Cricket: Standing Up - Leg Side Take

The wicket keeper is always in the game - make sure they're up to the test with this keeping skills session!

A match intensity drill to help improve keepers all round skills and concentration.

Player ideally work in groups of 3.

1. Feeder sets up 10 yards from batter.
2. Feeding over-arm off one knee, the feeder aims to bounce the ball on a length.
3. The batter looks to play the ball, intentionally missing it/ playing the inside line of the ball.
4. Wicket keeper aims to take the ball cleanly and then returns the ball under arm to the feeder.

Divide into pairs and set up the activity as shown in the diagram. From a measured distance behind the stumps, the wicket keeper runs up to the wicket and catches 5 consecutive throws from a measured distance thrown by player 1. After each take, the wicket keeper returns to the starting point. When taken, the ball is dropped into a container. 5 attempts and then change roles.

The bowler throws the ball underarm towards the wicketkeeper. The batsman can either deflect the ball, leave it alone or swing at the ball and miss it (on purpose).

Rotate positions after ten throws.

The bowler throws the ball wide of the wicket-keeper to encourage them to dive to take the ball. The two other fielders are there to take the ball if the wicketkeeper misses the ball.