Contact Help center
Cricket Cricket
HOME Cricket Coaching Trends SEARCH

Cricket: back up

back up DRILLS
View All

Under arm flick , shy, back up...

<b>Angled throw</b> a) from left b) from right<br>1) rolls ball out from left.2) runs in and flicks at stump.1) runs around behind stump and backs up. 2) runs to 1)s starting position.1) under arm throws the ball at 2) who catches.1) now runs up right side and joins back of queue.<BR><b>Repeat</b>

General

Cricket: Choose the End and ba...

8-10 players per group (set up two drills if coaching a large group)Set up: Player/coach stands between the two stumps, that are 20 meters apart (length of a wicket). One cone is placed 25m in front of the two stumps, in line with the coach and two cones are placed 2m ahead of these, acting as a 'gate' for the players to walk through when it is their go.Two further cones are placed 10m behind the two target stumps, where players will be backing up.The coach will name one end the bowler's end and the other stump the keepers end.Let's play: First player walks through the two cones as the coach rolls the ball out. As the coach rolls the ball, they must shout either &quot;bowler's&quot; or &quot;keeper's&quot;.The player must then process this instruction, make the decision, and throw the ball accordingly.The player on the cone backs the ball up and returns it to the coach. The player who has just thrown then replaces the player who backed the ball up, and the player who was backing up moves around the outside of the drill and joins the back of the queue of players.Drill is continuous.

General

Two Handed interception + Back...

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.

General

Cricket: Pick up on turn and t...

The batsman calls 'yes' to start the drill and tries to run 2 lengths whilst the fielder (player 1) runs out to meet the stationary ball, picks it up and throw it back to the wicket keeper (thus trying to run out the batter). The coach decides which team has won and both players return to the back of their respective lines. Drill continues in this way.

General

Cricket: Target throwing - Gro...

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.

General

Roll Out, Collect and Throw Gr...

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.

General

Two handed pick up and throw a...

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.<BR>Variation:- do not replace the ball, but when the ball hits the wall No 2) goes, and so on.

General

Four Station Drill Ground fiel...

12 players per group. One stump placed in the middle of a rectangular shape marked out by cones (20m by 30m). Each cone has same number of players at it.All stations are live every time coach rolls ball out. Coach may roll ball out anywhere they wish.The nearest player at the cone must call for the ball, pick it up, and throw at the stump. The players from the opposite group in the rectangle are responsible for backing the throw up and returning to the coach.If the coach rolls the ball down the middle of the two cones the player must decide who goes for the ball as early as possible, to allow the group backing up to adjust accordingly.Drill continues...

General

Cricket: Complete Ground Field...

Wicketkeeper starts with the ball and rolls out the the fielder in the square leg position.Square leg fielder picks up the ball and aims a throw at the ramp.Fielder at point gets in line with the throw and catches/collects the ball from the throw and then releases a throw at the non-strikers end single stump.Mid-on fielder backs up this throw and gives an underarm throw to the extra cover fielder who has moved im behind the non-strikers end stump.Extra cover completes the drill by throwing the ball back into the wicketkeeper.

General

Retireve and Double Throw Grou...

Set up 4 stations with equal numbers at each. The idea of the drill is that players work with diagonal 'opposite' teamates.Players 1 retireves the ball first and player 3 runs out to the stumps to back up the throw.Let's play:Coach rolls the ball straight out.<br /><br />A player from team 1 attacks the ball and throw it over the top of the stumps in the middle to a team 3 player who has run out to back up the throw.<br /><br />The backing up player must then turn, and throw at the single stump with a direct hit.<br /><br />Both players then join the back of their original groups and the other two teams can now go.After 6 repetitions the two groups will swap ends.

General

Cross over underarm flick Grou...

1) rolls ball out towards 4), 4) runs in picks up the ball and flicks to stumps with 3) backing up. 4) takes up 3)s position, 3) then rolls out towards 2) who runs in and flicks ball towards stump with 1) backing up and runs to take up 3)s position. Soon as ball is feed out by 1) or 3) they run up the side and join the back of the queue.

General

Pick up and throw on the turn ...

1) runs out and picks up the stationary ball and throws over top to 2). 2) rolls the ball back out to 1), 1) replaces it and joins the back of the queue. When 1) tags 2), 2) then goes, 3) takes up position behind stumps. <BR>This can be done in a race against another group.

General

Cone Pick-up (1 Leg) Injury Pr...

