Contact Help center
Cricket Cricket
HOME Cricket Coaching Trends SEARCH

Cricket: backing up

backing up DRILLS
View All

Two Handed interception + Back...

Player 1 starts on the cone with the ball and rolls the ball out for player 2 to run in and intercept the ball with two hands. Once player 1 has rolled the ball out to player 2 they then have to run behind the stumps to field the throw. After throwing the ball behind the stumps player 2 then stands on the cone, receives the ball back from player 1 and the drill can start again.

General

Choose the End and back up Gro...

8-10 players per group (set up two drills if coaching a large group)Set up: Player/coach stands between the two stumps, that are 20 meters apart (length of a wicket). One cone is placed 25m in front of the two stumps, in line with the coach and two cones are placed 2m ahead of these, acting as a 'gate' for the players to walk through when it is their go.Two further cones are placed 10m behind the two target stumps, where players will be backing up.The coach will name one end the bowler's end and the other stump the keepers end.Let's play: First player walks through the two cones as the coach rolls the ball out. As the coach rolls the ball, they must shout either "bowler's" or "keeper's".The player must then process this instruction, make the decision, and throw the ball accordingly.The player on the cone backs the ball up and returns it to the coach. The player who has just thrown then replaces the player who backed the ball up, and the player who was backing up moves around the outside of the drill and joins the back of the queue of players.Drill is continuous.

General

Under arm flick , shy, back up...

<b>Angled throw</b> a) from left b) from right<br>1) rolls ball out from left.2) runs in and flicks at stump.1) runs around behind stump and backs up. 2) runs to 1)s starting position.1) under arm throws the ball at 2) who catches.1) now runs up right side and joins back of queue.<BR><b>Repeat</b>

General

Roll Out, Collect and Throw Gr...

For larger groups, with a minimum of 5-10 players. The first player (1) rolls the ball out diagonally for the player on the same side as them (2) to run out to, intercept and flick at the opposite stump. A player on the other side (3) backs up the ball and rolls it out diagonally for the next player on the same side as them (4) to run out and collect.

General

Four Station Drill Ground fiel...

12 players per group. One stump placed in the middle of a rectangular shape marked out by cones (20m by 30m). Each cone has same number of players at it.All stations are live every time coach rolls ball out. Coach may roll ball out anywhere they wish.The nearest player at the cone must call for the ball, pick it up, and throw at the stump. The players from the opposite group in the rectangle are responsible for backing the throw up and returning to the coach.If the coach rolls the ball down the middle of the two cones the player must decide who goes for the ball as early as possible, to allow the group backing up to adjust accordingly.Drill continues...

General

Cross over underarm flick Grou...

1) rolls ball out towards 4), 4) runs in picks up the ball and flicks to stumps with 3) backing up. 4) takes up 3)s position, 3) then rolls out towards 2) who runs in and flicks ball towards stump with 1) backing up and runs to take up 3)s position. Soon as ball is feed out by 1) or 3) they run up the side and join the back of the queue.

General

Cricket: Complete Ground Field...

Wicketkeeper starts with the ball and rolls out the the fielder in the square leg position.Square leg fielder picks up the ball and aims a throw at the ramp.Fielder at point gets in line with the throw and catches/collects the ball from the throw and then releases a throw at the non-strikers end single stump.Mid-on fielder backs up this throw and gives an underarm throw to the extra cover fielder who has moved im behind the non-strikers end stump.Extra cover completes the drill by throwing the ball back into the wicketkeeper.

General

Retireve and Double Throw Grou...

Set up 4 stations with equal numbers at each. The idea of the drill is that players work with diagonal 'opposite' teamates.Players 1 retireves the ball first and player 3 runs out to the stumps to back up the throw.Let's play:Coach rolls the ball straight out.<br /><br />A player from team 1 attacks the ball and throw it over the top of the stumps in the middle to a team 3 player who has run out to back up the throw.<br /><br />The backing up player must then turn, and throw at the single stump with a direct hit.<br /><br />Both players then join the back of their original groups and the other two teams can now go.After 6 repetitions the two groups will swap ends.

General

Target throwing Ground fieldin...

Working in pairs with one ball per pair players throw the ball back and forth to each other. The object of the exercise is to hit the cone positioned between each pair using an overarm throw.

General

Prevent Batsman from Backing A...

Batsman to step in to the shot, once the front foot is planted, have the batsman strike the ball with the back foot in the air to prevent them from being able to back away from the ball.

General

Catch and move race Ground fie...

4 to 8 players per group. Player 1 rolls the ball out to player 2 who shys at the stumps, meanwhile player 1 has moved behind the stumps (backing up), ready to collect the ball.<br /><br /> Player 2 then runs to player 1's original position.<br /><br /> Player 1 then throws the ball to players 2. Player 1 now joins back of other group on the opposite side. Group B do exactly the same.

General

Two handed pick up and throw a...

1) picks up the ball and must throw over the top of the stumps so the ball rebounds straight between the two cones. He stops the rebound and replaces the ball on the spot and then 2) repeats. First team to get 10 rebounds through the cones wins. If a ball goes outside the line of cones your score goes back to 0.<BR>Variation:- do not replace the ball, but when the ball hits the wall No 2) goes, and so on.

General

The back foot driving game Con...

