The History of the Katchet
This was flying in the face of a world which knew no limitations, a world which flew to the moon and discovered Velcro and the internet. A world in which cricket had also made huge progress. Players were fitter, coaching techniques more sophisticated. Now, there was video analysis and bowling machines but when it came to fielding, the slip cradle was still the crusty king.
I wasn’t happy. I was bored and felt I’d stagnated. I needed something more for my personal development. I wanted new equipment and drills to hone my skills to help me towards world domination! Using everything I could find from tennis balls to rebounding nets, I eventually settled on the club roller. As old as my Grandfather and almost as creaky, it was the best catching practice around, but like a lot of old timers, it didn’t travel well and someone's back would go whenever it was moved. 
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So, I drew up a plan of what I would want from a fielding aid, with the roller as my inspiration. It had to be easy to use, portable, inexpensive, and versatile. I wanted it to mirror exactly the random deflections which occur during a game off bat or wicket. With the help of some wood, nails, glue and my father’s DIY skills, the ‘Ledge’ (as we called it then) was born. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, it was ugly, heavy and easily damaged.
Despite those early problems, it really worked. It was fun and I knew my game improved through using it. I was able to practice exactly what occurred during a game and do it easily and repetitively. The ‘Ledge’ was too good for the rest of the world not to benefit. With the help of a friend and some people who knew about manufacturing, the Katchet was born. Not without a lot of work, of course, building all manner of prototypes - but what has been finally produced is a fabulous product.
An early development model of the Katchet...the "Ledge"
I may be biased, but the world class players and coaches already using it are not. We pay nobody to use or endorse Katchet and it’s not just that we’re stingy Scots (although we are)! It’s because we want you to know that if somebody’s using it or talking about it, then their feelings are genuine. Enjoy training and experimenting with it and not straining your back when you pick it up! The King is dead... long live the Katchet!
Colin Smith Katchet Director |
