Cricket: Taking a Straight Ball

Set up as shown in the diagram. Groups of 4. One ball per group. Three players form a triangle with one player in the middle. The first player throws the ball and the middle player tries to catch it, if they do then they can move on to the next person. If they drop it they have to throw the ball back to the same person and repeat this until they do catch it.

Setup the practice as shown. The bowler throws the ball underarm towards the wicketkeeper. The batsman can either deflect the ball, leave it alone or swing at the ball and miss it (on purpose). Rotate positions after ten throws. Wicket keeper may want to wear a helmet as a safety precaution.

Get your players to work with with one ball in groups of 3. The player with the ball stands behind the other two players, who have their back to him. On the command of "Now" the player with the ball throws the ball. The two catchers have to turn quickly and try and catch the ball before it bounces. Rotate players after 10 throws.

Setup the practice as shown. Split the squad into groups of 4. The bowler throws the ball wide of the wicket-keeper to encourage them to dive to take the ball. The two other fielders are there to take the ball if the wicketkeeper misses the ball.

Divide the main group into smaller groups of 4 and set up as shown. The ball is thrown to the wicket keepers (person in the middle) right or left for them to dive onto the mats. The two players behind the mats are back-up fielders.

Divide into pairs and set up the activity as shown in the diagram. From a measured distance behind the stumps, the wicket keeper runs up to the wicket and catches 5 consecutive throws from a measured distance thrown by player 1. After each take, the wicket keeper returns to the starting point. When taken, the ball is dropped into a container. 5 attempts and then change roles.

Split the group into teams of 4. Setup as shown above. The bowler throws the ball at varying lengths and directions for the wicketkeeper to catch. The batsman intentionally plays and misses at the ball to try and distract the wicketkeeper. If the wicketkeeper misses the ball then the player shadowing him catches the ball.

A match intensity drill to help improve keepers all round skills and concentration. Player ideally work in groups of 3. Feeder sets up 10 yards from batter. Feeding over-arm off one knee, the feeder aims to bounce the ball on a length. The batter looks to play the ball, intentionally missing it/ playing the inside line of the ball. Wicket keeper aims to take the ball cleanly and then returns the ball under arm to the feeder.

Divide the group into pairs. Player A throws ball wide of the leg stump so the wicketkeeper has to move across to the left to take the ball (in the correct stance). If players are capable, bowl from the coil position.

Divide the group into pairs. Player A throws ball wide off the off stump so the Wicket Keeper has to move across to the right to take the ball (in the correct stance). If players are capable, bowl from the coil position.

Divide the group into pairs. Player A throws ball at target and the wicketkeeper takes the ball (in the correct stance). If players are capable, bowl from the coil position.

Divide the group into pairs. Player A throws the ball, overarm, at the target area. Player B (wicket keeper) completes the catch and returns the ball. 10 attempts then change roles. The coil position may be used if capable.

Organise as shown with player A (feeder) throwing wide of the off stump so the wicket keeper has to move to the right to complete the catch.

Set up the practice as shown. Two balls per group. Two fielders each have a ball and they take it in turns to throw the ball to the wicketkeeper. When the wicketkeeper catches the ball they throw the ball back to the same fielder that threw them that ball.

The ball is thrown wide of the leg stump so the wicket keeper has to move to the left to complete the catch.