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Guide to
Cricket Skills and Drills
F a r

u s e

ly C o a e h e s

o f

Y o u n g e r

C r i c k e t e r s

G U I D E
T O

C R I C K E T

S K I L L S

AND

D R I L L S

for use by
Coaches of Junior Cricketers

by
Greg Irvine and Percy Samara-Wickrama

COOLEMAN
COURT
JUNIOR
CRICKET
PROGRAMME

PREFACE

Cooleman Court is pleased to be associated with Weston Creek

Cricket Club and the junior cricket programme aimed at fostering
cricket amongst youngsters in Weston Creek area.
We are conscious of our community role in our area and are
delighted to be involved with this most popular summer game which
not only is a character builder but instills team spirit in our youth.
The coaching co-ordinator appointed to the task is Greg Irvine, one
of Canberra's leading and well known cricketers and we have no doubt
that the professionalism he brings to coaching is only equal to the
professionalism he displays in the middle.
Alison Reid
Centre Manager
Cooleman Court
Weston A.C.T. 2611

THIS PUBLICATION IS A P A R T OF
COOLEMAN COURT
JUNIOR CRICKET PROGRAMME

BATTING
INTRODUCTION
In order that the instructions are clearly
use are explained.

understood the terms in common

In the text, terms such as leading elbow, leading shoulder and top hand are
used, so that the instructions would apply equally to left and right hand
batsmen.
The terms used are as follows:
Right Hand Batsman

Left Hand Batsman

BACK FOOT

Right Foot

Left Foot

FRONT FOOT

Left Foot

Right Foot

LEADING ELBOW

Left Elbow

Right Elbow

LEADING SHOULDER

Left Shoulder

Right Shoulder

BOTTOM HAND

Right Hand

L e f t Hand

TOP HAND

Left Hand

Right Hand

THE GRIP

Rest the
ground.

bat

face

down on

the

Bend down and pick up the handle

of the bat in both hands,
The right hand closer to the
blade for a right hand batsman
Left hand closer to the blade
for a left hand batsman.
The V s between thumb and index
finger on both hands point
down the centre of the bat.
Both hands close together
middle of the handle.

in the

The grip of the top hand is extremely important in all batting strokes.
It leads the way and is the dominant hand in most shots.
i)

The grip of the top hand should always be firm.

ii)

Bottom hand is firm between the thumb and index finger with the other
fingers relaxing on the grip on some shots.
e.g. Front and back foot defensive shots. Refer Fig. 9 and Fig. 19

THE STANCE

Place feet either side

parallel to the crease.

and

Feet should be apart and comfortable.

Fig. 2

of

Toes of both feet are in line and

90 to the batting crease.

Bend knees slightly

easy movement.

to

allow

for

Bat rests behind toes of the back

foot.

Hands rest lightly on the front

leg between the inside of the
knee and thigh.

Leading shoulder and front elbow

pointing down the pitch.

Head turned to face bowler with

EYES LEVEL.

Fig. 3
THE BACK LIFT
When the bowler delivers the ball
the bat is raised.
Height of the back lift depends on
the batsman but do not lift the bat
too high.
Bat goes straight back towards the
off-stump and first slip.

BACK FOOT DRIVE

Move feet in the same way as for the
back foot defence.
Keep head over the ball.
Leading (front) elbow pointing in the
direction that you want the ball to go.
Back lift is high and bat comes
through quickly.
Hit the ball with the full face of the
bat and as straight as possible.
Follow through in the direction of
the shot.

Fig. 7

Fig. 6

Fig. 8

FORWARD DEFENSIVE

Back lift straight and off the

ground before ball is delivered.

Front foot moves as close as

possible to the pitch of the ball.

Bend the left knee so that the

head is over the ball.

The bat comes through straight and

angled backwards to play the ball
into the ground.

Back foot remains behind the crease.

L e f t shoulder and elbow lead

the bat towards the ball.

head over ball

elbow high

Watch the ball make contact with the bat in all

cases.

bottom hand loose

front foot to pitch of ball

back foot behind crease

F i g .20Fig.21Fig.22

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

ON DRIVE

Back lift.

