How early should pre-season batting work begin?

Ideally, structured batting practice should begin six to eight weeks before the first competitive match. The first two weeks can focus on fitness and shadow work, with throwdowns and net sessions introduced from week three. This gives batters enough time to work through the full progression without rushing. Starting too late means players enter the season with their technique still under construction.

Should pre-season nets be indoors or outdoors?

Both have value. Indoor nets offer consistent conditions and are available regardless of weather, making them ideal for the early stages of pre-season when technical work is the priority. Outdoor nets introduce natural variation in bounce and movement that better simulates match conditions. Transition to outdoor practice as soon as the weather permits, ideally in the final two to three weeks before the season starts.

How do you keep pre-season nets interesting for experienced players?

Introduce challenges and scenarios. Set target scores, simulate match situations, or create competitions between batters. Use throwdowns to target specific weaknesses rather than random bowling. Film sessions and review footage as a group. Experienced players respond to purposeful practice far better than repetitive net sessions without structure or feedback.

What is the most important technical element to focus on in pre-season?

Head position. If you could only fix one thing in pre-season, make it the position and movement of the head. A still, balanced head that moves towards the line of the ball solves or masks a multitude of other technical issues. Conversely, a head that falls away or moves laterally creates problems that no amount of hand-eye coordination can consistently overcome. Film every batter from the side to check head position early in pre-season.

HOME Cricket Community Batting Mechanics Drill

Community | NEW Under 11's "not getting out"

Daniel Parry Coach, Wales

Created 2 days ago

DESCRIPTION

4/5 players in a net (dependant on if trialist's are still with us). Looking at using 3 net lanes to keep participants active. Batsmen start with 10 points (lives), with these points being deducted for certain errors. Once a batsmen has lost all lives them their innings is over. A batsmen will lose all points if they are bowled and if they are judge to be LBW. A batsmen will lose 2 points if they edge a ball to the slips, if the ball hits the back net. A batsmen will lose a point for hitting the ball in the air. Any form of reward for bowlers? To begin with there will be no rewards for bowlers. But if bowlers need focusing and need further engagement then a point system can be applied. 10 points for Bowled/LBW, 2 points for finding the edge of the bat. or 1 point for making the batsmen play a loose shot.

COACHING POINTS

Skills to be worked on during this session: Front foot defence Back foot defence Leaving the ball Off stump awareness

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