Latest news with #technique
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The 5-second fan hack that quickly cools your hot car down and makes your air-con blow twice as cold after
THIS five-second fan hack will quickly cool down your hot car and make your air-con blow twice as cold after. The handy technique could prove to be your summertime saviour as temperatures soar across the country. 1 It's never nice climbing into a scorching motor after it's been sat underneath the sun. It's even worse when you have to wait for the air-con to kick in for what seems like an eternity. But this simple hack will ensure a comfortable drive when you hit the roads. Quick cooling hack Before setting off on your travels, make sure to roll down your windows and whack the fan on for a short time. This will push the hot air out of your vehicle and allow the cooler air to circulate. It can also help get rid of toxins that build up from the interior materials after prolonged exposure to heat and releases any hot air trapped in the vents, boosting your air con's performance. Once the car has cooled down enough, you can then roll your windows back up and turn on the air-con. This circulates the cooler air more efficiently meaning you can enjoy a comfortable temperature inside your car twice as fast. Other hacks But that's not the only hack to reduce your car's temperature. Your motor's air recirculation button can be highly effective during those hot summer months. Drink-drive limit 'set to be slashed' in new road safety plans as drivers brace for 'biggest shake-up to rules in years' You can find the universal symbol for air recirculation on your dashboard which shows the outline of a car with a curved arrow within it. It effectively recirculates the cooler air already inside the cabin rather than sucking in warmer air from the outside. It can cool your car quicker and puts less of a strain on your air-conditioning, helping you to save cash. It can lower maintenance costs and can delay the need for a re-charge which could cost anywhere between £50 to £200. On that note, you should also ensure that you've cleaned and serviced your air-con too. It will keep the air fresher and maintain optimum cooling inside the cabin while also preventing the accumulation of bacteria and mould. And it goes without saying, but where you park your car can also have a big impact on your car's temperature. It can often be overlooked but parking your car in the shade is a great way to prevent heat building up in your car. You could consider using a sunshade on your windscreen or even tinting your windows which will keep your car cooler with some added privacy. How to keep cool in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep Just last month, motoring experts shared some essential advice with The Sun on keeping your car cool in the summer heat. You can make your air-con blow twice as cold too with this Amazon essential motorists are calling a "game changer". And motorists should also be wary of what they leave in their car as experts have urged drivers to remove six items when it's hot.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The rookie ‘gnat' who has been one of the Commanders' training camp standouts
One of the best plays in the Commanders' mistake-filled, three-phase disaster against the Patriots on Friday night was one of the more basic man-coverage situations in football. A receiver runs a go route and the cornerback sticks with him, leaving no separation to catch the ball. Basic. Yet, Trey Amos's coverage of Mack Hollins on a deep ball was exceptional for many reasons, one of which has been lauded repeatedly by Amos's teammate, Marshon Lattimore. Advertisement 'He's got some great technique,' Lattimore said after the Commanders' joint practice with the Patriots last week. 'Whoever taught him that, he's really showing it out here.' It's the footwork and use of hands that have stood out, coupled with speed and instincts to know where the ball is going and how a receiver will move. Amos, a second-round pick just beginning his NFL career, does it all with polish, playing more like a veteran than a rookie. 'Just being a guy that disrupts timing with the receivers, just being a gnat — being everywhere the wide receiver goes and not being able to catch a ball. That's the mentality I have,' Amos said Sunday. After the Commanders selected Amos with the 61st pick in the draft, general manager Adam Peters admitted the cornerback was in the mix of players they considered taking in the first round before they ultimately chose Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Amos played for three college programs — Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi — over five years, a journey that made him versatile in both position and scheme. He's primarily a press corner but excels in zone coverage, too. He's physical at the line of scrimmage, has the makeup coveted for his position — 6-foot-1, 195 pounds — and boasts 4.43 speed. 