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keeper DRILLS
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Back foot defence: Playing in the V

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.

Back foot batting

Batter vs 2 handed pick up and throw

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Fielding / Catching drill.

Player 1 rolls the ball out for player 3 to intercept before throwing to the Wicketkeeper. The coach then throws a catch to player 2. Player 3 takes up the position of player 1 and then goes to the back of the queue. Repeat from the other side.

Catching

Off Spin - Generate turn

For this drill you need a wicket-keeper and a queue of bowlers at both ends of the wicket. The first player takes their run up and bowls an off spin ball on one side of the cones down the middle towards the opposite stumps. Ideally the spin generated should make the ball cross over the line of cones and bounce up for the wicket-keeper to take. Once the bowler has bowled they continue their run to the back of the queue on the other side and the drill repeats with the bowler at the other end.

Fast and spin bowling

Pairs cricket

Each team starts with a score of 200 runs. Batsmen can be out in the usual ways, and also: (a) by hitting the ceiling of the hall, (b) by being caught off the walls, except when hitting a 6. The batsmen have unlimited wickets, if you are out you deduct 6 off the teams score. Scoring runs works in the following way :Back wall along the ground, score 4.Back wall in the air, score 6 (can not be caught off the back wall).Side walls, score 2 plus any additional singles that are run.Back wall behind the stumps, score 1 plus any additional singles that are run.Wides, byes and leg byes score 1 and an extra ball (be lenient with younger players/beginners) No LBW and Coach must always umpire and score. Batsmen bat together in pairs (e.g. four or five overs a pair, depending on time available.) A batsman can be run out at either end. Bowlers bowl six balls per over, always from the same end. Batsmen change ends either at the end of an over or when a wicket falls. All players including wicket keeper rotate clockwise after each over, unless you have a specialist wicket keeper.

Conditioned games

Pick up on turn and throw to run out station

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Taking a Straight Ball

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.

Wicket - keeping

Taking an Off Side Ball

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.

Wicket - keeping

The Back-Foot Off-Side Driving Game

Organisation: Divide the group into 2 equal teams. Organise as shown in the diagram,set target for off drives only. Ball is served (on batters command of ready!) from the second cone infront of batter. Each player has 3 attempts to strike the ball. Fielders positioned between cones and boundary gather the ball and return to wicket keeper. An alternative method to execute a run out is for the wicket keeper to stand in a circle and instead of breaking the wicket when a ball is returned, simply to bounce the ball in the circle. Scoring: 1 run is scored if the ball passes between cones at fielders end, or is travelling in the correct direction when it is intercept (fielders remain behind the cones until the ball is hit). 3 runs are scored if ball passes between cones and batter runs around the cone and back again before the wicket keeper catches the fielders return and breaks the wicket. Direct hits count.4 runs are scored if ball reaches boundary wall and any extra runs completed. Batters may be caught or run out. Team with the most runs wins.Equipment: 1 bat and 1 tennis ball, set of wickets, 4 marker cones, and chalk markings.

Conditioned games

The quick singles game

This game can be played in teams (6-10 a-side) or in pairs (8-10 players). Rules of the game: There should be a batter at both ends. If playing in pairs, give each pair two or three wickets. If playing in teams, when a wicket falls it is the turn of the next batsman. Tip and run, or two or three balls to make a run. The coach throws either all front foot defence or all back foot defence bowls. The fielders must stay on the cones or with one hand on the wall until the ball is thrown, otherwise batsmen automatically get a two run bonus. Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, run out, stumped, playing an attacking shot, or failing to score off the limited number of deliveries. The batsman can only score singles but the boundaries count for overthrows. Overthrows: side walls = 2 runs, back wall behind wicket keeper = 1 run, front wall = 4 runs (Unless you hit a 4 you can run singles to add to the side and back wall scores.) If a batsman leaves the ball it does not count and he does not have to run. If the batsman plays and misses it counts as a delivery

Conditioned games

Two Balls - One Keeper Wicket ...

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.

General

Keeper vs. Fielders: Pick up a...

The wicket keeper rolls the ball out around the side of the stumps. Fielders run from the left first, then right (then left...) to receive the ball and throw it back over the top of the stumps. Competition: An opposition wicket keeper rolls 5 balls out to try and score goals past the opposition's line of fielders. The winners are the ones who stop the most balls.

General

Diving Practice Wicket - keepi...

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.

General

Cricket: Wicket keeper - leg s...

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

General

Wicket keeper - leg side take ...

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

General

Shadowing Wicket - keeping - C...

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.

General

Cricket: Taking a Straight Bal...

Divide the group into pairs.<br>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.

General

One Handed Throw - Left and Ri...

The wicket keeper feeds the ball straight out, along the ground, to the fielders who take it in turns to retrieve the ball. Player's who run from the wicket-keeper's left should throw the ball back to the keeper with their left-hand and those from the right throw with their right-hand.

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: Moving Up to the Stum...

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.

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: Two handed pick-up, t...

<BR>Wicket keeper rolls the ball out straight. (1) throws it to keeper. Just as he throws it (2) feeds out ball for under arm flick. (2) stops ball, (1) goes to stumps, (2) throws ball over stumps to (1). (2) joins back of queue and (1) takes the position of where (2) was. Repeat from other side so (6) goes next.

General

The Modern Wicketkeeper-Batsma...

General

Standing Up - Leg Side Take Wi...

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.

General

Develop diving Wicket - keepin...

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.

General

Standing Up - Off Side Take Wi...

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.

General

Serve and pull game Ground fie...

Divide the main group into smaller groups of 5 and organise as shown in the diagram. When the batter calls &quot;Ready&quot; the bowler bowls overarm at a target in line with the stump, 3 metres in front of the batter, with one player acting as a wicket keeper in case the batter fails to make contact. The batter should then hit the ball into the wall and try to make 2 runs  without being caught or run out.

