Cricket: Group coaching for the back foot defence

The Coach throws each player 3 balls which they should aim to hit towards the left or right target.

• If the ball is successfully hit towards the target the batting player must complete 2 runs.
• If a boundary is hit then the batsman gets another ball.
• If you leave the ball you get another ball.
• If you hit behind or outside the coned area you are out (or minus 4 runs)

Split your group into two teams, with the coach feeding the ball. There are two ways you can play this game:

1) All players have 4 feeds each.

Players are out after their 4 bowls or if they are caught out.

2) Players bat until they reach 20 points, at which point they retire. Players score a point every time the ball is played between the cones.

 

3-5 people stand in each net, with one bowler and the others waiting to receive the ball.

Each bowler bowls 24 balls with the batsman getting 3 consecutive balls.

If the batsman decides to leaves one of the balls then they may have another ball.

On receiving 3 balls the batsman must join the back of the queue.

Layout for the game
1. Play as teams (5-8 a-side) or individuals (6-10 players).
2. With chalk or disks, mark out the fielding positions available.
3. Make sure the marks are 4 paces away from the batsman.
4. Short leg must be slightly deeper: 5 paces.
5. Slip or gully in normal position for cricket.
6. Coach must feed when possible (to save arguments).
7. Feed ball on one knee, 7 or 8 paces away.
8. Encourage fielders to shout \"Howzat\" when a catch is taken.
9. Set up the game and do a quick demonstration.
10. Give a batting order.
11. When using more than one team, make it a mini tournament. Winners play winners, losers play losers.