close catching and fitness

For this game you need two teams of between 6-10 players on each side. One team tries to see how many catches they can do in a specified time, whist the other team sees how many people they can get to run around the cone and back.

Partners stand opposite each other and throw a ball back and forth, trying to see how many catches they can make in a given time (e.g. 1 minute).

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.

This drill is designed to test your players reactions and is also a chance for them to work on their catching technique too. Get into groups of 4/5 The batter / coach hits the ball and the first player takes the catch, and ducks down, still holding ball. The second player must now catch the ball from the batter and then duck, facing chest down on the turf. Player 3 does the same and so on...

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.

Player 1 rolls the ball out for player 2 to run onto and catch. Player 2 flicks the ball back to 1 who catches it and puts it down. Player 3 then rolls the ball out towards player 1, who runs towards 3, flicks the ball at 4 who catches it and puts the ball down. Drill continues in this way...

The aim of this game is for your players to make 10 catches without any of the players being touched by the opposition whilst holding the ball. If touched the ball goes to the other team and they can then try to complete 10 passes. The first team to take the 10 catches whilst staying in the grid wins.

Player 1 throws the ball to player 2 to run in and catch before throwing the ball back to player 1. Player 2 then joins the back of the other queue. Player 1 throws another flat catch to the next person in line on the other side. Player 1 throws 10 balls before everyone swaps position in a clockwise direction with all players taking it in turn to throw the ball.

**AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON** This drill encourages players to be aggressive and attack the ball A player stands in the centre of a square with 4 different coloured cones The coach will then call out one of the colours of the cones The player must touch that cone, return to the middle of the square and receive a catch 4 catches each and then switch with another player

Diving catch taken to the player's left, after walking in towards the catching board (note - catching board is optional but recommended if availible). Players must attack the catch by walking in towards the board. Once the catch is taken, player must get to their feet qucikly and aim to hit the stump.Group 2 of players are backing up and return the ball to the coach. After players have performed a diving catch or returned the ball to the coach they run to the back of the other group and the drill continues.

Diving catch taken to the player's right, after walking in towards the catching board (note - catching board is optional but recommended if availible). Players must attack the catch by walking in towards the board. Once the catch is taken, player must get to their feet qucikly and aim to hit the stump. Group 2 of players are backing up and return the ball to the coach. After players have performed a diving catch or returned the ball to the coach they run to the back of the other group and the drill continues.

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.

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.

6-12 people needed. Player (6) starts by rolling the ball out to (5) who runs in and throws ball to the (WK). Coach now throws (5) a flat catch as he runs towards the stumps where (6) was feeding from. (6) now joins back of queue.

Work in groups of 10. Two rows of cones are set up, 5m apart in width and 2m apart. Players get into pairs, opposite each other, lined up behind the first cone with one ball. The first pair must exchange 5 catches before running diagonally to the next cone where they repeat the 5 catches. After this players run to the next cone where they now roll the ball 5 times to their partner. The partner performs an underarm pick up and returns the ball to their partner. upon reaching the end players jog back to the start and repeat.

Form a rectangle big enough for two teams of 6-8 players. The aim of the practice is to take 10 catches before your players either drop the ball, or have the ball intercepted by the other team. Important: Players can only run three steps with the ball.

Two teams. Use straight arm bowling feed, (aim high). Each team must not drop the ball or let it bounce in their own grid. Every time the opposition drops the ball or it bounces in their area this is a point. The first team to 10 points wins.

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.

Player 2 throws a high ball for player 1 to run onto and catch. Player 1 then runs around player 2 before returning the ball back to them. Player 2 then throws the ball high once again, back towards player 1's starting position. Player 1 now takes the ball and restarts the drill from the other side.

Cones are set out as a gate, in the point fielding position and extra cover fielding position. Players split into 2 groups in each of the gates. Coach will position themselves at the strikers end stump with a bat.  Coach will serve himself and strike a ball towards the point or extra cover gate.  Receiving player will catch or gather the ball, return it to the coach and join the back of the queue. This drill can be played as a competition, coach vs players. For every clean catch or gather, the players receive a point and for every misfield, the coach will receive a point.