Place a cone out in front.Stand and bend over on one leg, hinging at the hips and keeping the back straight, to pick up the cone.Repeat with opposite leg.

General

Two Handed pick up v Batters G...

5-6 batters and fielders are needed for this circuit. On the batter's call of &quot;YES&quot; 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).

General

The Long Barrier. Techniques -...

<span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>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. <span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>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. <span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>With fingers down and head forward, pick up the ball and then stand back up ready to deliver an overarm throw.

General

Cricket: Group coaching for th...

(see c50016a &amp; c50016b for more info)<br />Set up for the practice<br />Think enjoyment minimises boredom and encourages repetition (repetition -&gt; development)<br /><br />1. Set up practice as shown in diagram.<br />2. Markers on the floor for fielders to stand on, should be 3 metres from the batsman. Be strict on this point - safety.<br />3. Mark out the target area for feeder to aim at for the back foot defence.<br />4. Ideal number for each group is 4-5 players -maximun activity<br />5. Feeder kneels 7-10 paces from the batsman.<br />6. Feeder says \&quot;Bat Up!\&quot;, then feeds a dart feed, standing up, throwing from head height downwards. The ball should be aimned to bounce once and between the batsman's waist and chest height.<br />7. Each group has 3 balls.<br />8. Ideal duration of practice: 20-30 mins.

General

Cricket: Two handed pick up an...

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.<BR>This can be done against another group, i.e. first to 15 catches without keeper moving.

General

Cricket: Batter vs 2 handed pi...

The drill starts when the batsman calls <em>Yes</em>. At this point the batter must run with the bat in hand and try to complete two runs. However, the batter is racing against the fielders. Fielder 1 rolls the ball out to the player waiting in line who must then use a two handed pick up before returning the ball over the stumps to the wicket-keeper. After the ball is thrown player 1 joins the back of the queue and player 3 takes their place on the cone. After this the race can start again, this time repeated on the other side for the fielding team.

General

Cricket: The back foot driving...

<BR>Setup the practice as shown.Coach throws on one knee.All fielders except the wicket keeper and the player backing up must stand on the boundary between the cones until the ball is bowled. (Coach keeps hold of the ball when feeding every so often, to check whether fielders are moving too early).<BR>The Ball must be driven towards the target area, along the ground, and not defended. It must pass the first set of cones or the batsman is out. The batsman must complete 2 runs after striking the ball. The ball must be hit in the V to score runs. If it is hit outside that area or behind the wicket the batsman is out. (Give younger players another feed.)The wicket keeper must take incoming throws to the stumps either side of the original ones. Off side shots must be thrown to stumps on the off side (safety) and likewise on the leg side. Scoring: (Batsman bat one at a time):<br>4 runs if the ball is hit through the target area along the ground.<BR>2 runs if the ball is hit towards the boundary and the batsman completes 2 runs.<BR><b>Penalty runs</b><BR> 2 runs if a fielder stops the ball with his foot.<BR>1 run if a fielder move off the boundary too early.<BR>4 runs if the player backing up the wicket keeper misses the ball (when boundary is not hit).Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, stumped, run out (no LBW). Also: not completing 2 runs after hitting the ball (unless boundary is hit); hitting the ball outside the V; not hitting the ball past the first set of cones; hitting the ball over the fielders on the boundary.

General

Cricket: The quick singles gam...

(.)<br />Coaching points<br /><br />A. For batsmen (running between the wickets)<br />1. Loud, quick positive calling.<br />2. Changing hands always looking at the ball. Never turning blind.<br />3. Non-striker backing up.<br />4. Run the first run fast.<br />5. Do not run past the crease after one run (because you might have to run again.)<br />6. Run with bat arm stretched out in front of you.<br />7. Hold the bat handle at the end.<br />8. Run your bat in over the line.<br /><br />B. For fielders (creating pressure, stopping singles)<br />1. Walking in, Threatening<br />2. Pace to the ball.<br />3. Watch the ball into your hands under pressure.<br />4. Always back up other fielders and the wicket keeper.<br />5. Get to the bowlers end to take an incoming throw.<br />6. Know when not to throw.<br />7. Know when to throw over the top of the stumps and when to hit them.<br />8. Remain focused when under pressure.<br /><br />Think! I must stop the single and build pressure for the batting side. Then I will force them into losing a wicket - and maybe the match!

General

Two Handed Interception and th...

<BR>(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.

General

Throw and Move Ground fielding...

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.<BR><b>Note: </b> 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.

