Next time you need to get focused on your batting, try this ridiculously simple trick.

It's called "bounce, hit".

As the ball pitches, say "bounce" at the exact moment it bounces. Then when you hit it, say "hit" at the exact same moment.

This works because you have to focus extra hard to get the timing right between saying the words and the action. Instead of vaguely swinging at roughly the right time, you watch, swing and snap with new found purpose.

It's especially good during throwdowns at practice or before going out to bat, because the focus carries over to when you face bowling. In these moments, saying it out loud is best because you have to time the speech to the bounce and hit.

However, you can also use the same trick in the middle. Simply think "bounce, hit" to get for focus and timing when things feel a little out of form. You'll be surprised how quickly it gets you back in the game.

It's not a technical drill, so don't worry to much about how well you hit it, or think about you feet, head, hands or bat. Just say "bounce, hit" and focus on the ball.

A couple of the players I work with swear by this method as a pre-game throwdown warm up. They say it focuses their mind and gives their timing a boost before they have faced a ball.

For most people, a dozen throws like this is all it takes to get in the zone. Once you have nailed a couple you can move onto something else. Keep it short and sharp. If using it for pre-batting warm up, do it as close to walking out to bat as possible.

This tip won't make you into Kohli overnight. But it might give you the 1% difference you need to survive a difficult spell of bowling while you bat. And that gives you the chance to go on to make a daddy score.

Not bad for 10 balls!

Give it a go.