Cricket: Group coaching for the front foot defence

(see c50024a & c50024b for more info)
Set up for the practice
Think enjoyment minimises boredom and encourages repetition (repetition -> development)

1. Set up practice as shown in diagram.
2. Markers on the floor for fielders to stand on, should be 3 metres from the batsman. Be strict on this point - safety.
3. Mark out the target area for feeder to aim at for the back foot defence.
4. Ideal number for each group is 4-5 players -maximun activity
5. Feeder kneels 7-10 paces from the batsman.
6. Feeder says \"Bat Up!\", then feeds a dart feed, standing up, throwing from head height downwards. The ball should be aimned to bounce once and between the batsman's waist and chest height.
7. Each group has 3 balls.
8. Ideal duration of practice: 20-30 mins.

Split your group into two teams, with the coach feeding the ball. There are two ways you can play this game:

1) All players have 4 feeds each.

Players are out after their 4 bowls or if they are caught out.

2) Players bat until they reach 20 points, at which point they retire. Players score a point every time the ball is played between the cones.

 

Layout for the game
1. Play as teams (5-8 a-side) or individuals (6-10 players).
2. With chalk or disks, mark out the fielding positions available.
3. Make sure the marks are 4 paces away from the batsman.
4. Short leg must be slightly deeper: 5 paces.
5. Slip or gully in normal position for cricket.
6. Coach must feed when possible (to save arguments).
7. Feed ball on one knee, 7 or 8 paces away.
8. Encourage fielders to shout \"Howzat\" when a catch is taken.
9. Set up the game and do a quick demonstration.
10. Give a batting order.
11. When using more than one team, make it a mini tournament. Winners play winners, losers play losers.

(see c50024 & c50024a for more info)
Coaching points (in order of importance)

For younger players, introduce one point at a time.
1. High backlift over off stump with dominant top hand. (Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.)
2. Step back and across the crease, getting head and body into line with the ball (eyes level).
3. Weight on back foot, whcih lands parallel to crease (head left forward of the body).
4. With dominant top hand and diamond shape formed with arms, Push bat towards the ball. (Forearms passing close to body.)
5. Strike ball forward of body, directly below eye level.
6. Keep leading elbow high, close to head.
7. Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.
8. Top hand dominates throughout the shot.
9. Look through the handle of the bat on completion of the shot. (Head directly above hands, and in line with back foot.)

Play the ball with soft hands, so it rolls back up the wicket.


Aims of the practice
To protect the wickets and leave the wide balls; also to defend the ball straight back up the wicket (between the two parallel lines shown in the diagram). This is the furthest point away from the fielders. If you feel you are going to play the ball outside this line on the off side, leave it alone as it is too wide to play at.