Cricket Drills

1 side bats and the other fields. Each batter gets 3 feeds each and extra ones if they hit the ball over the boundary, and if the ball if left another feed is given. If the ball is hit over the boundary in the air then no runs are rewarded otherwise if on ground they get 4 runs. If they get out they lose 6 runs but carry on until out of feeds. Fielders must stay in boundary to try to stop the ball going over it for runs.

10-18 players required. (Note diagram for accurate lay-out of drill.) Five stumps required for drill. Three stumps are set up on a diagonal line, 10m apart from each other. The other two stumps are 20m away from these, again on a diagonal but this time they are 20m apart. The Coach stands at the top on the middle stump. The drill begins when coach rolls the ball out as shown. Player 1 must sprint around the first stump, change direction and then underarm pick the ball up, aiming to hit the third stump. Player 2 must anticipate the ball coming towards them, and moves forward off the cone to back the ball up. Player 2 then throws overarm at the base of the next stump. Player 3 anticipates this happening, and backs the throw up, before throwing the ball over the top of the final stump. The next player now returns the ball to the coach, and then continues to run around the first stump. Drill continues, and players follow the ball, moving clockwise to the next station.

Batsman 1 calls YES, Batsmen 2 then starts to run on the call. Fielder 1 feeds from an angle, fielder 2 runs in and flicks at stump. Player 1 backs up the flick. When 3 lives are used up the team is out, then batters change with fielders.

The player at the front of the 2 players runs to the middle to collect the ball on the cone and roll it to the player on the opposite side. This player collects the ball and runs to the middle to put the ball on the cone. The next player then runs to collect the ball and rolls the ball for next player waiting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.