General

Play and Miss Wicket - keeping...

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.

General

Wicket-Keeping Excellence: Sta...

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

Playing with spin off spin 3 E...

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter, a feeder, and a wicket keeper. 4 incrediballs or cricket balls are recommended, as they have a seam to spin ball. 4 good quality feeds each.Player feeds from one knee, throwing ball under arm as an off spinner, with the key being a looped feed. (If players can&rsquo;t spin it, a slow looped feed is sufficient). Feeder aims to land ball on a full length, and batter looks to play ball straight, through zone 1, to be marked out from between the stumps to mid wicket.NB &ndash; Left hander&rsquo;s will still score through same zone, and should ideally be grouped together. PROGRESSION Make target area smaller, if playing to square of wicket, make target straighter.Introduce points scoring system.Bring in Zone 2 (different scoring area for length balls)Change length of feedIntroduce coming down wicket or sweep shot.

General

Cricket: Hit the stumps! - Gro...

The wicket keeper rolls the ball out for the players from each side to run onto and pick up. The fielding players run from each side in turns and try to hit the stumps with a fast throw. The keeper then collects the ball and rolls it out again for a player from the other side to run onto.

General

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keeper DRILL CATEGORIES
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Catching Drills
Techniques
Wicket - keeping Drills
Catching Drills
Techniques
Wicket - keeping Drills
keeper SESSIONS
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Junior Fielding - Moving to meet the ball!

Time is valuable when fielding! Don't wait for the ball to come to you - get your players to attack the ball and be more assertive in the field

Decision Making in the Field

Put a stop to dithering in the field! React quickly, communicate well and get all your players making the right decisions faster!

Working Your Wicket Keeper

The wicket keeper is always in the game - make sure they're up to the test with this keeping skills session!

Stop Runs Through Better Fielding

Improve your side's fielding technique and confidence with this session to build pressure on batters, forcing them to make mistakes and save runs so you have to score less.

Decision making in the field

Put a stop to dithering fielding! React quickly, communicate and get all your players making the right decisions faster!

Bullseye Throwing - Fielding Accuracy

How's your arm? Give all your players the best answer around and see them fizz it back into the stumps!

Fielding in the Deep

Fielding has never been more intense. Use this session to stop leaking the odd run in the field and get the batters working for every run!

Working Your Wicket Keeper | C...

The wicket keeper is always in the game - make sure they're up to the test with this keeping skills session!

Working your Wicket Keeper - T...

The wicket keeper is the busiest player on your fielding team - make sure they're up to the test with this keeping skills session!

Backing up in the field | Cric...

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

Wicket keeping basics | Cricke...

More catches are made by wicket keepers than any other fielding position so give your keepers the training they deserve.
keeper ANSWERS
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what are the skills/tactics of a wicket keeper?

what are the skills/tactics of a wicket keeper?

Archived User Coach

I am a wicket-keeper, for an u15A side, but my team?

I am a wicket-keeper, for an u15A side, but my team can't seem to throw the ball over the stumps! HELP!

Archived User Coach

How can I improve my wicket keeping reflexes?

i am a wicket keeper so when i am standing near to the stumps how can i take a catch comfortably

Nishkant Jain Coach, India

How to get a good outswing on my bowls?

how to get outswing? it always goes straight or offside

Archived User Coach

Improving wicketkeeper's up to the stump skills?

My wicketkeeper's skills up to the stumps is lacking. He is dropping balls that aren't edged an dropping easy catches an missing stumping. How can I improve his skills up to the stumps?

Archived User Coach

How do I start my 1st bowling spell?

I usually spend a few overs to start my rhythm, but how do I start my first bowling spell in a match? What are the techniques, for example bowling and running speed?

Archived User Coach

Difficulty on playing spin bowlers

I'm an wicket keeper batsman from Mumbai and play under-16. I'm finding it difficult to bat to spin bowling, and I get out most of the times at silly point or short leg. I'm also low on confidence on spinners, would anyone be able to give me some advice and help me with some useful drills for this please? Thank you!

Archived User Coach

Playing in swinging deliveries

I have a problem while opening my legs to play an on drive or a delivery swinging in and coming into me. I can play the off side shots well but have a problem on the leg side for pacers. Any advice please?

Archived User Coach

How do i get a Wicket Keeper to take leg side balls

10 year old wicket keeper facing young bowlers that tend to bowl leg side how do i get the wicket keeper to move to leg side and take the ball? What are the best drills for this please?

Archived User Coach

playing a pacey good length ball

How can I play a ball with an outswing and with 140kmph speed

SANKET BHARAT KUKARNI Coach, India

WICKET KEEPER fitness

Good day,Am a wicket keepr.What fitness regime i need to do and important fitness components i need to address.It would be of great help to me as a player

RAM Coach, United States of America

what is the coaching point

what is the coaching point to this

Dave Bunn Coach, England

Movement start with ?

In keeping How keepers feets move while standing up in spinners and pacers both.

shyam prasad Coach, India

important drills

wicket keeper drills

kanikpal Singh Coach, United Kingdom

hep rotation

hep rotation off spin bowling drills

Adnan Khan Coach, England

bowling machine t wicket keeper

how do i maki it an animation

arayz stanyard Coach, England

WICKET KEEPER fitness - Sportp...

Good day,Am a wicket keepr.What fitness regime i need to do and important fitness components i need to address.It would be of great help to me as a player

RAM Coach, United States of America

what are the skills/tactics of...

what are the skills/tactics of a wicket keeper?

Archived User Coach

hep rotation | Sportplan

hep rotation off spin bowling drills

Adnan Khan Coach, England

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