The term ‘backing up’ has several meanings. When a fielder is chasing a ball, another fielder who is at a farther distance moves into position, so that if the fielder mis-fields the ball, minimum loss of runs occurs. Secondly, if a fielder is receiving a throw from the outfield, another fielder behind him moves into position, so that if the throw is not caught or is wayward, much damage is not done. Thirdly, the non-striking batsman leaves his crease during the delivery to decrease the distance to complete 1 run. Such a batsman increases the risk of him getting run out by the bowler or a fielder.
