Cricket Coaching Tips
Cricket Coaching Tips
Cricket
2
CONTENTS
Student Notes Teacher Notes MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CRICKET ASSOCIATION 3
INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE 3
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SHEET 4
Prepared for The Royal Navy in Association with The National Cricket
Association and produced by Education & Youth Ltd, London. UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO CRICKET MODULE 5
If there is any support you feel The Royal Navy can give regarding this UNIT 2 TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS 6
project please contact 0870 333 0423. 1 FIELDING 6
2 BOWLING 9
3 BATTING 14
Acknowledgements
4 WICKET KEEPING 22
These notes have been compiled by Bob Carter – National Coach,
(Coach Education) The National Cricket Association UNIT 3 TACTICS AND FIELD PLACEMENT 25
Game-play Skills Good basic skills, techniques. A good understanding of the basic principles
and tactics. Ability to vary strokes and bowling techniques. Demonstrates
good concentration and alertness in the field (pages 6-24)
Tactical Skills Bowling: Encouraging dangerous strokes. Varying pace, flight, length,
spin and width of crease.
Batsmen: Judgement and decision making; looking for gaps in the
field; noting ability of fielders and exploiting weaknesses.
Fielders: Placing to
1) Catch batters
2) Stop runs. Adjusting field according to batter (pages 25-27)
Rules “The Laws of Cricket” can be obtained from the MCC. Address page 36.
5
UNIT 1
Introduction to Cricket Module
Cricket is a game steeped in tradition, in which it is often how you play
the game that is as important as winning. The expression “That’s not
cricket” embodied the ideal of “fair play” and good sportsmanship
which teachers and coaches should endeavour to foster at all levels.
There are may different levels of the game ranging from the Five Day
Test Match, the afternoon club match, the indoor six a side adults,
Kwik Cricket, Cricket Pairs game played by 10 year olds to the
simplest single wicket game of one bowler and one batsman. Each
require different degrees of ability, fitness, skills and commitment.
Early exposure to the skills required is a great help in the making of a
successful player, though some players have turned to the game at a
later age and achieved a good standard.
Learning the skills can be a very enjoyable experience with a great deal
of physical activity involved. It is also possible to structure the skill
learning so that simple competitions and small sided games prevent
the practices from becoming boring. They also provide opportunities
of introducing to beginners, in stages, small sections of the 42 Laws
governing the playing of the adult game.
The material covered in this book does not relate to any specific
Examination Board’s syllabus, but is intended to provide a basic
resource which should be supported and supplemented by reference
to the texts listed in Recommended Reading.
6
UNIT 2
Techniques and Skills
In order to play cricket to examination level, students should have a
good practical and theoretical grasp of the 4 major activities of the
game:
• Fielding
• Bowling
• Batting
• Wicket keeping
1 Fielding
Essentially this involves catching and throwing in a variety of
circumstances both static or on the move.
CATCHING
The High Catch
Objective: To catch a ball which is dropping quickly.
Method: Sight the ball.
Move quickly to where it will come down.
Stand still with hands up above eye level and palms facing
ball, fingers spread out, little fingers touching.
Hands “give” as ball is caught.
Finish close to chest (see Figure 1). Figure 1
Figure 2
7
The Close Catch
Objective: Primarily to deal with catches close to the wicket.
Method: Eyes level.
Head still.
Palms facing anticipated line of ball.
Fingers pointing down, elbows clear of body.
Weight on balls of feet.
Hands give as ball is caught (see Figure 3).
Figure 3
Figure 4
8
CHASING AND RETRIEVING
The Short Throw
Objective: Run inside line of ball to enable right foot to land beside it.
Method: Weight well back. Head over right knee, left foot trailing.
Pick ball up.
Turn to left into throwing position.
Aim and throw without further steps (see Figure 5).
(If the ball is moving quickly it may be necessary to take
several braking strides before turning and throwing.)
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
9
General points for fielders
Expect every ball to come to you but do not anticipate its line, If not fielding the ball, back up at either end to reduce
height or speed. the chance of over-throws.
All fielders except close catchers should be moving in towards If you are close to the bowler’s wicket and he cannot get
the striker as the bowler delivers the ball. back to it, move to it to take the return.