'He's earned everything he's got and he's a guy whose play style is really, really what we want in a corner, ' Peters said during the draft. It's just the beginning for Amos, but so far he's proved Peters right. He's been one of the most consistent players throughout camp and the preseason opener. During a time when every play is magnified (often too much), Amos has shown consistency in the fundamentals, with his patience and feet. 'I really learned it in college,' he said. 'Growing up, I was a quarterback. My first time playing cornerback was in college, so my cornerbacks coach at (Louisiana) started with patience and being patient at the line and just working at it. That's where I got it from.' Advertisement Amos said he's always watched an array of veteran cornerbacks to try to add pieces of their game to his own, and he praised the contributions of the positional coaches at each stop in college: Jeff Burris and LaMar Morgan at Louisiana, Travaris Robinson at Alabama and Bryan Brown at Ole Miss. 'All of them upgraded my game,' Amos said. Dan Quinn didn't hide his feelings about his team's play against the Patriots on Friday, telling reporters afterward that the mistakes and penalties 'burn my ass.' But he refrained from saying much more, keeping most of his real criticism until the day after, when the team meets for 'Tell the Truth Monday' — or in this case, 'Tell the Truth Sunday.' Players and coaches review the mistakes (and positive plays) in detail, then use the afternoon for correction. This stretch, however, has posed an interesting challenge. The Commanders have 10 days between their preseason opener in New England and their second preseason game against the Bengals on Aug. 18. So to break up the monotony, Quinn will hold a makeshift scrimmage, dividing the team — players, coaches, football staff, equipment managers and even the athletic trainers — into two squads: Team Burgundy and Team Gold. On Tuesday, the teams will face off, with the winner earning nothing more than bragging rights. 'Part of it is developing leaders — there will be different play-callers as we're going through it — but it's also about competing,' Quinn said. 'Different looks, different matchups.' The game kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Washington will incorporate some situational work, to give the feel of a joint practice, but with one team. The scrimmage will be the first live work the Commanders' starters have had since their actual joint practice five days earlier. Almost all of them were held out of the game on Friday, and players were off on Saturday. The Commanders had a brief unpadded, helmets-only practice on Sunday afternoon and an even shorter helmet-less 'jog-through' on Monday. Quinn roamed the field with a microphone and called out various situations, but Jayden Daniels didn't throw during most of his rest reps, punter Tress Way didn't punt, kicker Matt Gay didn't kick and there was little that resembled actual live football. Advertisement The Commanders lost tackle Lucas Niang only a week after signing him. The 26-year-old suffered an ACL injury in the loss to the Patriots and was placed on injured reserve on Monday, along with cornerback Kevon Seymour, who suffered an apparent leg injury in the game. If Friday's loss revealed anything about the Commanders, it's that work is clearly still needed and their depth is questionable, especially at receiver and linebacker. The team has been without its top two wideouts, Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, for all of camp. McLaurin is holding-in while seeking a new contract and Brown is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in minicamp. And the remaining receivers (not named Deebo Samuel) had a slew of drops and mistakes in Friday's game. Yet when the team tried out 14 players on Sunday, none were receivers. Seven were linebackers, three were defensive backs, three more were offensive linemen and one was a defensive end. The team ultimately signed three players — LB Duke Riley and CBs Essang Bassey and Antonio Hamilton — to add competition. The Commanders' linebacking corps is led by Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, but competition for reserve roles remains wide open. The Commanders worked out 14 players today: 7 LBs, 3 DBs, 3 OL, 1, DL. No receivers. — Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 10, 2025 The team had high hopes for Jordan Magee, a 2024 fifth-round pick, but he's been out with an injury and didn't travel to New England. Dominique Hampton, another 2024 fifth-rounder who didn't play any defensive snaps last season, struggled against the Patriots and was released on Monday. Riley, a third-round pick by the Falcons in 2017, now joins sixth-round rookie Kain Medrano and undrafted linebackers Ale Kaho and Kam Arnold in vying for a job. 'We just thought it was time,' Quinn said. 