Cricket: Group coaching for the front foot drive

Set up the practice as shown in the diagram. Make sure that the bowler feeds the ball in over arm and gets the ball to bounce to waist height.

The Batsman then plays a back foot drive and tries to aim to hit the ball through the cones.

(see c50031 & c50031b for more info)
HOOK
For this shot wear a helmet for safety and realism.

(A) Feed a one-bounce dart feed from standing up (throw the feed with pace so it bounces between chest and head height); or (B) field from one knee, underarm throw upwards, around shoulder height (no bounce).

In a small sports hall
Hit into a wall and fielders will get the rebound or catch. Important - no fielders within the target area. Batsman stands at least 8 metres from the wall.

Outside or in a large sports hall
Fielders stand within the target area. At least 15 metres from the batsman.

(see c50016 & c50016b for more info)
Rules of the practice

1. Each player has 8-10 feeds, then all rotate clockwise.
2. Give groups 2-3 coaching points to work on.
3. Have about 3-4 rounds each (depending on time limit).
4. For the first round of 8-10 play every other shot with the top hand only (to show the importance of the top hand).
5. Make the last round competitive: try to survive all 8-10 feeds without getting out. If you're out, change round.
6. On the practice round, players get another feed if one goes wide. On the competitive round, have 8-10 feeds whether players leave the ball or play and miss.
7. If a player deliberately plays an attacking shot he loses that round of 8-10 feeds. (Be strict on this point - safety.)

Don't set up groups too close to one another - think safety! Coach positions himself where he can monitor all groups safely.

In the first round of 8-10 players must play every other shot with the top hand only. Make the last round competitive: try to survive all 8-10 balls without getting out.

If you are out, change round. On the practice round, players get another ball if one goes wide. On the competitive round, have 8-10 balls whether players leave the ball or play and miss.

If a player deliberately plays an attacking shot he loses that round of 8-10 balls. (Be strict on this point).