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Running between the wickets remains one of cricket's most undervalued skills. Teams that run well can add 15-20 runs per innings without taking additional risks. Good running also puts pressure on fielding teams and creates more boundary opportunities by rotating strike effectively.

Calling and Communication

Clear partnerships:

First call: The striker calls for shots in front of the wicket.

Non-striker's role: Calling for shots behind the wicket where they have the better view.

Decisive calls: Yes, no, or wait - clear and immediate.

Changing calls: Only the person running to the danger end can change a call.

Running Technique

Low bat carry: Running with bat horizontal for faster turns.

Turning efficiency: Planting the outside foot and driving off it.

Ground cover: Maximum speed while maintaining control.

Slide technique: When and how to slide the bat safely.

Judgement and Awareness

Field assessment: Knowing fielder positions and arm strengths.

Reading the ball: Judging how hard the ball was hit.

Backing up: Non-striker moving with the bowler's delivery.

Risk calculation: Understanding when twos are on and when they're risky.

Partnership Building

Strike rotation: Keeping both batters involved and comfortable.

Protecting partners: Taking singles to shield weaker batters from dangerous bowlers.

Momentum building: Using quick running to lift scoring rates.

Energy management: Balancing running intensity with stamina over long innings.

Key Coaching Points

  • Communication between partners must be immediate and clear
  • The first run is always the easiest - look for the second
  • Running technique can be practised without batting
  • Know opposition fielders' strengths and weaknesses
  • Good running adds runs and creates pressure on fielding teams

Drills for Running Practice

Pairs Cricket Pairs Cricket Kwik Cricket Kwik Cricket Hit Stumps Hit the Stumps Cricket Rounders Cricket Rounders

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stumps DRILLS
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Back foot defence

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.

Back foot batting

Back Foot Drive Game

The Coach throws each player 3 balls which they should aim to hit towards the left or right target. If the ball is successfully hit towards the target the batting player must complete 2 runs. If a boundary is hit then the batsman gets another ball. If you leave the ball you get another ball. If you hit behind or outside the coned area you are out (or minus 4 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

Batters vs Fielders

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

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. This can be done in a race against another group.

Ground fielding and throwing

Roll Out, Collect and Throw

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Roller Ball

Two Teams of 6-11 people try to partner along the ground throwing the ball to each other. They are not allowed to move once they have the ball and to score they must hit the oppositions stumps. No one is allowed in the the square of cones at any time.

Ground fielding and throwing

Short catching / Underarm throwing

The fielder behind the stumps rolls the ball out, player 2 picks up the ball and throws over the top of the stumps to the fielder behind the stumps. The process is repeated until player 5 goes who then continues their run to replace the player behind the stumps.

Catching

Two Handed interception + Backing up

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Warm up drills

Roll the ball along the ground to a team mate. You can run with the ball, but the ball must be rolled along the ground.Aim to hit the stumps (approach from any side of the square)in the opposition square, using an underarm flick. The square is made up of cones, distance 5-8 metres from the stumps.No fielders at any time are allowed inside the square. The ball is never out of bounds, as there are no boundaries.

Ground fielding and throwing

Hit the stumps! Ground fieldin...

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

Target Throwing and Hitting th...

Set up as shown: two sets of stumps with a wicket keeper with a ball behind each. Two lines of players. The WK facing the two lines starts by throwing the ball out for player 1 to run out and catch Player 1 catches the ball and throws the ball over the stumps for the WK to catch. The second WK (player 4) now rolls the ball out for the fielder to run onto, gather and then throw at the stumps. Player 4 collects the ball and leaves it behind the stumps for the fielder. Players then rotate, with players 4 joining the back of the opposite line and player 1 taking up the role of second WK. Drill should be continuous.

General

Over Stumps & Spin To Other Si...

Set up stumps or a raised barrier down the wicketSet up a line just in front of the batters stumpsBowler aims to fly the ball over the stumps and spin to the other side of the lineSpin the ball hard and get it to dip fast

General

Shy at Stumps Clockwise/Anti-C...

<br />Players take it in turns to throw the ball at stumps around in a square. If they hit the stumps the direction is reversed and the ball is thrown the other way. the ball should be thrown over arm and tried to keep in the square shape. A long barrier can be used to stop the ball go to far.

General

5 Stump Pentagon Drill Ground ...

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.

General

Moving Up to the Stumps Wicket...

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

Shy round square Ground fieldi...

Throw ball round the square trying to hit the stumps. When the stumps are hit reverse the direction.<BR>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.

General

Choose the End and back up Gro...

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

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

Cricket: 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.

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

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

Short catching / Underarm thro...

The fielder behind the stumps rolls the ball out, player 2 picks up the ball and throws over the top of the stumps to the fielder behind the stumps. The process is repeated until player 5 goes who then continues their run to replace the player behind the stumps.

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

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

Under Arm Flick Ground fieldin...

<br />Teams of 3-6 people for as many groups as you like. Player (3) runs up to the ball and does an under arm flick to (1) who puts tha ball back in the middle and then goes to the back of the other queue. The first team who gets back to the same position they started wins.

General

Fielding / Catching drill. Gro...

Two lines of players facing each other.Player 1 rolls out ball for player to run and do an underarm flick back to player 1 who catches ball and puts down. Player 2 joins back of queue.Player 3 repeats the exercise from the other side. Aim: 10 catches after receiving the flick throw, if ball gets dropped go back to 0.

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

Weak and Strong Run Out Statio...

