 1-3. The most crucial of them is grade 3, which could lead to players taking some time off from cricket to receive treatment. A hit on the head or eye could be fatal and, as such, should be avoided at all costs! 

3. Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is commonly caused by running between stumps and taking different directions. The ligaments located in the ankle could be harmed if a lot of pressure is exerted upon them. The ankle is usually a firm joint due to the ligaments surrounding it. 

Unfortunately, when excess force is mounted on the ankle, the muscles, in turn, fail to prevent the damage of the ligaments. You can seek immediate help from the medical personnel in the field and visit the hospital if the pain persists. 

4. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain frequently occurs with bowlers that are very fast in the field. During this strenuous exercise, you put a considerable amount of pressure on your body, and most of this pressure is drained by your back.

 Trust me, back pains are extremely excruciating, as it puts a temporal hold on most of your daily activities. The only good thing about back pains is that they don’t cause further health problems, as long as it is controlled on time. 

5. Hamstring Strain 

This happens when your foot is planted on the ground during bowling or during the action of running between stumps. These activities both demand speed and reduction in acceleration, and these conditions are exactly what leads to a hamstring injury.

 Rehab is the best remedy to correct this injury. You can also go for a quick run during the early hours of the morning. 

6. Wrist and Hand Injuries 

The nerves and joints tend to receive most of the effect of the large cricket ball that travels at distinct velocities. You could incur temporary hand paralysis and might be unable to use your hand for a while. You can do well to get an ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling. 

7. Thrower’s Elbow

This injury is also known as “Medial Epicondylitis,” which occurs due to the constant batting of the cricket ball at high velocities. This mostly happens to bowlers who suffer immense pain from their inner elbow. This injury should not be taken lightly as it could permanently keep the players and bowlers away from cricket. 

How Do You Treat Cricket Injuries?

When an injury is sustained from cricket, it’s best to go for a checkup in the hospital or nearby pharmacy. Delaying treatment could lead to devastating consequences which you wouldn’t want to deal with. 

Coupled with this, you could become physically challenged if you fail to seek immediate help. Well, how then can you treat cricket injuries? You can get an ice pack to cool the affected area and compress the area.

 If it persists for a long time, go to the hospital and consult a specialist, you can also consult a physiotherapist for more specialized treatment. A cricket rehabilitation program is best for a speedy recovery. Regular exercises such as warm-up and cool-down exercises will go a long way to reducing muscle strains. 

And these strengthening exercises will also reduce lower back pain and side strains for both bowlers and players. However, If you seek immediate help due to the injury, get a first aid box and treat the injury. You can also call the attention of your teammates to help you out if you are gravely injured. 

How Do You Prevent Cricket Injuries?

It is often emphasized that prevention is better than seeking a cure, and this terminology is also applicable to cricket. Although safety is not 100% ensured, it is best to carry out safety precautions to prevent injuries. 

With players catching the cricket ball and bowlers running between stumps, how exactly can you prevent these injuries? You can put on safety gear and dress fully prepared for a cricket match.

 A shin pad, arm guard, gloves, and customized shoes are compulsory for every cricket player. The wicket keepers are the only people permitted to put on a helmet which is also an added advantage to prevent any hit on the head or eyes. 

Subsequently, you can practice physical preparation by warming up your body and stretching out a bit before you start any cricket match. This helps to prevent muscle pull, muscle cramps, and other related problems. 

Similarly, continuous practice will sharpen your skills and mold you into a professional cricketer. Increased practice in batting, bowling, and fielding techniques will undoubtedly go a long way to prevent certain injuries.