Players now progress the previous fielding practise to create a more realistic practise. Pairs now combine to make a 4 that circulate their roles every couple of minutes. Player 1 bowls the a ball to player 2 who has to bat the ball between 2 gates, one on either side of the bowler. Waiting behind the bowler is player 3 who must try to field the batted ball and a 4th player stands in as a wicket keeper for any foul balls. This practise should be played under control so the players get the best chance to catch the ball, therefore allowing underarm bowling or batting in the style of French Cricket to allow the ball to be played forward is suggested if necessary.
The covers are on and the last tea has been served. What your club does between now and April decides how the next season starts. Here is a simple, honest winter plan for players, bowlers and juniors.
August is when seasons are decided, and most club games are lost chasing rather than setting. Give your batters a framework for the chase and you win the close ones.
Green July pitches and a shiny Dukes mean the ball is talking. Here is how to coach your batters to survive the moving ball, trust their defence, and cash in once the shine has gone.