Cricket: Serve and Drive

Using the crease : Alternate front foot and back foot defence.
2. Judging length for front foot or back foot.
3. For competent players, throw the ball faster.

Set up for the practice
1. Set up the practice as shown in the diagram.
2. Target area: 10 metres away from the batsman - safety.
3. Target area 10-15 metres wide. Fielders stand between markers.NOTE: For better players target area should be further away and more narrow.
4. Mark out parallel lines on the floor to show line and length of the ball.
5. Ideal numbers for groups is 4-6 players - Maximum activity.
6. Thrower stands 10-12 paces from the batsman.
7. Thrower says Bat up!, then throws a bobble ball, which bounces more than twice below the batsmans knee height. (Underarm feed standing up.)
8. Each group has 3 balls.
9. Ideal duration of the practice: 25-35 mins.

Two teams have 3 shots each (moving out to drive) which they must play as a drive shot. If they don't they will out.

Fielders (3), (4) and (5) must collect the rebounds (or direct hits if there are no walls for you to use) and try to run out the batman.

Players 1 and 2 are to back up incoming throws.

If the ball hits the side wall 4 runs are awarded.

If the ball is hit along the ground past the fielders 4 runs are awarded.

If the ball is hit over head, six runs are awarded.

Batsmen must complete 2 runs if they hit the ball and do not hit a boundary.

Teams get a certain number of lives which are lost when out, they keep batting until all their lives are used.

Divide the group into groups of 4 and organise as shown in the diagram.

Player (1) drives the ball off the tee at the target. If the distance is more than 11 metres players (2) and (3) attempt to stop the ball and return it to player (4) who replaces the tee and ball. Players rotate roles after 5 attempts. If the distance is less than 11 metres players (2) and (3) remain behind the batter and collect rebound from the wall.

Equipment: 1 bat, tennis ball and tee per group. 2 marker cones and chalked lines.