'We just felt like we needed another player.' Advertisement Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has played sparingly in camp because of a lower leg injury. He was spotted tossing the ball to the side of practice on Sunday, but he hasn't returned to team drills since the start of camp. Asked about his concern level with Mariota, Quinn said: 'When there's a long time out, there's always more (concern). I wish he was out here all the time, but I know he's able to throw and he's working to the side and we're getting closer, but we're just not there yet.' Quinn said he would provide updates on Tuesday concerning Mariota, Brown and the others who have missed a number of practice days because of injury. In the span of 13 months — from March 2024 to last April — the Commanders signed eight kickers, each time hoping to find reliability, especially from beyond 50 yards. Matt Gay is the latest, having joined the team in April after it released Zane Gonzalez. Gay was consistent in camp, but missed his first kick, a 49-yard attempt, in the loss to the Patriots. He missed another during practice on Sunday. Asked if the team has considered bringing in another kicker for competition, Quinn acknowledged it was a fair question but promptly shut down any speculation. 'It's not where we're at,' he said. 'We've got a lot of faith and belief in Matt and there's a lot for us to get better at. At that position, it's technical and you gotta make sure the issues are really strong and really capable to go, and I'm certain he'll do that.' Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
My girlfriend and I were romping in kitchen when she suddenly pushed me off… her mind-blowing confession left me crushed
GUYS - want to know the secret to being an Adonis in bed? It's not what you think. Everything you've learned from porn? Wrong. That jackhammer move you've been perfecting - hard, fast, relentless? Big nope. 5 Here's the real secret to what gets me going every time - and it's backed by science, not some dodgy browser history. I was reminded of the four X-rated moves this week after hearing from a reader whose massive trouser snake is turning into a massive problem - for him and his girlfriend. Turns out, size isn't everything… but technique? That's what really counts. I'm The Sun's Sexpert, and in my no-holds-barred sex series this week, I reveal how to have great sex – no matter what you're packing. Q. I've been with my girlfriend for six months and thought our sex life was amazing. Every time we had sex she'd orgasm… or so I believed. Last week we were getting busy in the kitchen when she suddenly yelped in pain and pushed me off. I asked her what was wrong and she burst into tears and told me my penis was too big, and it actually hurt when we had sex. Suddenly, all those moans and cries I'd taken as signs of intense pleasure twisted in my mind. She hadn't been in ecstasy. She'd been in agony. I was absolutely crushed. Not only because she'd been faking it for months, but because I thought women loved the fact that I'm well endowed. Georgie answers your quickfire sex questions Now everything I thought I knew has been a lie. I'm 9 inches erect and pretty girthy, too. To add salt to the wound, my girlfriend went on to tell me that she actually prefers tiny penises. My mind was blown. She says she loves me and wants to make it work, but I feel totally crushed by this. What can I do to get my confidence back and satisfy her in bed? Georgie says: Contrary to common belief, having a big member doesn't necessarily make you better in bed. In fact, I've spoken to loads of couples over the years where the bloke's packing serious meat - and it's been more of a problem than a perk. The average length of a vagina canal is actually three to four inches long, whereas the average penis size is about 5.17 inches when erect - so it's no wonder some women find bigger sizes uncomfortable. I took this age-old question to my Instagram followers to finally put it to bed – and the nation was completely split. Half said they're all about a big schlong, while the other half insisted it's the motion in the ocean that counts. Turns out, when it comes to size and satisfaction, there's no one-size-fits-all – because everyone's different when it comes to what feels good. But if you're on the larger side and it's causing you a few issues between the sheets, there are lots of positions which can help women control the depth of penetration - making it more pleasurable for them. What's more, there are FOUR scientifically proven sex moves that are guaranteed to hit the spot - and the best part? Size doesn't matter. Make foreplay the main event Did you know that the vagina canal expands when it's aroused? This is due to more blood flow to the area - making it MORE comfortable for penetration. So, if you are well endowed, you need to make foreplay the main meal, not the starter. Take your time. Think lots of kissing, toys and teasing… you can never spend too long on foreplay. Smooth operator Over 70 per cent of women reported greater sexual satisfaction when using lube - especially when sleeping with men with big trouser snakes. This is because a larger penis can create more friction during sex, which may be uncomfortable or even painful for a woman – especially if there's any dryness. The solution? Lube, lube, lube. A