Slips, leg slip and wicketkeeper can watch the ball from the Concentrate all the time, keeping an eye on your captain
bowler’s hand; others watch the bat. who may wish to move you.
Sight the ball before moving off in a particular direction; then If there is a possibility of two fielders colliding when
move quickly. going for the same ball the nearest should call ‘mine’ or
the captain should shout the name of the player who is
Whenever possible use two hands and get some part of the body to field the ball.
behind the ball unless this action would prevent a run out.
On cold days keep your muscles and hands warm to
Having fielded a ball, throw it immediately to the wicketkeeper or, prevent injury and to be ready for instant action.
if there is a chance of a run out, at the stumps.
2 Bowling
The first essential of effective
bowling is that the student
adopts the correct grip (see
Figure 8).
THE BASIC GRIP
Method: Seam vertical.
Thumb on edge of
seam; first two
fingers slightly apart;
third finger bent and
supporting ball (see
Figure 8).
Having achieved this, the whole
skill should be introduced in a
simplified form, using the
following steps.
Figure 8
Step 1
Bowling from the Coil Position
Objective: To introduce the bowling action to beginners.
Method: Raise front arm. Look over shoulder. Bowling hand across
chest.
Lean back. Lift front knee. Arch back slightly. Look down
intended line of delivery.
Swing bowling arm downwards and then backwards.
Swing front arm forwards. Stamp down with front foot.
Continue rotation of arms. Keep front arm close to body.
Straighten front leg. Keep head upright. Release ball as arm
passes head. Keep hand behind ball.
Swing front arm high behind body. Follow-through with
bowling arm across body. Bring back leg through, bent and
close to other leg. Bowling shoulder points to target.
Follow-through by taking steps forward (see Figure 9).
Figure 9
10
Step 2
Run Up and Bound
Method: Concentrate on line of delivery.
Smooth rhythmical approach.
Accelerate gradually. Control speed.
Bound (spring) off left foot. Raise both arms. Turn 90° in
air.
Land in coil position leaning back from batsman.
Repeat bowling action.
Practise bowling with a smooth and economical run-up and
easy rhythmical well balanced delivery, finishing with a
deliberate and fluent follow-through (see Figure 10).
Once players have mastered these steps they should be ready to
progress to more complex skills using swing and spin. Figure 10
The Grip
Method: Seam vertical but pointing at slips.
Side of thumb on centre seam. First two fingers either side
of seam.
Polished side of ball to leg side (see Figure 11).
Figure 11
The Action
Method: Bowl from close to stumps.
Look over front shoulder behind
front arm.
Back foot parallel with crease.
Front foot lands to leg side of
back foot.
High delivery, hand behind ball.
Emphasise good follow-through
of bowling arm and shoulder
(see Figure 12).
Figure 12
11
THE IN-SWING
The Grip
Method: Hold the ball with the polished side
on the off side.
Seam vertical but pointing to leg
side.
Ball of thumb against seam.
First two fingers close together on
seam (see Figure 13).
The Action
Method: Bowl from wider position on crease.
Open coil - more chest on.
Look inside arm. Back foot points
down pitch.
Front foot in line with or outside
back foot. High bowling arm on
release.
Feel as though pushing ball to
legside.
Bowling arm does not follow-
through across body (see Figure
14).
Figure 13
Figure 14
12
OFF SPIN AND LEFT ARM ORTHODOX
SPIN (FINGER SPIN)
NB An off break spins the ball from off to
leg, rotating clockwise from the bowler. The
left arm spinner moves the ball from leg to
off.
The Grip
Method: Hold ball in between first and
second fingers.
Seam at right angles to the
fingers.
Top joints across seam.
Knuckles of first finger and
second finger grip seam.
Do not use thumb to hold ball
(see Figure 15).
The Action
Method: Shortish run up.
Good coil position; look behind
arm. Short delivery stride.
Front foot slightly across to leg
side.
High delivery, head up.
Pivot on ball of front foot.
Figure 15 Twist hand clockwise.
Flick ball with first finger.
Pull bowling arm across the
body.
Spin ball clockwise by turning
hand upwards.
Finish with palm upwards (see
Figure 16).
