Stopping drills

Purpose : To develop agility while using the skill of picking up the ball after a chase in a competitive situation. Description : Place 4 markers in a half moon shape with 3 cricket balls on each one. There is an empty bucket or container at the top (the red circle in the diagram). The fielder runs from the start point to any ball, picks it up using correct technique, runs to the empty bucket and puts the ball in (throwing it in is not allowed). The fielder then runs to any other ball to repeat the process until all the balls are in the top bucket. Ideally (but not essentially) the player competing will be attached to some elastic tubing which is anchored to the floor at the start point by another player. The drill is timed and a team leader board can be created to make it competitive. Drill notes : This drill will improve speed and agility if you do it regularly enough. You can track changes by seeing how player’s times improve and the competitive element means players lo...

Purpose: To practice picking up, backing up and shying at the stumps under the pressure of competition. Description: Two stumps are placed between two teams. The coach rolls the ball out and calls which stump should be aimed for. The fielder picks up and shys at the stump. The other team back up the throw then attempt to hit the stump as called by the coach. Score 5 points for a direct hit, lose a point for a misfield.

Purpose: The practice running/diving to stop the ball on the boundary and saving a four. Description: The ball is rolled out for the first fielder on the right to run round the boundary, stop the ball and return it to the coach. When all fielders have gone from the right, repeat from the left. Variation: Score can be kept by awarding points for clean pickup and returns and losing points for fumbles or letting the ball go over the line.

Purpose: To practice a clean pickup and return on the run and backing up. Description: The ball is rolled out to the middle of both groups of players. The fielder on the left picks up and returns the ball before running to the back of the other queue. He gets a point for this. If he misfields he loses a point and the back up fielder picks up and returns then runs to the back of the other queue. If the backup fielder misfields he loses 2 points. The front fielder can come from left or right. 1. 2.

Purpose: A competitive game to practice stopping under pressure. Description: In a court as pictured below, teams take turns to throw the ball, bouncing it in the middle section. Players are not allowed in the middle area. The receiving team must stop the ball before it passes the end of the court, the throwing team must make the ball pass the opponents back line. 3 points are scored for crossing the back line, 1 point is lost of missing the middle section or passing outside the side of the court.

Purpose: To add a pressure element to stopping and picking up the ball Description: The attackers aim is to get the ball over the goal line by passing it to each other along the ground. The defenders must intercept the ball only moving sideways or backwards. If the attacking team fumble the ball or the ball is intercepted they must return to the start line.

Purpose: Practicing stops, pickup, shy and backing up. Description: An even number of players jog in a circle around a stump with a coach (c) in the middle. The coach rolls/hits the ball out to a fielder who picks up and shys and the stump. The throw is backed up by the opposite fielder and returned to the coach. Variations: The coach can shout out players to change direction. Scoring can also be added by giving points for hitting the stump and losing points for misfields.

Essential cricket fielding drills Being able to field well in cricket is crucial as a cricket match can easily be won or lost in the field. Your job as a fielder is to support the bowler and put pressure on the batsman by fielding the ball effectively and getting it back in to the wicket keeper as quickly and precisely as possible. There are many drills which you can practice to help improve your fielding performance and to aid you in applying the fielding techniques you learn. These drills can be modified and varied to suit your needs and skill level accordingly, a bit of imagination can go a long way in increasing the effectiveness and enjoyment of training drills. The more fun the better. Fielding Drill 1 This is a drill to practice defensive techniques specifically the long barrier, it is also good for improving general hand eye coordination which is essential in cricket. Set out four cones...

Purpose: To practice diving and stopping the ball on the boundary Description: Players 1 and 2 alternately roll balls to pass inside the nearest cone. Player 3 has to stop the ball, diving if necessary. If he stops the ball he returns it back to the feeder. After 6 stops the players change around. 1. 2. 3.

Purpose: To practice stopping the ball under pressure. Description: Player 3 tries to roll the ball past player 2 reaching player 1. The ball must stay within the marked area. Player 2 scores a point for stopping the ball or if player 3 misfields. After 6 points players change positions.

Purpose : The long barrier is a staple of fielding skills, but really being able to run in, attack the ball and return it quickly takes practice. So although this drill is simple, the key points to work on are not the basic long barrier, but getting to the ball quickly, picking it up and returning it accurately. That takes a lot of practice and this drill is ideal. Description : The coach (C) rolls the ball towards the fielder who runs in quickly, stops it with the long barrier and returns the ball to the wicketkeeper (W) accurately. The fielder then goes to the back of the group. Variations : To encourage competitiveness, speed and accuracy you can keep score: For example giving a point for a clean pickup, a point for an accurate throw and so on. You can also make the feed more difficult by bouncing the ball so it is bobbling when it reaches the fielder.

Purpose : Fast moving, high pressure inner ring catch, throw and backing up. There is a lot of movement so is also good for fitness and focus. Description : The ball is thrown out to the fielder who catches or fields the ball, and throws at the stump. After the throw the feeder moves to the back of the catching queue and the fielder moves to the back of the backup queue. Meanwhile the backup fielder stops the ball, and returns the throw to the keeper on the stump. She then runs to the feeder position to deliver the next feed. Variations: Feeds can come from a bowling machine or from a katchet ramp. The ball can be hit on the half volley from a bat. To encourage competitiveness, speed and accuracy you can keep score: For example giving a point for a clean pickup, a point for an accurate throw and so on.