General

Cut shot Extras - Cricket Dril...

Played to a ball short of a length and wide of off stump. Ball is aimed square of the wicket. Relaxed, balanced stance, head still, eyes level. Back swing and step back towards off side. Base established, weight stays slightly forward. Shoulders rotate towards offside, horizontally. Bat accelerates, hitting from high to low. Ball contact is made level with head, allow for natural follow through.

General

Ground fielding drill

Two teams pass the ball to their team mates with an overarm throw which must bounce only once and then must be caught. Using the throws to advance towards the opposition's grid players must not step inside the grid. When they get close enough they can throw at the stumps. If they miss a team mate can run around the back of the stumps to catch the ball. If caught that team can have another shot, if the opposition catch the ball they then move back up the field to the opposition's grid.

Catching

Group coaching for the back foot defence

(see c50024 & c50024a for more info)Coaching points (in order of importance)For younger players, introduce one point at a time.1. High backlift over off stump with dominant top hand. (Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.)2. Step back and across the crease, getting head and body into line with the ball (eyes level).3. Weight on back foot, whcih lands parallel to crease (head left forward of the body).4. With dominant top hand and diamond shape formed with arms, Push bat towards the ball. (Forearms passing close to body.)5. Strike ball forward of body, directly below eye level.6. Keep leading elbow high, close to head.7. Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.8. Top hand dominates throughout the shot.9. Look through the handle of the bat on completion of the shot. (Head directly above hands, and in line with back foot.)Play the ball with soft hands, so it rolls back up the wicket.Aims of the practice To protect the wickets and leave the wide balls; also to defend the ball straight back up the wicket (between the two parallel lines shown in the diagram). This is the furthest point away from the fielders. If you feel you are going to play the ball outside this line on the off side, leave it alone as it is too wide to play at.

Back foot batting

Moving Out Competition Game

Two teams have 3 shots each (moving out to drive) which they must play as a drive shot. If they don't they will out. Fielders (3), (4) and (5) must collect the rebounds (or direct hits if there are no walls for you to use) and try to run out the batman. Players 1 and 2 are to back up incoming throws. If the ball hits the side wall 4 runs are awarded. If the ball is hit along the ground past the fielders 4 runs are awarded. If the ball is hit over head, six runs are awarded. Batsmen must complete 2 runs if they hit the ball and do not hit a boundary. Teams get a certain number of lives which are lost when out, they keep batting until all their lives are used.

Front foot batting

The Long Barrier.

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Under arm flick vs batters

5-6 fielders and batsmen will be needed for this circuit. When the batting side is ready they must try and run to the other end before the fielding side have caught the ball behind the wickets. When the batting player (1) shouts YES the fielder (1) rolls the ball out to the next fielder (2) and then runs behind the stumps to back up. If the ball reaches the wickets before the batting players then those players have been run out. Fielder (2) then throws ball to the fielder behind the stumps and Fielder (2) goes to Fielder (1)'s old position on the cone. Fielder (1) throws the ball to fielder (2) before joining the back of the fielding queue and the drill starts again.

Ground fielding and throwing

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
back up SESSIONS
View All

Backing up in the field | Cric...

Don't leave it to chance - cover your team-mate's back and avoid fielding fumbles!
back up ANSWERS
View All

non striker backing up | Sport...

HiI want some drills to get new cricketers understanding about backing up as Non Striker and not standing watching.

Chris Coach, England

Batter collapsing his/her back...

Why do some batters collapse their back leg when driving off front foot. How do you stop it?

Mike Dugdale Coach, England

how get in to rythem before bowling,,, only some times?

how get in to rythem before bowling,,, only some times i get it rite....

Archived User Coach

what is DLmethod?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

What drills can i do to encourage young children to?

What drills can i do to encourage young children to back up a throw to both keepers and bowlers

Archived User Coach

How to reduce bowling no balls and how to increase bowling speed if...?

How To Reduce Bowling No Balls And How To Increase My Bowling Speed If I Am Having High Arm Jumping Action.

Varun Sharma Coach, India

How to improve my midway bowling action and speed?

While at gather ,BFL,both arms position,FFL ,release (both arms position),follow through?

Nazim khan Coach, Pakistan

What are the best drills to teach blind turning?

What are the best drills to teach young players on blind turning?

Coach, Australia

Problems with inserting sketches to plans - Resolved

Is anyone else having difficulties adding their own sketches to plans. I can get as far as "choose a sketch" and then it jumps back to the plan. the pre-fab'd sportsplan ones are fine, but I can't add my own! I emailed the technical support team 2 days ago but have yet to have received a reply.If anyone can help, it would be a huge help!Rich.