Pick bat up straight.

Leading foot has opened to move forward and outside (legside)

the line of the ball.

Front shoulder is dipped.

Full face of the bat comes through the ball,

Attempt to hit the ball towards mid-on not mid wicket.

Top hand controls the shot.

Do

Follow through the line of mid-on.

not over balance towards the off side.

IMPORTANT:

The position of the head is extremely important when

playing the on drive.
If the batsman over-balances towards
the head is leaning to the off side.

the off

side

Head needs to move towards the pitch of the ball.

Fig. 14

Fig. 13

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

DRIVES
STRAIGHT, OFF AND COVER

Back lift.

Move front
together.

Lift bat back, high and straight.

foot

towards line of

the ball with bat and pad close

Bend front knee to keep head over the ball.

Lean leading shoulder into the shot.

Leading elbow follows through in the direction of the shot.

Keep the bat straight and hit the ball with the full face of the bat.

Contact of bat with ball should be made close to front pad.

Follow through in the direction that you want the ball to go.
HIT THROUGH THE BALL, NOT AT IT.

10

BACK FOOT DEFENCE

Back foot moves towards off stump bring

the front foot alongside. Photo 11.
Back foot remains parallel to the crease
so that the body stays in a sideways
position. Photo 11.

Front elbow is high and points towards

the bowler.

Head directly over the ball on contact.

Top hand controls the shot.

Angle bat down to keep the ball down.

Fig. 18
Fig. 17

Head over ball.

Eyes level.
Elbow high and pointing towards bowler.
Loose grip on bottom hand.
Bat angled.
Back foot parallel to crease.

When
playing
backfoot
strokes, you should feel
your weight on your back
foot.
Your front foot
is used for balance.

PULL SHOT OR HOOK SHOT

Move back foot towards off stump
but point it down the pitch slightly.
Bring front foot back towards the
leg stump.
Head and chest should now be facing
the ball for a pull shot.
The head moves inside the line of
the ball for a hook shot.
F i g . 20

F i g . 21

F i g . 22

Hit the ball as early as possible and

try to hit the ball down.

11

CUT SHOT
c

Move back foot towards off stump.

Keep back foot parallel to the crease.

Weight transferred to the back foot.

Back lift is higher.

Bring bat down and over the ball,

roll the wrists.

Try to extend the arm on contact.

Front foot moves towards back foot

to keep in balance.

A full follow through is important

DO NOT SWAT A T THE BALL.
HIT THROUGH THE BALL NOT A T IT.

Fig. 23

Fig. 24

Fig. 25

RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS

Remember, there are three calls you
should use. YES, NO, WAIT which is
followed by YES or NO.
When the ball goes behind the wicket
the non striker (the batsman at the
bowler's end) calls for the run.
All other calls are made by the batsman.
First run must be run as quickly as
possible.
When running hold the bat in' the front of
you Fig. 26
Communicate with partner while passing
in the centre of the pitch
e.g. you could say "Look for two".
Fig. 26

Always turn facing the ball with the

bat in hand furthest from the ball.
This could mean changing the bat into
a different hand.
Never turn to run when you cannot see
where the ball is.
Stretch out, reach behind the crease
and keep your body as low as possible
for a faster turn.

F i g . 28

Fig. 29

Fig. 30

Always try to slide the bat betore

reaching the crease (bat has to be
grounded behind the crease).

Fig. 31
NON STRIKER SHOULD

Back up at the bowler's end.

Start walking down the pitch as

the bowler delivers the ball.

Keep bat behind the crease.

Always hold the bat with the
hand closest to the bowler.

14

BOWLING
INTRODUCTION
For an accurate and e f f e c t i v e delivery of a ball the bowler has to concentrate
on four important points as follows:
1.

A correct grip.

2.

A smooth, comfortable and rhythmic run-rup to the crease.

3.

A well balanced delivery stride which makes full use of the run-up.

4.

A deliberate follow through.