good water-based or silicone-based lubricant can make all the difference. Apply generously and top up as needed to keep things smooth and enjoyable for both partners. I'm obsessed with this cheeky bottle from LoveHoney, priced at £7.64. Choose positions wisely Doggy style and missionary might be your go-to positions, but if you're packing a few extra inches, they can quickly go from pleasure to painful. Instead, opt for positions that give the receiving partner more control over depth and angle – like girl-on-top, spooning, or side-lying. These let them set the pace and adjust as needed, making the experience more comfortable and more pleasurable for both of you. Go slow and check in The jackhammer approach might look impressive in porn, but in real life – especially if you're well-endowed – it can be seriously uncomfortable. So, you'll want to adjust your moves and your toolkit. Start with slow, shallow thrusts and pay close attention to your partner's cues. Is she moaning enthusiastically or wincing in pain? Yelps of pleasure = good. Grimacing = time to reassess. Check in throughout – ask how it feels, and don't take it personally if she asks you to slow down or switch things up. Great sex isn't about ego – it's about listening, adapting, and making sure you're both enjoying every second. Try the four-gasm moves 5 There are four X-rated sex moves that are scientifically proven to hit the spot. Angling (no, not the fishing kind) involves the woman adjusting the tilt of her pelvis – rotating, raising or lowering it – to find the perfect angle for maximum pleasure. Rocking is all about slow, steady grinding, usually with the woman on top, moving back and forth rather than thrusting up and down. This actually works better if the guy stays still and helps keep constant pressure on the clitoris – and trust me, it works. Shallowing focuses on controlling the depth of penetration, stimulating sensitive nerve endings near the entrance of the vagina – often overlooked, but majorly effective. And finally, Pairing – combining penetration with clitoral stimulation, either using fingers or a sex toy. With over 75 per cent of women unable to orgasm from penetration alone, it's all about offering a helping, ahem, hand.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
8 Tips For Using Chopsticks Like A Pro
Chopstick mastery is all about technique, muscle memory, and cultural curiosity. For most people, the sharp learning curve is accompanied by slivered noodles, dropped dumplings, and achy fingers — but it need not be so tedious. With a solid plan and a bit of consistency, using chopsticks can become second nature. Far more than a utensil, chopsticks are deeply ingrained in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and other cuisines. Using them correctly is to show respect, not just for the food, but for the tradition, too. Learning begins with a small series of steps, such as the ideal material to begin with. Then comes the practice required in holding the grip itself — but no worries, we'll tell you exactly how to start from the very first step. Gradually, you will develop the dexterity and muscle memory required for precision. Technique, however, is only part of the picture. Manners are important too. Most everyday folks are not aware that certain things as seemingly innocuous as how you place your chopsticks into a bowl, can potentially be a sign of disrespect in most Asian cultures. These are not regulations — these are an interpretation of tradition. The following is a practical, no-nonsense guide to gaining some confidence and competence. We'll cover the variations in chopstick etiquette from country to country, offer ideas on how to practice in everyday contexts, and provide tools that make learning easier for beginners. Whether you're preparing to travel or just need to level up a life skill, these tips can offer a hand. Read more: 13 Chinese Restaurant Chains, Ranked Worst To Best Choose The Right Material While it might be tempting to use the prettiest pair of chopsticks or whatever a restaurant has on hand, not all chopsticks are created equal, especially for a novice. The most forgiving chopsticks for a novice are wood and bamboo. They tend to have more texture and friction, helping keep food in place without slipping. In contrast to plastic or lacquered varieties, which can be smooth and slippery, wood and bamboo are easier to grip and won't slip in your hands as much. Many disposable chopsticks found in takeout meals are often made of soft birch, and while they're not ideal for long-term use, they are a decent starting point if you're learning on the fly. Plastic and metal chopsticks are often favored for durability and design, but they're better suited for experienced users. Metal chopsticks, like the flat stainless steel ones used in Korean cuisine, are especially tricky at first. They're thin, smooth, heavy, and require far more dexterity. Some lack texturing or grip, meaning food can simply slide out -- especially if you're still getting the hang of finger placement. If you're