Cricket | Cricket Drills

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.

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

Played to a ball short of a length, roughly stump high.

A Right-armed bowler bowling outswing will move the ball away from a right-handed batsman. The 1st and 2nd fingers are placed on the top of the ball and spread either side of the seam. The side of the thumb is placed on the underneath of the ball directly on the seam. To make the ball swing, ensure that the seam remains vertical and angled away from the batsman.

The drill starts when the batsman calls Yes . 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.

When the batsman (1) calls Yes the coach rolls the ball towards the fielder stood by the stumps. Fielder (1) runs across, picks up the ball and then tries to run out the batsmen. Repeat with the next fielder and batsman. Each batting team has a certain number of wickets (eg. 3 wickets). The teams change over once the batting side have lost all their wickets.

Player 1 starts on the middle cone, and aims to collect all 4 balls in as quickly as possible. Player must go out to retrieve the ball and back to the middle, before moving onto next cone. Once all the balls have been collected in, player then reverses the drill, putting all the balls back out onto the cones. Player 1 has now finished set 1, and returns to the back of the queue to recover. Player 2 begins and so on... Players perform 3 sets each and then change over.

To play this defensive shot properly players will need to think about their whole body's position in order to avoid popping the ball up for an easy take.

Set up in groups as shown: one batsman, one wicket keeper, one feeder and one or two fielders. Mark out the V area with chalk or cones, approximately 4-5 metres wide. The batsmen has to try and hit the ball between the cones to score runs, if they do they get one run, if not, they lose two runs.

3-5 people stand in each net, with one bowler and the others waiting to receive the ball. Each bowler bowls 24 balls with the batsman getting 3 consecutive balls. If the batsman decides to leaves one of the balls then they may have another ball. On receiving 3 balls the batsman must join the back of the queue.

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.

3 teams 1 ball 3 zones 2 teams in the outside zones throw the ball over the team in the middle zone to try and land the ball on the ground in the opposite end zone. If the they are successful they score a point but if the team in the middle intercept the ball the teams swap.

Organisation: Organise the group as shown. Batsman plays the ball defensively only when it is going to hit the stumps. 1 point is given for every successful call of leave. 5 points are deducted if ball hits the stumps. 2 points are deducted if batsman plays the ball so softly that it does not roll beyond the line drawn 4 metres from the wicket. Groups rotate after 5 attempts each. Winner is the one with the most points. Safety: No attacking shots. Aim to defend the ball back between the cones and if you leave the ball you can have another ball. N.B. An overarm throw will be necessary for this practice. Equipment: 1 bat and 1 tennis ball per group. 1 set of stumps. Chalk markings / Cones

ONLY FOR MORE ADVANCED PLAYER Played to a length ball pitching on or outside line of the off stump Batter must be low in their position, with head pushed forwards towards the ball Extend arms upon impact. Batter must accelerate shoulders horizontally, and hit through the ball. Ball should look to be played infront of square, and if appropriate/safe to do can be hit aerially. Batter can either switch legs (so back leg becomes front), or play off orthodox front leg (this is personal preference) Grip may switch if preferred to Encourage batter not to try and hit ball too hard, as this will be root of most problems here.

Player 2 throws. Each batsman has 3 consecutive balls, then goes to the back of the queue. If you leave a ball you get another go. The ball should be a slow high underarm feed.