THE GRIP

RUN-UP, DELIVERY AND FOLLOW THROUGH

Every bowler must establish a regular run-up comfortable to his needs.
To be able to establish an individual run-up follow the steps given below.

A.

i
Start with both feet on the crease.
Run away from the crease delivering the ball when you feel ready and
comfortable.
Place a marker where the back foot lands.
Repeat this several times until a consistent back foot plant is made.
Then practise the run-up from the marker, starting with the same foot,
as before.
IMPORTANT:

The run-up should start slowly, gradually increasing speed.

Full pace should be reached during the last few paces.

The bowler should attempt to bowl from a position as close as possible

to the stumps.

The follow through should continue down the pitch about one or two
paces before veering off to the side.
NOTE:

Placement of suitable markers can help the young bowler

develop a fluent and well balanced follow through.

16

THE DELIVERY
The final stride - a jump off the left foot
turning the body sideways and the left arm
stretching upwards.
The right foot (back foot) lands parallel to,
and usually behind the bowling crease to
allow for the side on position of the body.
The body should now be in a position so
that the left shoulder points towards the
batsman.
The left arm extends upwards, and the
bowler looks at the batsman over the left
shoulder.
The weight is on the right foot and the body
is leaning away from the batsman.
The left foot lands in front of the right
foot pointing to fine leg - the body must
remain sideways.
NOTE: For left arm bowlers the same rules
apply except that the left foot is the back
foot and the right foot is the front foot
and should point towards third man on
delivery, and the right shoulder points at
the batsman.

The body weight now transfers to the front

leg with the front arm up and towards the
batsman.
The front arm now comes
and then behind the body.

through,

across

The bowling arm comes over as high and

as straight as possible letting go of the ball
at the highest point.

The arm then swings across the front of

the body finishing up on the outside of the
front thigh.
At all times the head should be still with
the eyes looking down the pitch.

The follow through should take the right

arm bowler to the off side, and the left
arm bowler to the on side in both cases
off the wicket.

F i g .20Fig.21Fig.22

17

FIELDING
Fielding is important and shpuld be fun, even
more so if everyone tries.

practised the correct fielding positions, it

is enjoyable and worthwhile to use some
of the games in here in help with your
catching and fielding.

Some time should be spent during training

practising your fielding.
A f t e r you have

The fielders' first job is to stop the ball

and there are two methods of doing this.

INTRODUCTION

DEFENSIVE FIELDING
Move into the path that
as quickly as possible.

the ball is taking

Right handed throwers drop onto your left

knee, to form a 'barrier' with your left leg
and right foot.
Left handed throwers kneel
on their right knee, which meets their left
foot.
Keep your head above your hands, and point
your fingers down when stopping the ball.
Once you have the ball in your hands, you
can get up and be in position to throw the
ball to your team mate.
Point your other arm towards the target
as this will act as a guide for the direction
you want to throw the ball in.

Fig. 33

ATTACKING FIELDING
If there is a chance of running a batsman
out, there is a quicker way to field the ball.
When you have seen the path that the ball
is travelling in, run towards it as quickly
as possible.
Right handed throwers meet the ball with
your right foot behind it and at 90 (right
angles) to the line of the ball.
Try to stop the ball in front
with the fingers pointing down.

of your foot

Once the ball is fully under control, you

can stand up and be in a position to throw
the ball immediately.
Fig. 34

18

Fig. 35
CATCHING
Catches are important, because they could
be the difference between winning or losing
a match.
Do not move until you have seen the path
of the ball.
Then move
the way.

quickly,

watching

the

ball

all

Make a wide 'web' with both hands and when

the ball hits the palms close your fingers
round the ball.

OUTFIELD CATCHING
Try to catch the ball at eye level.
Again hands are cupped but inverted with
thumbs
and tips
of
the
index
fingers
together.
Move quickly into position.
Keep hands relaxed and give slightly
the ball makes contact with hands.

when

Be positive and confident in catching.

Fig. 36

CLOSE CATCHING
Hands are always cupped and relaxed.
Fingers are spread to form a web and little
fingers are touching.
Do not point your fingers at the ball
e.g. crocodile catching.
Stay in a crouched and still position.
KEEP YOUR HANDS LOW,
come up than to go down.

it

is easier

Do not move until you have seen the ball.