Figure 16
13
LEG SPIN OR CHINAMAN
NB A legbreak spins from leg to off, rotating anti-clockwise from
bowler. A left arm wrist spinner rotates the ball clockwise and is said
to bowl ‘Chinamen’.
The Grip
Method: Seam at right angles to fingers.
First two fingers spread; first joints on seam.
Third finger bent along seam (see Figure 17).
Figure 17
The Action
Method: Shortish run up.
Good coil position.
Look over shoulder.
Wrist bent in towards forearm.
Place front foot to leg side of back
foot.
Keep head up.
High delivery.
Hold wrist back.
Pivot around front foot.
Flick wrist forward.
Pull down with first finger.
Straighten third finger.
Flick third finger straight as ball is
released.
Continue across body, palm
downwards (see Figure 18).
Figure 18
CUTTERS – FLOATER – GOOGLY
Within a work of this size, it is impossible to cover the
advanced stages of bowling, although it is acknowledged
that some GCSE or equivalent syllabi demand that these
are included. Further information regarding these skills is
to be found by reference to the texts listed in
Recommended Reading.
14
3 Batting
Please note, throughout the module “batsman” also refers to
“batswoman”.
Batting in cricket is probably the most popular of all skills. Firstly, it
allows the player to score, and secondly he has the full attention of not
only both teams, but also the spectators.
When teaching batting it is essential that staff exercise great care in
selecting the surface on which the skill is performed. At school level
this is often a factor over which neither staff nor students have any
control. Nevertheless, staff should remain on the side of caution and
on bad pitches certain strokes should not be taught. It is accepted that
at least one Examining Board includes the hook within the syllabus.
The National Cricket Association (NCA) does not recommend that this
stroke be taught to inexperienced players, particularly if the pitch is
suspect. For this reason the hook and other advanced skills (lofted Figure 19
shots, the sweep and the late cut) are omitted from this text.
Figure 20
THE BACKLIFT
Method: Front shoulder and elbow pointing to bowler.
Bat raised but pushed back over middle-stump.
Head still.
Open face of bat to point.
Top forearm roughly parallel with ground.
Back elbow away from body.
No movement of body backwards or forwards until
selection of stroke to be played is made (see Figure 21).
Figure 21
15
THE BASIC SHOTS
The Pull
This stroke is played to a short pitched ball bouncing between knee
and chest height as it arrives at the batsman. This is known as a long
hop.
When learning strokes, a firm level surface is required in order to
achieve an even predictable bounce from a tennis ball. Extreme care
must be taken to ensure that no batsman will hit a ball into an area
where others are working. Sufficient space must be allowed so that
individual batsmen do not strike any person from another group with
the bat. No fielder is allowed nearer than 10 paces from the batsman.
If practising inside, the batsman can strike the ball towards a wall and
the fielders can intercept the ball on the rebound from the wall at a
position nearer the striker but on the opposite side from the direction
in which the ball was struck.
Figure 24
Figure 25
17
The Off Drive
Objective: To play to a half-volley, a ball which pitches
close to the batsman and does not bounce
very high. It will be just on or outside the off
stump.
Method: From a good high backlift, lead with head
and front shoulder onto line of ball.
Top hand in control.
Play ball under head close to bent front leg.
Do not lift head after contact.
Arms follow-through along line ball was
struck; top hand and elbow high.
Back leg straight; weight on front foot.
The wrist can now ‘break’ allowing the bat
to go over the shoulder, handle pointing
roughly in direction of ball (see Figure 26).
The Straight Drive
Objective: To play to a half-volley which pitches
approximately on the line of the middle-
stump.
Method: In all ways similar to off drive but the lead
of head and front shoulder is straight down
the pitch.
Figure 26
The On Drive
Objective: This stroke is played to a half-volley, pitching
on or just outside the leg stump.
Method: Very similar to other drives.
Lead with head and front shoulder onto line
of ball.
Dip front shoulder while taking a shorter
stride than for other drives.
Throw hands and arms out along line ball is
intended to be struck.
Keep head close to shoulder. Top hand in
control all the time (see Figure 27).
Figure 27
18
The Forcing Stroke Off the Back Foot
Objective: This stroke is played to a ball short of a
length outside the off stump which does
not bounce more than about knee height.
Method: Essential to have a good high back lift.
Step back and slightly across to offside
just inside the line of ball.
Back foot parallel to crease.
Front shoulder turned slightly to off side.
Weight on back foot.
Head down.
Control downswing of bat with top hand.
Allow front leg to move close to back leg.
Just before contact with ball punch
through with bottom hand.
Stop (check) swing of bat as shown,
keeping a high front elbow.
Keep looking at spot contact was made to
maintain balance and forward poise of
body (see Figure 28).
Figure 28
Figure 29
19
The Forward Leg Glance
Objective: This stroke is played to a good length or
slightly over pitched ball on or outside
the leg stump.
Method: Lead with head and front shoulder onto
line of ball.
Front foot lands in line with ball; top
hand in control.
Angle face of bat slightly to leg side.
Keep handle further forward than blade
to play ball down.
Maintain a good balance by keeping
head over front knee as ball is played
and afterwards.
Allow wrists to continue to turn as bat
follows through (see Figure 30).
Figure 30
Figure 31
Figure 32
21
Making One’s Ground
Always run the first run as fast as
possible. Aim to run the bat in
short of the popping crease so
that it is grounded as it crosses
the crease (see Figure 34).
Multiple Runs
When there is a possibility of
more than one run, the call is yes,
but as the batsmen pass each
other they should quietly suggest
the possibility: “Look for two”,
“Could be three”.
Ground the bat in either left or
right hand so that the turn can be
made facing the direction in
which the ball is being fielded.
Turn
Look – at the fielder to see
whether there is another
run.
Figure 34
Look – at the other batsman to
ensure he can run again.
Call – run if yes, stay in ground
if no (see Figure 35).
Figure 35
General Points
If both batsmen start to run it is better to try and get to the other end
than to stop and return to the starting point.
Ensure the bat is run in on its edge and grounded behind the popping
crease before turning for the next run.
Before running for a misfield, ensure that the ball has travelled a
sufficient distance from the fielder to allow a safe run. Having
accepted a run, do not watch the ball when running.
22
4 Wicket Keeping
There are 2 positions from which to keep wicket.
• Standing back from the wicket.
• Standing up to the wicket.
Standing Back
Method: Position where ball can be taken as it drops between waist
and knee height after bouncing.
Crouch to off side of stumps to get a clear view of ball.
Rise with bounce of ball.
Palms facing ball, little fingers touching.
Hands forward to give as ball is taken.
Eyes level; head as still as possible (see Figure 36).
Figure 36
Figure 37
23
Standing Up to the Wicket – Taking a Straight Ball
Method: Head and body behind line of ball.
Rise with bounce of ball.
Fingers pointing down.
Hands give and elbows clear of body as ball is taken.
Transfer weight to foot nearest stumps to commence
bringing ball towards wicket in case of stumping
opportunity (see Figure 38).
Figure 38
Figure 39
Figure 40
24
Standing Up to the Wicket – Taking a Rising Ball
Method: This applies to leg and offside.
Keep gloves on line of ball.
Sway head and body off the line; allow gloves to rise with
ball.
Push head towards stumps to assist arm swing back for
possible stumping (see Figure 41).
Figure 41
•
Deep-Mid-Off •
• Long-Off
Deep-Mid-On
Move Squarer
• Mid-Off
Mid-On •
• Bowler
Extra-Cover
• Move Wider
Mid-Wicket
• Cover •
Short-Extra-Cover
Silly-Mid-On Silly-Mid-Off •
• • •
• Deep-Mid-Wicket Cover Point
Forward-
Short-Leg •
Silly-Point
•
Square-Leg
• • Gully
Backward- •
• Deep-Square-Leg Short-Leg • Wicket-Keeper
•
Leg-Slip First-Slip • • • Third-Slip
Move Backwards Second-Slip Move Finer
•
Short-Third-
Man
• Long-Leg
Deep-Third-Man •
• Deep-Fine-Leg
Figure 42
Point
Bowling Umpire
Figure 43 Figure 44
The bowling end umpire stands in line with the wickets (see Figure 43)
and makes decisions about the placement of the bowler’s feet for the
fairness of delivery, LBW etc. He may move up to the wicket or back if
requested by the bowler, but he must be in a position to carry out his
function.
When a run is being taken, the bowling umpire moves to the same
side of the pitch as the ball and level with the popping crease, to get in
the best position to give a decision for a run out as in the diagram.
The other umpire usually stands level with the popping crease at
square leg (see Figure 44). However, if the sun or fielder interfere with
his view he can stand at Point. His principal function is to give
decisions on stumpings, run outs etc. at the strikers end.
The bowling umpire starts the game by calling “Play”. After six
legitimate balls he calls “Over”; at the end of play he calls “Time” and
removes the bails. During the game he gives the following signals to
the scorers to inform them of what is happening. There is no signal
for one or more runs scored from the bat, unless a boundary is
scored. No signal will be given if a batsman is not out on appeal but
the umpire will say “Not out”. Umpires communicate their decisions to
both players and spectators through a series of signals (see Table 1).
29
Table 1: The Umpire Signals
Dead Ball also called Out Short Run. The number of runs short to be called.
NB the umpire will not allow the game to continue until the scorers
have acknowledged his signal.
30
UNIT 5
Physical Conditioning for Cricket
The degree of fitness required to play depends upon the level and type
of match played. Generally cricket is played over longer periods of
time than other games; therefore the training has different aspects. To
be successful it is necessary to have a high skill level, so there must
be a great deal of time spent in skill training.
Before any vigorous activity it is wise to warm up 2/5 minutes’ gentle
jogging, followed by simple stretching exercises.
General Fitness – Aerobic Endurance
Any sustained activity, preferably running, which lasts over 20
minutes.
Cross country over different surfaces – sand, shingle, ploughed fields,
uphill – very useful.
Swimming and cycling may also help.
General Fitness – Anaerobic Endurance
Short bursts of very high energy expenditure, activity lasting 20-40
seconds.
Shuttle running
Fielding shuttles
10 Paces
F
10 Paces 15 Paces
F
A w/k B w/k
A
Fielder F runs levels with A to catch thrown ball and returns it to A throws ball out. F chases pick up, throws to keeper and returns to
keeper. F then runs level with B who throws another ball to be caught starting point. Repeat 6 times.
and thrown to keeper. Repeat 6 times.
31
General Fitness – Flexibility or Mobility
All players need to have a good range of movement in all joints. When
fully warmed up or at the end of physical activity, take each limb and
joint to its end position, press and hold for several seconds. Relax and
repeat (see Figures 45 a-c).
Figure 45a
Specific Fitness
Analyse each player’s activity to discover what type of training he/she
needs.
1. Batsmen – have to be able to run and turn quickly wearing
equipment.
Suggested Activity :
Shuttles of 5 runs, 20 yards long wearing full
equipment, carrying a bat.
– need to have strong wrists.
Suggested Activities:
Wrist rolling, i. e. winding a weight on a stick up Figure 45b
and down as quickly as possible.
Squeezing grips, squash balls etc.
2. Wicketkeepers – have to move from a squatting position very
quickly.
Suggested Activities:
Hopping, bounding, skipping etc.
Shuttle from squatting position to stumps to
catch a ball and then return to squatting start
position before repeating 6 times.
Figure 45c
Figure 46
32
3 . Bowlers – need to be fit, flexible, and strong and have a good
recovery rate.
Special attention needs to be paid to warm up and
stretching to prevent injury, particularly to the groin,
back and shoulder.
Groin Exercise
Feet astride, bend right knee with left leg straight and
weight pressing inwards.
Change legs (see Figure 47).
Figure 47
Back Exercise
Lie on stomach, hands behind head.
Raise chest off ground (see Figure 48).
Figure 48
Hold a partner in wheelbarrow position; lift him/her in
air. Partner helps by pushing up and arching back (see
Figure 49).
Figure 49
Lie on back; bring right knee up, and then swing to left
to touch ground with knee (see Figure 50).
Figure 50
33
Return to lie on back. Bring left knee up and swing to
right to touch ground.
Return to start position and repeat (see Figure 51).
Figure 51
Shoulder Exercise
Mobility and strength in the
shoulders is essential for
bowlers. Arm circles with one
arm forwards and backwards
followed by both arms together
will maintain mobility (see
Figure 52).
Figure 52
Figure 53
Useful addresses
E.C.B
Lord’s Cricket Ground
London
NW8 8QZ
Telephone 0207 432 1200