Take the stance with the left foot in line with the off stump or a little outside so that you get the full view of the bowler in his run - up. You should be just close enough, so that your gloves reach the stumps even if you move a step sideways down the off side or leg side.

While in the stance, the pads or cap should not touch the stumps and the head is steady & close to the off stump. If the batsman is taking the middle or off stump guard, it is advisable to stand a bit wider. Coming out of the stance:

As the bowler gets into the delivery stride, raise your hips slightly and balance evenly on the balls of your feet.

After judging the line of the delivery, the knee must straighten slowly and the moves to cover the line of the line, all the time staying down.

After the ball pitches, the bounce has to be judged and the body straightened so that the ball is gathered at about waist height.