Cricket: Sweep

Help your players to find the gaps and keep the other team guessing in this intelligent batting session - working on shot selection and strike rotation

This drill can be done in pairs/groups of three (minimum one batter and one feeder required), with six tennis balls per pair/group.

Batter plays shot from one knee and progresses to ordinary stance when competent in the kneeling sweep position.

The types of feed should be rapid fire feeds, where hands only move, and balls are fed quicker. Move onto the types of sweep below, hitting:

1. Orthodox sweep
2. Paddle sweep
3. Slog sweep
4. Reverse sweep

Feeds need to be altered slightly here, quicker for the paddle, and wider and more looped for slog sweep.

Looking to hit ball towards mid off

Quick feet from the batter are essential when getting to the ball.

When advancing down the wicket, batter must aim to keep head as still as possible, and eyes level.

Batter needs to be in a still position by the time they make contact, and well balanced.

Encourage player to loosen bottom hand upon impact, and maintain their weight into the shot by leaning forward not back. Bat following through straight s key, with a ‘checked’ follow through not full. This will help direct the ball to mid off.

11 fielders (including 1 bowler and wicket keeper), with 2 players batting and two padded up, waiting to bat.

The 2 batters have one over to chase the target score successfully.

If the players lose one wicket, they have 5 runs added to the required total. If they lose two wickets, they are both out.

Their first over target score is 6 runs, then if successful, this increases by 1 every over. (6, 7, 8 and so on...)

If players are unsuccessful in the run chase, they are out, and the next two batters come in.

Bowlers rotate ends they are bowling from and fielders should be encouraged to get between the overs quickly.

The aim of this game is for your players to make 10 catches without any of the players being touched by the opposition whilst holding the ball.

If touched the ball goes to the other team and they can then try to complete 10 passes.

The first team to take the 10 catches whilst staying in the grid wins.