Cricket: Ian Bell - Coming Down The Wicket

Ian Bell was famous for having the best cover drive in world cricket.

Batters should always be looking to score runs. When a bowler delivers a half-volley, it should be scored off and the best way of doing this is by playing the cover-drive.

Watch this drill to see how you can coach your players to drive like Bell!

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter and one feeder minimum required. 6 tennis balls per pair/group.Feeder stands 4 meters away from batter, feeding ball as a drop feed, with arm out horizontally, and standing on the batters off side for safety. (adjust height of arm depending on height of feeder, and speed of batter to ball)Batter must use their feet and move down the wicket, meeting the ball on the second bounce, before hitting the ball through the cones.

PROGRESSIONMake target smallerAllow player to hit over the top (aerially) – still keeping shape of shot and not leaning back or hitting to hard/to the leg side.Alter distance batter has to advance to get to the ball.

A forward defense is played to a good length delivery. It's a defensive type of shot and therefore the amount of runs scored from it is irrelevant

Set up for the practice
1. Set up the practice as shown in the diagram.
2. Target area: 10 metres away from the batsman - safety.
3. Target area 10-15 metres wide. Fielders stand between markers.NOTE: For better players target area should be further away and more narrow.
4. Mark out parallel lines on the floor to show line and length of the ball.
5. Ideal numbers for groups is 4-6 players - Maximum activity.
6. Thrower stands 10-12 paces from the batsman.
7. Thrower says Bat up!, then throws a bobble ball, which bounces more than twice below the batsmans knee height. (Underarm feed standing up.)
8. Each group has 3 balls.
9. Ideal duration of the practice: 25-35 mins.