Cricket: Roller Ball

Players work in groups of 4-6 players. Two cones are spaced 10m apart. Player one stands between the two cones. Stumps are placed 10m away opposite both cones, in line with the cones. Players 2 and 3 both start behind the two stumps. Player one moves side-ways, from cone to cone, taking a catch on one cone and returning it, and performing an underarm pick-up on the other cone. Players take two balls on each side (total of 4) and then swaps over with one of the players behind the stump who in turn joins the rest of the group behind the far cone. Drill continues in this way...

For larger groups, with a minimum of 5-10 players. The first player (1) rolls the ball out diagonally for the player on the same side as them (2) to run out to, intercept and flick at the opposite stump. A player on the other side (3) backs up the ball and rolls it out diagonally for the next player on the same side as them (4) to run out and collect.

Two Teams of 6-11 people try to partner along the ground throwing the ball to each other. They are not allowed to move once they have the ball and to score they must hit the oppositions stumps. No one is allowed in the the square of cones at any time.

The player at the front of the 2 players runs to the cone with the ball picks up the ball and then places it on the other cone. They then continue to run to the other side to tag the waiting player. Once tagged the next player runs to the middle and moves the ball back to the first cone and run to the other side. The drill continues in this way.

Organisation Organise a group as shown in the diagram. On the command " Yes " the batsman runs up and down the wicket. At the same time players in Team B throw and catch the ball to each other. As the batsman completes the 2nd run the next batsman sets off. Count the total number of catches made when the last better completes the final run. Teams change over and repeat, the winning team is the one with the most catches. Progression Running singles or threes. One handed catches. Rebound catching. Equipment: 2 bats, 2 marked creases a pitch length apart. 1 ball (size and colour may be varied). Lines/cones for catching positions.

Divide the main group into smaller groups of 5 and organise as shown in the diagram. When the batter calls "Ready" the bowler bowls overarm at a target in line with the stump, 3 metres in front of the batter, with one player acting as a wicket keeper in case the batter fails to make contact. The batter should then hit the ball into the wall and try to make 2 runs  without being caught or run out.

The fielder behind the stumps rolls the ball out, player 2 picks up the ball and throws over the top of the stumps to the fielder behind the stumps. The process is repeated until player 5 goes who then continues their run to replace the player behind the stumps.

1) rolls ball out a short distance. 2) runs in, underarm flicks to 1) who catches ball. 1) puts ball down, runs back and tags 3) then 2) rolls ball out. Repeat process until all have had a go.

Throw ball round the square trying to hit the stumps. When the stumps are hit reverse the direction. See how many hits can be got in 10 mins or race another team. When you hit, all move round until you complete the square.

Set up as shown: two sets of stumps with a wicket keeper with a ball behind each. Two lines of players. The WK facing the two lines starts by throwing the ball out for player 1 to run out and catch Player 1 catches the ball and throws the ball over the stumps for the WK to catch. The second WK (player 4) now rolls the ball out for the fielder to run onto, gather and then throw at the stumps. Player 4 collects the ball and leaves it behind the stumps for the fielder. Players then rotate, with players 4 joining the back of the opposite line and player 1 taking up the role of second WK. Drill should be continuous.

Working in pairs with one ball per pair players throw the ball back and forth to each other. The object of the exercise is to hit the cone positioned between each pair using an overarm throw.

Organisation: Divide the group into 2 equal teams and organixe as shown in the diagram. The ball is rolled underarm towards the opposition's goal. 1 point is scored each time the ball passes between the cones and strikes the wall behind the goal. If sufficient space is available overarm throws (bounced) may be used. Equipment: 1 ball, and 4 marker cones.

Approach the ball at speed and as you get into line with the ball, twist your upper body, leading with the shoulder furthest from the ball. Bend both knees, so that the knee of the leg nearest to the ball touches the ground, but it is also next to the back of the heel of the other leg. With fingers down and head forward, pick up the ball and then stand back up ready to deliver an overarm throw.

Player 1 rolls the ball out, 2 intercepts and flicks at stump 2. 8 stops the ball and rolls it out towards 3, 5 then intercepts. After each throw, players run up the side and join the back of the queue. Note: The person who starts the practice with the first throw stays where they are until the next turn, then they throw and run up the side.

Player 1 starts on the cone with the ball and rolls the ball out for player 2 to run in and intercept the ball with two hands. Once player 1 has rolled the ball out to player 2 they then have to run behind the stumps to field the throw. After throwing the ball behind the stumps player 2 then stands on the cone, receives the ball back from player 1 and the drill can start again.

(1) runs in picks up ball throws over arm over top of stumps. Stops the rebound off the wall and then puts the ball down on spot, and then (2) goes. The first team to complete a whole cycle wins.

4 to 8 players per group. Player 1 rolls the ball out, while player two meets the ball and throws it to the passer who is now stood behind the stumps. Player 2 now runs to player 1's original starting place and repeats the drill with the next player in the line.

1) picks up the ball and must throw over the top of the stumps so the ball rebounds straight between the two cones. He stops the rebound and replaces the ball on the spot and then 2) repeats. First team to get 10 rebounds through the cones wins. If a ball goes outside the line of cones your score goes back to 0. Variation:- do not replace the ball, but when the ball hits the wall No 2) goes, and so on.

See how many consecutive catches the Wicket Keeper can take before he has to move or the ball bounces. If this happens put score back to 0. This can be done against another group, i.e. first to 15 catches without keeper moving.

5-6 batters and fielders are needed for this circuit. On the batter's call of "YES" the batters have to run two lengths while the fielding player 1 rolls the ball to fielder 2. Fieder 2 then runs in and throws the ball to the wicket keeper and tries to run out the batsman (1).