new to using chopsticks, look for beginner chopsticks with textured or ridged tips. There are even "training" chopsticks available with finger guides or soft connectors to help newbies develop muscle memory. When grip and movement become second nature, you can graduate to sleeker materials. But to start, stick with wood or bamboo — they offer the best balance of control and comfort. Learn The Correct Grip As a prelude to learning more sophisticated chopstick moves, you first need to learn how to hold them. Grip determines everything; it establishes your precision, comfort, and control. The majority of newbies tend to use a grip that creates tension in the wrong areas or makes the chopsticks harder to maneuver. It's worth taking note of finger positioning early on so you don't have to unlearn it later. The most common grip method you'll notice is to hold one chopstick in place — putting it into the groove between the thumb and index finger, braced by the ring finger. This chopstick does not move much. The top chopstick, however, is governed by the index and middle fingers only, pivoting up and down in a pincer action to retrieve food. Visualize it like grasping one end of tweezers in one hand and the other end in the other; the one glides, the other does not. This is standard in Japan and China, though accurate finger position does differ slightly as a result of chopstick length and width. If mechanics are frustrating you, there are many visual tutorials and video lessons available online demonstrating correct hand placement in sequence. Some will even give specific instructions according to hand size and the type of chopsticks you're using. Practice With Larger, Dry Foods Once you have the basics of grip down, it's time to gain some dexterity and confidence by way of practice. Diving headfirst into a bowl of rice or a plate of slippery noodles as a beginner will be discouraging. That's why dry foods — especially those that are solid and easy to grasp — are perfect for practicing. Start with large, easy-to-pick-up foods such as carrot sticks, broccoli florets, or chunks of cooked chicken. These have a larger surface area and won't slip as readily, so you can play around with getting a feel for how to move your chopsticks. Once you're comfortable picking those up, go for more difficult, small foods like almonds, popcorn, or crackers. The goal here is to build the dexterous movements involved in guiding the top chopstick while keeping the bottom one steady. Dry foods allow you to practice that without the extra frustration of slickness. Dried beans and lentils are also other options; they're small, hard, and not oily, so they're ideal for honing your accuracy and finger dexterity. Practicing daily, even just for a few minutes, helps develop rhythm and reduces hand fatigue. It's not just about eating — it's about coordination and consistency. With time, your fingers will move instinctively, and you'll be able to enjoy meals without thinking twice. Master The Pinch And Pivot One of the most important mechanical principles involved in chopstick use is getting a handle on the pinch and pivot. Even though it seems as though both sticks are about to move as a single unit, only the top chopstick should ever be moving. The bottom stays stationary — grasped between your thumb and the base of your ring finger or nestled between your index and thumb, depending on the size and shape of your hand. The top chopstick is where the magic happens. You control it with your middle and index fingers, levering it up and down. This is what allows you to pick up, pinch, and hold onto food. If done right, your hand shouldn't be shaky or strained — just a smooth, coordinated motion between a stable base and a pointed top stick. Beginners typically make the mistake of moving both chopsticks together, which leads to clumsy, inexact manipulation. It's tempting to want to stuff food between two moving sticks, but it isn't efficient and is much harder to control. Visualize working with a pair of tongs where one arm is fixed. You need stability on one side to guide and grip effectively with the other. Try practicing with a variety of textures and sizes of dry food. Try the motion slowly, then increase your speed as your confidence grows. As your hand adapts to the correct motion, you'll find the "pinch and pivot" becomes muscle memory. After some time, it will become second nature. Practice Daily To Improve Your Motor Skills As with all skills involving fine motor coordination (learning a musical instrument, penmanship, or tying shoes), mastering chopsticks simply requires practice. The more you use them, the more natural and automatic they'll feel. Even a few minutes each day will build the muscle memory and coordination necessary for confident movements. Start by consuming small snacks around the house with chopsticks. Pick up crackers, pretzels, or sliced fruit while watching TV or working at your desk. These low-pressure moments are perfect for experimenting with grip, speed, and control without the stress of trying to eat an