Watch the ball all the way.

to

19

WICKET KEEPING
Of all the positions in the field, the wicket
keeper is the most important and the most
demanding.
You

must make sure that your stance:

is comfortable and not strained;
allows you the best view of the ball;
enables you to take the ball with little
movement;
is close enough to the wicket, so that
you can stump the batsman without
having to reach for the stumps.

When you stand back to quicker bowlers,

make sure that you are far enough back
to catch the ball between your knees and
waist.
If you stand close to the wickets try to keep
your feet moving in a semi-circle.
This
will let you catch balls on the offside and
down the legside while keeping your body
facing the stumps.

Off Side

CHECK LIST
1.

Always keep your body and head

when you are waiting for the ball.

2.

Try to
possibie,
bounced.

3.

Move your feet as little as possible,

just make sure that your head and body
are behind the ball.

4.

Always catch the ball with the fingers

pointing away from the ball, never at
it.

5.

When
ball.

6.

Never move your hands

ball, or snatch at it.

stay
rise

catching

Leg Side

still

down for as long as

with ball after it has

'give'

slightly

with

the

towards

the

20

DRILLS

INTRODUCTION
1

This section covers a series of drills that may be used during

session to help sharpen-up the reflexes of the young player.

a training

All good training sessions should be planned in order that batting, bowling and
fielding skills are improved.
Batting and bowling for about 10 minutes in a
net is of very little benefit to the young cricketer.
You should aim to include at least 30 minutes of
practice session.

drills in a typical 2 hour

In addition to the obvious benefits derived, these drills will help the young
cricketer to greater participation during practice sessions.

BATTING DRILLS
1

FRONT FOOT TO THE PITCH OF THE BALL DRILL

Player B
Batsman
Batsman
Batsman

rolls
steps
takes
must

the ball slowly along the ground towards Batsman A.

forward with the front foot and traps the ball.
up basic stance, stay .sideways on to the bowler.
remain in balance.

2 DRIVING DRILL
Equipment needed:

Batting tee, witches hat or paper-cup bat and ball.

TOP HAND DRILL

A
X

A
a,

Using only the top hand, drive the ball

between the markers. Fielder returns the ball.

21

b,

c,

Thrower lobs the ball towards the marker

which is positioned on a drivable
length. Batsman A then strikes the ball
back to B.

A ball in a stocking or sock is hung from

the clothes line or other high structure.
The ball is suspended about 10cm from
the ground.
The batsman drives the ball as it returns
to him.

FRONT FOOT DRIVE DRILL

Drive from Tee - Cover, Straight off and On Drive.

* =

Points to remember
batsman must take normal stance
step towards the ball with front foot
try to place the ball between the markers
follow through in the line of the shot
lift the bat straight.
4

FRONT FOOT DRIVE

X
X
X

Place three markers at drivable length for straight on, and off drives.
Activity

- Thrower throws the ball accurately at the marker and the

batsman drives the ball in the desired direction.

This activity can take place in front of a fence or inside

the practice nets.

JUDGING LENGTH AND TOP HAND DRILL

T

'
\
1

Equipment:

Tennis balls, paddle bat or cut-off cricket bat and batting gloves.

Activity:

The batsman, using only the top hand drives the ball.
The thrower pitches the ball towards a good length line.
If the ball lands short of the good length line he plays
back and strikes the ball.
If the ball lands in front of the good length line the
batsman plays forward.
The batsman predicts his shot by saying loudly
"Forward" or "Back".

See Photos 9 and 12.

IMPORTANT:

- front elbow high and pointing down the pitch.

- bat follows down the line of the ball and NOT out
towards mid wicket.

HOOK AND PULL SHOT DRILLS

A

Activity:

Using a tennis ball or cricket balls, the thrower pitches a

ball at a marker outside the line of the leg stump and
short of a length.
Batsman hooks or pulls several balls towards the witches hats.
Points can be scored thus:
4

points if the ball is hit between the witches hats and

through the fielders X X X

points for between the hats but above the fielders.