<BR>Wicket keeper rolls the ball out straight when the batsmen calls YES. The batsmen tries to complete 2 runs as fielder(1) runs across throws ball in and joins other queue. F(2) goes next from other side.

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

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

Batter vs 2 handed pick up and...

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

Leg Glance Techniques - Cricke...

1. Move both feet back towards the stumps, opening your body out towards the ball, but make sure that you keep your leg stump covered. <br><br>Keep your head forward and in line with the ball. <br><br>2. Bring the bat through on as straight a path as possible, turning the bat face slightly towards the leg side and making contact with the ball in front of the front pad.<br><br>3. Control the shot with the top hand, glancing the ball away.

General

Spin Bowling Relay Fast and sp...

With teams of 4-8 people the players take it in turn to bowl the ball at the wickets and after 4 feeds the wicket keeper is swapped by someone bowling and the bowling continues. The first team to hit the stumps a certain amount of times wins or points are awarded every time the stumps are hit.

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

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stumps DRILL CATEGORIES
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Back foot batting Drills
Batting Mechanics Drills
Ground fielding and throwing Drills
Running between the wickets Drills
Wicket - keeping Drills
Back foot batting Drills
Batting Mechanics Drills
Ground fielding and throwing Drills
Running between the wickets Drills
Wicket - keeping Drills
stumps 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!

Pre Season 5: Throwing accuracy under pressure

Fielding is quickly becoming an art in itself and players are being picked based on their fielding credentials. Develop your players throwing power and accuracy with an element of fitness in this intense session.

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!

Improving players' stump throwing accuracy

If the batsmen wants to take a quick single then good luck to them after this session. Get direct hits every time!

Backing up in the field

No one enjoys an overthrow. Make sure your fielders are on their toes and alert to any wild shy?s at the stumps!

Improving players' stump throwing accuracy

How accurate are your fielders? Find out with this throwing technique and accuracy session!
stumps ANSWERS
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How do I stop no balls?

Hi guys. My name is Jack im from Australia. im having areal problem with my bowling. i am bowling heaps of no balls like 5 or 6 per game and it is really getting to me. my dad has tryed to help me but its not working. i used to have 9 steps but because of my no-balls ive changed. im using 10 at the moment but am not sure what to do. can you please help???

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

How can I get loop on my spin bowling?

how to get loop on spin bowling?

Archived User Coach

what will you suggest to get a perfect bowling action ?

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

Archived User Coach

How do I stop my batsman frequently getting out caught behind?

One of my top batsman is getting out caught behind very often.What kind of drills do you suggest for him to work with .Is playing away from body is the only reason for this.

Satheesh Pachiappan Coach, United States of America

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

Please review my Stance and Grip

Here is a video link please comment my weakness. Thankshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YONR6XQmSo

Archived User Coach

bowling drill with 4 people

Is there any basic bowling drills for beginners, which has 4 player taking part

jordyn dore Coach, England

Why are game sense activities important?

Question 1: Why are game sense activities important? Please give 2-3 examples relating to Game sense. Question 2: Please explain 4 areas you need to consider when planning a game-specific session.

Raja Kibria Coach, Pakistan

for Umpire, Four Points to consider a batsman declaring LBW

Which points an umpire needs to consider before declaring a batsman LBW out ?

Raja Kibria Coach, Pakistan

Help kids judge line better

I'm thinking about of a few ideas that can help the kids judge line a bit better. Wanted to get your thoughts. Drill: 3 stumps + 1 on 4th stump and 1 on leg side wide. I will then toss the ball at the various lines and the kids can then call out what stump the line of the ball was traveling in.Progression could be tossing the ball and they have to move into the correct line and catch the ball and then from there a few throw downs.Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks Carl

Carl Wilkinson Coach, South Africa

DRILLS FOR GOOD LINE AND LENGTH AND ARM BALL

Hello sir i am left arm orthdox spinner... I want you you to tell me the drills that can help me to bowl in good line and length.. and also how to ball an arm ball

Hamza khan Coach, Pakistan

how to play good length balls?

sir! i'm left handed batsmen, struggle to play good length balls.

Kamal Coach, India

what is the coaching point

what is the coaching point to this

Dave Bunn Coach, England

Start of a Session

What is a good game / drill to have setup at the start of a session so players can join in when they arrive (players arriving in drive/drabs/different times)? we usually have the cricket hockey game but can get a bit messy when no bibs etc.

undefined undefined Coach, United Kingdom

skill drill for batting swaying

i want skill drill for batting swaying

Rashmi Parate Coach, United Kingdom

getting more revs with off spi...

My 14 year old is not able to get enough flight dip and revs with his off spinners. his stock ball is flat and fast through the air.. the various pitch lengths for junior and senior cricket he plays does not help.. any tips or drills to develop the flighted stock ball hitting the good length would be most helpful . thanks for the help

Sid Coach, England

How to Play Good Length Delive...

Hi I am an left handed batsman and struggling with Good Length deliveries and got bowled couple of times ( hitting middle or off stump )I usually take a leg guard ( feet on the leg stump and bat on the middle stump )Any suggestions ?

Jatin Patel (JP) 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
Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Game-based training and match simulation prepare players for real competition more effectively than isolated drills. Modern coaching integrates pressure scenarios, decision-making, and competitive situations into every training session.

December 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

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Catches win matches remains cricket's truest saying. From high balls under lights to sharp slip catches, the ability to hold chances consistently separates winning teams from those that let matches slip away.

November 2025
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Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

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Elite running between wickets adds significant runs without risk. Quick singles, converted twos, and intelligent strike rotation separate the best batting partnerships from average ones across all formats.

October 2025
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VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
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