Hunt in Packs

Purpose: A pre-match warm up that practices the skills of chasing down a ball in pairs and backing up.
Description: The coach (C) or wicketkeeper rolls/hits the ball out from the stumps. The players behind the coach chase the ball down. The first player to reach the ball flicks it back to the other player who returns the ball to the stumps.
At the same time, the players in front of the coach sprint to the stumps/backing up position to take the throw.
The ball is returned to the coach and the players rotate around the square in a clockwise position.

• Batsman can be added for run out chances.
• The ball can be hit out in any direction so players have to work out who chases and who backs up.

Take on me

Purpose: To combine outfield pick up and throwing with realistic decision-making for fielding and running between the wickets for batters.

Description: The coach/wicketkeeper rolls or hits the ball out to the fielder who runs in and picks up the ball.

At the same time, the two batsmen attempt to complete 2 runs without being run out. The fielder must decide which end to throw for the best chance of a run out. Batsmen use calling to decide to take the second run or not.

Once the fielder has thrown the ball he or she runs to the bowler position to take the throw from the next fielder. The ‘bowler’ returns to the queue.

Batting pairs get 5-10 balls to score as many runs as possible. The pair with the most runs wins.

Variations: You can move the start position of the fielders anywhere you like to train different fielding positions. You can also start the fielders near the feed and make it a chase and return drill.

Bobble target game

Purpose: Practicing pick up of the bobbling ball and throwing at a stump under pressure.
Description: Players get into 2 pairs with a stump in the middle. The teams take turns to throw the ball at the stump. The first pair to hit the stump 3 times is the winner.
Safety Note: Mark out a 20m wide area around the stump that players must not enter. If the ball stops inside the area the game must stop for the ball to be retrieved.

"Non-Throwing Side" Technique

Most run outs in club cricket come from balls hit to fielders on their throwing arm side, but how good are you at completing run outs when the ball goes to your non-throwing side?
There are two methods to hitting the stumps when the ball goes to your non-throwing hand side. In this article we are going to look at the one that fits the ball being dropped for a single slightly infront of the fielder.
Early decision making helps the fielder to move out of their ready position and towards the ball. Players who anticipate well often watch the batter intently to pick up cues about the direction of the shot, weight of shot (often indicated by the swing of the bat) and the intention to take off for a quick single.
Many top quality fielders train their anticipation in net sessions by watching and simulating moving to the ball when it has been hit, it's great to practice at point, mid wicket and square leg.

1. One handed pick up

Ball is picked up just inside the front foot with the non-throwing hand.

2. Ball Transfer/Rotate Phase

Ball is transferred into the throwing hand, this allows the fielder to get an early look at the target. Momentum takes the fielder into a slight rotation with the back foot moving behind the body readying itself to push back into the line of the stumps in the next phase.

3. Strong back leg = stability and power

The back leg acts as a brake in this phase and by slowing the lateral movement allows the fielder to work back into the stumps, aligning the shoulders with the stumps and providing stability to create power in the throw.

4. Point - Aim - Fire

Point the front arm to align the shoulders toward your target, pick your spot with your eyes and dynamic balance is achieved. Despite still moving, the fielder is stable and aligned perfectly.

5. High release position: elbow at 90 degrees

The high release does 2 things:

1. Vertical rotations are fantastic for accuracy. The ball will stay on the right line for the longest path towards the stumps
2. Healthy: The shoulder and elbow are happiest when they are aligned in this fashion.

6. Success - On your way Son!

Advanced 360 degree fielding

Purpose: Grooving best fielding practices in a match-like environment. Everyone is encoraged to support each other as a team in the field.
Description: The field can be set for any game situation the coach likes. The coach hits the ball out anywhere on the field with the closest fielder catching or picking up and returning the ball to the end nominated by the coach as quickly as possible. Other players offer support through backing up, helping with chases and providing a partner for relay throws. Rotate fielders through positions every so often.
Variations: Batsmen can be added to try and score runs through proper calling and running.

Introduction to 360 Degree Fielding

This drill is ideal for realistic practice in stopping, catching, staying alert and backing up in the field.
The coach (c) hits the ball (in the air or on the ground) to any fielder then shouts which end the ball should be returned to. If the shy is at the bowlers end the other fielders must back up the throw and return it to the coach.

Variation: Add batters trying to steal runs. Keep score between pairs.

Chase and return (single or double team)

Purpose: To practice chasing, picking up and returning to the wicketkeeper.
Description: The keeper or coach rolls the ball out for the first fielder to chase and return. To practice team throws, 2 players can chase, the first flicking the ball back for the second. The player then returns to the group. Variations: The player can stay out in the deep for the coach or keeper to hit a catch or ball along the ground for another return.
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