Richard Egglesfield Coach, England

how to bowl faster with short run up and keys to bowl fast

how can i bowl faster with short runup and what are techniques to bowl faster.

pratyush Coach, India

How to regain all the cricketing skill back?

good afternoon sir . actuallly i am 18 yrs old .. i had left cricket to play from 2 yrs .. due to my educational problems .before i had left to play ... i used to play all kind of shots ... and can also play now .. so can you plan my way so i can perfectly gain all my cricket skill back.... should i have to keep my old playing way or to start from beginnning ... and also suggest me how ican be fully prepared for the next month selections .. as well as long club tournament season

virat samrat Coach, India

can you give me coaching points at least 4 points on each skill.

stancegripbackliftforward drive back foot drivehit to leg pull shotforward defensive shotdelivery

Tafara Coach, Zimbabwe

Admin Access

Hey,How do I give other people who are on my team, the ability for them to be able to invite others, to view my folders that have our drills?At the moment, all invited need to go through me, and it's very time consuming

Little Boomers Basketball Coach, Australia

lateral flexion of bowlers falling away to their left side as a right handed bowler

What are the main reasons a fast bowler may suffer from lateral flexion upon an exaggerated arch of their lower back and head position falling away? Yes a little bit is ok and natural, however in some cases, the bowler's head is not even facing the batsman but rather the ground. Also, in the video below the bowlers wrist position becomes disjointed and ends up almost bowling something between a leg cutter and back of the hand.

saif khan Coach, England

How do i stop jerk (throw) in my bowling?

Hey everyone, my name is Haroon and i'm 20 y/o. i am trying to get help from anyone here who knows some drills to fix or work on my bowling, cause it has been troubling me for the last couple of months. as well as some drills to avoid shoulder injuries. thank you.

Haroon Afzal Khan Coach, United Kingdom

how t

how to back up in the field

Jon Fry Coach, England

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 350+ cricket drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Captaincy and Bowling Changes: Reading the Game and Making the Switch

Captaincy and Bowling Changes: Reading the Game and Making the Switch

A bowling change can dismantle a partnership, halt a run surge, or hand the match back to the batting side. This article explores how modern captains use match phases, matchup data, and rhythm signals to time their changes, with a practical framework coaches can use to develop tactical thinking in young captains at club and age-group level.

June 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Strike Rotation: Beating Dot-Ball Pressure in the Middle Overs

Strike Rotation: Beating Dot-Ball Pressure in the Middle Overs

T20 data shows that teams bowling 40 or more dot balls win more than 65 per cent of matches. Strike rotation is now the most undervalued skill in batting. This article breaks down why singles matter more than sixes, the soft-hands and crease-depth techniques behind elite rotators, and a coaching framework to train relentless ones and twos under pressure.

May 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Pre-Season Batting Foundations: Building Technique That Lasts All Summer

Pre-Season Batting Foundations: Building Technique That Lasts All Summer

Pre-season is the best time to rebuild and refine batting technique without the pressure of match results. This article covers the fundamental batting positions that underpin consistent run-scoring, provides a progressive session framework from shadow batting to live bowling, and highlights the common pre-season mistakes that coaches should avoid.

April 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
battingrounderswarm uplong barriercover driveoff spinfitnesswarm upsfieldingbowlingpull shotwarm up drillscatching drillsleg spinwicket keepingfront foot drivefielding drillsthrowingcatchingbatting drills

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Thanks to Sportplan and their coaching tips, I can now coach with greater confidence and enthusiasm.

Horatius Sokhanyile Cricket Coach, South Africa

Cricket Coaching is a learning process and Sportplan is doing a terrific job which really helps coaches to improve the quality of their coaching.

Riaz Quraishi Cricket Coach, India

"Sportplan is providing me with all of the new dimensions of coaching ideas that suit and help me in executing the programmes in a results oriented manner."

Kanishka Kaushik United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 350+ cricket drills
  • create professional cricket coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested cricket plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
batting batting drills bowling bowling drills catching catching drills cover drive cricket cut shot drills fielding fielding drills fitness forward defensive front foot drive how to take run up for bowling leg spin lesson plans long barrier off spin pull shot rounders running between wickets short barrier throwing underarm throw warm up warm up drills warm ups wicket keeping
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of cricket coaches plus 350+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT