Community | Catching - Distraction Catching

February 2026 Sportplan Coaching

The gap between training and match performance narrows when practice replicates game conditions. Match simulation training combines technical work with tactical decision-making, pressure management, and competitive scenarios. This approach develops players who can transfer practice skills into match situations.

Creating Match Conditions

Replicating game pressure:

Scoreboard pressure: Setting targets and scenarios that demand specific performance.

Time constraints: Creating urgency through limited overs or time.

Consequences: Meaningful outcomes for success and failure in practice.

Crowd simulation: Adding noise and distraction to build concentration.

Scenario-Based Practice

Chasing targets: Required run rates and wickets in hand scenarios.

Defending totals: Death bowling practice with specific runs to defend.

Powerplay practice: Batting and bowling in field restriction periods.

Partnership building: Batting together under various match situations.

Modified Games

Pairs cricket: All players bat and bowl with cumulative scoring.

Continuous cricket: Fast-paced games with immediate transitions.

Last man stands: Pressure finishing with the tail.

Diamond cricket: Adapted format for smaller groups and spaces.

Decision-Making Development

Reading situations: Assessing match state and choosing appropriate tactics.

Shot selection: Matching stroke play to game requirements.

Bowling variations: Choosing deliveries based on match context.

Captain's choices: Field settings and bowling changes under pressure.

Key Coaching Points

  • Practice should feel like matches as often as possible
  • Scenarios create purpose and focus in training
  • Modified games maintain engagement while developing skills
  • Decision-making improves through repeated game situations
  • Competitive training builds mental toughness

Drills for Match Simulation

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William Steed Coach, England

DESCRIPTION

2 Pairs stand next to each other throwing catches. Another pair throw catches so the path of the ball travels through / close the the path of the ball form the other pairs. The aim of this drill is to try and maintain focus and ignore the distractions (other balls)

COACHING POINTS

Coaching Points for Low / Cover Catches – For Cover catching it is important to ‘walk into the catch’ you do this by taking 4 – 5 paces then getting into a ‘set position’ – A good way to do this is to ‘jump’ a little and use the momentum of the jump make sure that you can spring left or right. Feet should be comfortably placed approximately shoulder width apart (Maybe slightly wider). Knees should be slightly bent… not so much that you are squatting but then low enough that you can spring to the left or to the right. Your fingers should always be pointed either up or down with your little fingers (down) or thumbs and index fingers overlapping (up), the rest of your fingers should be spread out to cover the largest possible area. Your Hands should be slightly out in front of your body so that you can bring the ball into your belly button after you have caught the ball (absorbing the pace of the ball). Eyes and head should be level at all times (if the catch is coming straight at you) your eyes should always follow the ball even after first contact into your hands. ALWAYS TRY AND USE 2 HANDS Coaching Points for High Catches – There are two main ways to take high catches the ‘English’ way (Fingers pointing ‘down’) and the ‘Australian’ way (Fingers pointing up) The set up prior to the catch is very similar, the Feet should be comfortably placed approximately shoulder width apart (Maybe slightly wider). It is more important that your knees be flexed for high catches because when you take the catch it is a good idea to absorb some of the pace off the ball by bending your knees on contact. It is very important that you stand in the right place for these catches and get into position under the ball early so that you can then get into the correct position. English (Fingers down method) – Your hands move up so they are in front of you chin, again the little fingers should be overlapped and your hands making the biggest target possible. As the ball comes down you let it go beyond the level of yours eyes and into your hands. You then absorb the pace of the ball by bringing your hands down into your chest. Australian (Fingers up method) – Your hands are raised above your head so they are in line with the ball coming down (you should be able to see the ball through your hands), as the ball comes down and makes contact with your hands you absorb the pace of the ball by bringing your hands down to your shoulder as well as bending your knees. Again you need to watch the ball constantly throughout the entire process ALWAYS TRY AND USE 2 HANDS

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

This practice has no progressions

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