1
-3

point if stopped by fielders.

if caught by fielders

7.

A C C U R A C Y AND WICKET KEEPING DRILL

XXX

Bowlers line up and deliver the ball in turn.

Aim at a small square marked on the pitch at a good length and
in line with the stumps.
Wicket Keeper can practise his technique during this drill.
Rotate players as wicket keeper.

FIELD AND UNDERARM THROW

\
(
\

r
1
X
W.fc

-.> A
X -. X X X X

Activity
Wicket keeper rolls the ball towards Group A.
Player 1 moves in, picks up the ball and underarms the ball over
the stumps to the wicket keeper.
Player 1 then runs around the wicket keeper and back to Group A.
Sequence then continues.
Variation

- Introduce 2 balls per player.

- 2 balls but alternate 1 per player.

9. FIELD, THROW AND BACKING UP

A.
XXXX

JL

X
wk

\
2.,
X

The wicket keeper rolls the ball towards a mid-wicket fielder.

Fielder 1 in Group A runs in, fields the ball and throws at the stumps
at the bowler's end, then moves on to Group B.
Fielder 2 from Group B moves accordingly to back-up the stumps and
the throw.
Fielder 2 after fielding the ball, throws to the wicket keeper and
moves on to Group A and the sequence is continued.
The throw at the stumps can be underarm or overarm.
The drill should be worked from both sides of the wicket and in any
fielding position.

10. FIELD AND THROW RUNNING AWAY FROM THE STUMPS

A.
X X XX

-X

Wk.

Activity
Wicket keeper rolls the ball away from the stumps.
Player 1 in Group A runs out to the ball, fields and throws
a return to the wicket keeper.
Player 1 then re-joins Group A and the game continues.

25

11. FIELDING AND BACKING-UP

a rotation
X

y x

A rolls the ball towards B

xx

D.

B fields the ball and throws the ball underarm over the stumps
to C who is backing up.
C rolls the ball towards D.
D fields the ball and throws underarm to A.
- the rotation continues.
- each player moves on to the next group, after fielding or rolling the ball.
Variation

change the direction of rotation.

use two balls.

Activity

X
A
x
i
i

12. FIELD AND THROW

yf

- x - .

wk

*
Wicket keeper rolls the ball between A and B.

Player from A runs out, fields the ball and returns the ball to the wicket keeper.
Player A then continues his run and joins the end of Group B.
Sequence then continues.
This drill then changes direction towards A.

THROWING
13. TARGET THROW / FIELD AND FOLLOW

A X
xxxX

.1-

Activity

Player 1 in Group A throws the ball at the target, then follows to Group B.
Player 1 from Group B fields the ball and throws at the target, then follows
to Group A, and so on.
The coach may set up a number of stumps at the same time.

'

14-

PICK UP AND SIDE A R M THROW

A is
r.

A.
x x n

Activity
Four cricket balls are placed along a line at right angles to the wicket keeper.
Player 1 in Group A runs in and picks up the first ball and throws a return
to the wicket keeper; he continues this action and continues on for balls two,
three and four.
Wicket keeper rolls balls back to positions for player 2 and so on.

15. THROWING
8.

..

fi : r

i
X
Activity

t
X

t
>

Cricket balls are placed on the line between witches hats and opposite each
Group.
Fielder 1 in each Group have a ball in their hand. With a starting signal they
race out, place their ball on the line and pick up the stationary ball and
return it to the next member in the team and so on.

27

RUNNING BEGTWEEN WICKETS AND FIELDING

16. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS

X
X
Activity
Importance of this drill is the speed of the turn.
The player must reach for the crease with the bat in one hand, minimising
the distance he must run, also slide the bat across the crease.
This is an individual relay where points can be awarded to the team that has
the most winners.

17. SPEED TURN A N D R E L A Y

'

'

2 X
3 ^

1 t

Activity
Coach indicates by raising an arm, the direction an imaginary ball has been
hit.
First runner in each group has a bat, he will then run towards the
with the bat held out in front.

marker

When turning towards A the bat is held in the left hand.