entire meal in a restaurant (with a date's eyes on you). Don't limit yourself to food, either. Improve your chopstick skills by using them in settings outside of mealtimes. Try to transfer paperclips from one cup to another cup, or pick up buttons or dry bean. These exercises are finger strengtheners, hand-eye coordinators, and pinch-and-pivot refiners. Practicing every day won't just improve your dining experience; it can even help improve fine motor skills during adolescence. It can also be helpful for adults. A Korean study in physical therapy found that working those small muscles with regular use is great for dexterity, especially in non-dominant hands. The key is consistency. Build it into your routine, and within a few weeks, you'll likely notice smoother motion and better control. Chopsticks may feel clumsy at first, but with repetition, they'll start to feel like an extension of your hand. Avoid Etiquette Faux Pas Learning to use chopsticks isn't just about technique; it's also about learning the rules of etiquette surrounding their use. In many Asian cultures, the way you use your chopsticks says a lot about the respect you have for the food, the meal, and the company. A single misstep may not faze everyone, but it's nice to know the basics. One of the most important rules is to never stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl. In some East Asian cultures, including in Japan, this evokes a ritualistic presentation following funerals. It's very inappropriate to do this at the dinner table. Put your chopsticks beside the bowl or on a chopstick rest (called a hashi-oki in Japanese cuisine) instead. Don't point with your chopsticks or use them to gesture while talking, either. It comes across as hostile or rejecting. Passing food from one set of chopsticks to another is also a big no-no in Japan, where this replicates a part of a cremation ceremony. If you must share food, it's more courteous to place it on a plate or offer a serving spoon. Even the way you lay down your chopsticks matters. Don't cross them on the table — it's generally associated with death or bad fortune in China. If there is no chopstick rest, lay them parallel across your bowl or plate neatly. By learning about and paying attention to these etiquette rules, you get a richer understanding of the cultures that created chopsticks in the first place. Study Style By Country Although chopsticks might seem universal, the way they're used — and even their build — varies significantly across East Asia. To truly be a chopstick master, it's helpful to know how technique and etiquette vary from country to country, whether in Japan, China, or Korea. In turn, this will make you more adept, and also demonstrates cultural awareness and thoughtfulness when dining. Chinese chopsticks are long. They are typically squared at the gripping end and rounded at the tip, making them ideal to dip into shared dishes placed in the center of the table, which helps facilitate communal eating. The grip style is fairly relaxed, and functionality is more important than accuracy. Japanese chopsticks are shorter and narrow to a fine point. This gives greater accuracy in handling foods like sushi or sliced sashimi. The shorter length is also suitable for the Japanese custom of single, plated dishes rather than communal ones. Korean chopsticks are different in that they're often made of metal and are flat, not round. This originated from royal court dining practices and subsequently spread out. And because metal is heavier and more slippery than wood or bamboo, Koreans often use chopsticks with a long-handled spoon. Being familiar with the basics of each nation's chopstick etiquette not only makes one more informed, but also allows one to easily blend in at social and cultural dining events. Each tradition has its own rhythm — learning them is a mark of true gastronomic expertise. Try Training Tools If you're still not able to get used to chopsticks, don't panic! That's where training aids come in handy. They assist you in learning the correct technique without the exasperation that usually follows during first attempts. Chopstick training, which is typically intended for kids but just as useful for grown-ups, utilizes flexible connectors or silicone bridges to hold the sticks together. This allows you to work on finger movement and coordination without worrying about the sticks falling out of sync. They're perfect for working on the "pinch and pivot" motion, enabling you to build control and muscle memory along the way. A second easy-to-find aid is a rubber band. Wrap it around the tops of the sticks near the gripping end, then insert a small paper ball or napkin fragment between the sticks near the bottom. This creates a spring effect, helping to duplicate the proper motion of chopsticks with much less effort. Once you get more comfortable, you can remove the aid and grip them alone. These tools are especially helpful for folks working on motor skills, beginners, or anyone exasperated by the sharp initial learning curve. They're inexpensive, easily found on the internet, and subtle enough to work on at home or at your desk. Using chopstick modifications really isn't cheating. Think of it as a smart way to accelerate your learning. Eventually, your hand will naturally default to the correct positioning. Training tools bridge the gap between awkward and intuitive. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Solve the daily Crossword
Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Times
Ben Stokes knew how to expose Sai Sudharsan — but Jamie Smith let him off
For a long time the coaching from which I now derive so much pleasure disappeared from my life, but then, about nine years ago, a sudden change in employment status precipitated a return to it, initially at my old school, Monmouth, and I did so tentatively, very aware that power-hitting was raging and that in many quarters old-school technique had become old hat. Within minutes of the first net session something stood out like a sore thumb: every single batsman was standing with their bat raised, as the likes of Tony Greig and Graham Gooch had once done as exceptions to the rule. Now everyone was doing it. It was a quite remarkable change, and the schoolboys were merely copying the professionals. Some batters will now tap their bat and then raise it long before the bowler reaches his bound, but those who keep it grounded until ball release are few and far between, with India's Cheteshwar Pujara being a rarity in doing so. It is a conversation I have often had with the former national selector Ed Smith, who does some coaching of youngsters, and he always urges them 'to tap the bat!' So what a joy to see the tall Indian left-hander Sai Sudharsan batting at Old Trafford, tapping his bat on the crease as players used to and creating a lovely, languid flow to his strokes. Watching him was to be transported back in time (Rishabh Pant does not stand with bat aloft but he is hardly old-fashioned). It was a method that, on Sky Sports, was remarked upon by my colleague Mike Atherton, and it was interesting that when he asked Dinesh Karthik, a coach as well as a commentator, how the bat-raised or bat-tapping techniques relate to T20, the response was that actually Sudharsan's was the better. That will have surprised many because it flies against all the baseball and power-hitting thinking, but the reason Karthik replied as he did is that, when a player taps the bat on the ground, they simply have to take their hands back a long way to play any kind of attacking shot, thus being able to generate significant momentum in the backswing and therefore considerable force through the ball. Just think of Viv Richards. Those who begin with hands high sometimes do not move them a great deal thereafter and therefore eschew any rhythm and then lose power. There is, though, a downside to standing as the 23-year-old Sudharsan does, and that is that the propensity for his head to topple to the off side. That brought about his downfall in both innings of his Test debut in the first Test at Headingley, in the second innings chipping to mid-wicket with a heavy head, and in the first innings caught down the leg side for a duck. Sudharsan missed the past two Tests, having been replaced at No3 by Karun Nair, but on his return for a second Test appearance that was how he should have been out here, as, when he had made 20, he was dropped by the wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off the captain Ben Stokes. Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager. It looked like a deliberate plan by England as they bowled from round the wicket and this ball was full and well down the leg side, as Sudharsan attempted to flick it with his hands well away from his body, simply because, with his head off kilter, he had to guess as to the exact line of the ball. It was a bad drop by Smith, not least because the one he had taken from the same batsman at Headingley was a much harder chance, and it will doubtless have caused the Ben Foakes fanclub to find its querulous voice, but it was an isolated error and Stokes made a point at the end of the over of giving his stumper a tap on the back that was both encouraging and commiseratory. Stokes fancied dismissing Sudharsan with the short ball anyway, applauding the batsman when he pulled a boundary and very nearly inducing a glove to leg slip the next ball. And the reinstated left-arm spinner Liam Dawson also fancied him from over the wicket into the rough, just as he had earlier snared Yashasvi Jaiswal, caught at slip. But a wristy drive for four through cover indicated Sudharsan's dexterity against the twirlers, confirmed by a similar stroke off Joe Root to pass his maiden Test fifty, just as much as a pulled four off Jofra Archer, with front leg high up in the air. A back-foot punch off Stokes demonstrated his class against pace. The longer Sudharsan batted, the more balanced he appeared, until a Stokes short ball did eventually do for him, and the more he made a case for a return to some old ways, which may just not be as outdated as some presume.
