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 Ground fielding-and-throwing Drill

Community | Game Warm Up - Simple Field and Throw

Todd Pinnington Coach, Australia

Created 2 days ago

DESCRIPTION

2 Part Fielding Warm Up This is for a pre-game fielding and throwing warm up. Phase 1: Simple pick up & return over stump Phase 2: Once players shouders are warmed up the Hitter & WK calls either Over the top (return throw to them) OR "RUN OUT" (throw at the stump at the pugg net) - Ball Pick up & return over stump - Simple shot at stump

COACHING POINTS

Set up Pugg net with 1 rebound or fusion stump Set up a stump on either side of Pugg net (3 - 5m) 1 stump a WK with a bunch of balls on the other a Hitter with mitt Set a cone out in front of the WK & one in front of the Hitter (reasonable distance to warm up throwing) WK rolls balls out to their cone & fielders simply clean pick up & return over top of stump. SAME for the HITTER with the mitt. Fielders simply swap group after their throw in. THE HITTER WITH MITT CAN ALSO HIT HIGH OR FLAT CATCHES ONCE PLAYERS SHOULDERS WARMED UP. The Hitter with Mitt & WK can call to the fielder in their group OVER THE TOP & they throw return over the stump or RUN OUT & they throw at the stump at the pugg net.

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

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