The bat is held in the right hand when turning towards B.
The coach can change direction of the turn by indicating the direction of the
ball at the last minute.
This is an individual relay and not a team relay.

18. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS, FIELD AND THROW TO EFFECT RUN-OUTS

X
X
x
. '

- "

A.

x- i.

Ar

N.

Activity
Wicket keeper or coach rolls the ball towards A.
Player 1 in Group A fields the ball and returns the ball to the wicket keeper
who attempts to run out the batsman.
When the run is complete the batsman in position N moves to Group A.
Fielder from Group A moves to new batting position N and so on.
The positioning of Group A can be moved to any fielding position on the field,
e.g. cover, mid-wicket, backward square, mid-off and so on.

19. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS, BACKING UP THROW AND FIELDING

* R

/
/'

M.

N-

**

x"
K

\y
xX A.

Activity
The wicket keeper rolls the ball towards Group A.
Player 1 from Group A fields the ball and has the option to throw to the
wicket keeper or player 2 from Group B who is backing up the bowler's end.
The wicket keeper and player 2 are trying to run out batsman N and M.
A f t e r the run is completed,
moves to Group A.

batsman M moves to Group B, and batsman

Fielder 2 from Group B becomes

becomes batsman N.

batsman

M and fielder

1 from Group

The rotation then continues.

Change direction of throw by moving the Group A to opposite side.

N
A

29

20. MIDDLE DISTANCE AND OUTFIELD CATCHING

A.

Activity

wk.

Batsman hits fly balls out to the fielders in group A & B.

*
X

They return the ball to the wicket keeper.

A f t e r several catches, group A fc B rotate.
Two balls can be hit alternatively by the batsman.
IMPORTANT:

The ball is always returned to the wicket keeper

in the same sequence.

I.

I.

A.
].

<

s.

Activity
Fielders in Group A have their backs to the batsman.
Batsman hits a fly ball towards Group A and calls a number or the name of
a player. That player then turns and moves to the catch, he then returns
the ball to the wicket keeper.
21. SLIPS CATCHING
X

The coach/batsman throws the ball on to the face of the bat.

The ball is deflected from the bat to the slips cordon.

<

A
. ^

i''

B
i)

The thrower pitches the ball to the batsman who deflects the ball
towards the fielders in position A.
Also a short-leg fieldsman can be
placed in position B.

ii)

If a fielder drops a catch, then he should move to the end of the slip
cordon and positions rotated.

iii)

A variation for reflex catches is to:

-

Throw the ball underarm to the batsman over a short distance.

The slip cordon to be 2 to 5 metres from the bat.

When fielding in the slips you should stay low as long as possible.

22. RUNNING A W A Y CATCH

XXX

|
V

'
'
i

Activity
Wicket keeper or batsman hits the ball in the air about 1 0 - 1 5 metres
away from Group A .
Player 1 in Group A runs out and catches the ball, then returns the ball
to the wicket keeper.
Player 1 then rejoins the group and so on.

23. RUN, CATCH, FIELD & THROW

A.
XXX

XXX
\
\

</

Activity
Batsman hits the ball out towards an area half-way between the two groups A & B.
Player 1 in Group A runs out to catch the ball and returns it to the wicket
keeper, he then moves on and joins Group B and so on.
Work this drill from the right and then from the left.

WICKET KEEPING

24. REFLEX AND SPEED CATCHES

Two players A and B have cricket balls.

Each player throws the ball under arm, alternatively to the wicket keeper
who returns the ball to the same player.

25. DIVING CATCHES

>

A
Two markers are placed about 4 metres apart in front of a wall or the
practice nets.
The wicket keeper stands between the markers.
Another player throws a ball underarm anywhere between the markers.
The wicket keeper dives to catch or stop the ball.

32

NOTES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our special thanks go to the Management of Cooleman

Court for making this project possible, Chris Body for
the titles, Beverly Alley for typing and Col Kelaart
for proof reading.
P.S.

G.I.