<BR>Setup the practice as shown.Coach throws on one knee.All fielders except the wicket keeper and the player backing up must stand on the boundary between the cones until the ball is bowled. (Coach keeps hold of the ball when feeding every so often, to check whether fielders are moving too early).<BR>The Ball must be driven towards the target area, along the ground, and not defended. It must pass the first set of cones or the batsman is out. The batsman must complete 2 runs after striking the ball. The ball must be hit in the V to score runs. If it is hit outside that area or behind the wicket the batsman is out. (Give younger players another feed.)The wicket keeper must take incoming throws to the stumps either side of the original ones. Off side shots must be thrown to stumps on the off side (safety) and likewise on the leg side. Scoring: (Batsman bat one at a time):<br>4 runs if the ball is hit through the target area along the ground.<BR>2 runs if the ball is hit towards the boundary and the batsman completes 2 runs.<BR><b>Penalty runs</b><BR> 2 runs if a fielder stops the ball with his foot.<BR>1 run if a fielder move off the boundary too early.<BR>4 runs if the player backing up the wicket keeper misses the ball (when boundary is not hit).Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, stumped, run out (no LBW). Also: not completing 2 runs after hitting the ball (unless boundary is hit); hitting the ball outside the V; not hitting the ball past the first set of cones; hitting the ball over the fielders on the boundary.

General

Cricket: Pick up on turn and t...

The batsman calls 'yes' to start the drill and tries to run 2 lengths whilst the fielder (player 1) runs out to meet the stationary ball, picks it up and throw it back to the wicket keeper (thus trying to run out the batter). The coach decides which team has won and both players return to the back of their respective lines. Drill continues in this way.

General

The Long Barrier. Techniques -...

<span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>Approach the ball at speed and as you get into line with the ball, twist your upper body, leading with the shoulder furthest from the ball. <span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>Bend both knees, so that the knee of the leg nearest to the ball touches the ground, but it is also next to the back of the heel of the other leg. <span style=&quot;&quot;font-family:&quot;>With fingers down and head forward, pick up the ball and then stand back up ready to deliver an overarm throw.

General

The back foot driving game Con...

Setup as shown.<BR><b>As teams </b>(6 a-side)<br>(A) Each batsman has 6 balls. If he is out he scores -4. When all the batsman have batted they switch to fielding.<BR>(B) Each batsman has 4-6 balls. If he is out the next batsman comes in. If the batsman is not out he returns to the back of the queue of waiting batsman, until it is his turn again. The last batsman has unlimited balls. If a batsman hits a 4 another ball is added.<br><br><b>As individuals</b> (8-10 players)<br>(A) Each individual bats until he is out. When a batsman is given out, all the fielders move clockwise one round from their previous position.<br>(B) Each individual batsman has 6-8 balls. If he is out he scores -4. When a batsman is given out, all the fielders move clock-wise one round from their previous position.

General

Variations Ground fielding and...

<br>1) Right hand only<BR>2) Left hand only<BR>3) If ball is fumbled, then it goes to the opposition.<BR>4) You pass the ball by underarm catches (if catch is dropped ball goes to opposition).<BR>5) You can only one bounce the ball to team mate (if ball is dropped ball goes to opposition).<BR>6) Coach keeps changing the game from catching, to rolling, to one bounce, if fielders get it wrong ball goes to opposition.

General

Two Handed Interception and th...

<BR>(1) runs in picks up ball throws over arm over top of stumps. Stops the rebound off the wall and then puts the ball down on spot, and then (2) goes. The first team to complete a whole cycle wins.

General

The quick singles game Conditi...

(.)<br />Coaching points<br /><br />A. For batsmen (running between the wickets)<br />1. Loud, quick positive calling.<br />2. Changing hands always looking at the ball. Never turning blind.<br />3. Non-striker backing up.<br />4. Run the first run fast.<br />5. Do not run past the crease after one run (because you might have to run again.)<br />6. Run with bat arm stretched out in front of you.<br />7. Hold the bat handle at the end.<br />8. Run your bat in over the line.<br /><br />B. For fielders (creating pressure, stopping singles)<br />1. Walking in, Threatening<br />2. Pace to the ball.<br />3. Watch the ball into your hands under pressure.<br />4. Always back up other fielders and the wicket keeper.<br />5. Get to the bowlers end to take an incoming throw.<br />6. Know when not to throw.<br />7. Know when to throw over the top of the stumps and when to hit them.<br />8. Remain focused when under pressure.<br /><br />Think! I must stop the single and build pressure for the batting side. Then I will force them into losing a wicket - and maybe the match!

General

Cricket: Group coaching for th...

(see c50024 &amp; c50024a for more info)<br />Coaching points (in order of importance)<br /><br />For younger players, introduce one point at a time.<br />1. High backlift over off stump with dominant top hand. (Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.)<br />2. Step back and across the crease, getting head and body into line with the ball (eyes level).<br />3. Weight on back foot, whcih lands parallel to crease (head left forward of the body).<br />4. With dominant top hand and diamond shape formed with arms, Push bat towards the ball. (Forearms passing close to body.)<br />5. Strike ball forward of body, directly below eye level.<br />6. Keep leading elbow high, close to head.<br />7. Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.<br />8. Top hand dominates throughout the shot.<br />9. Look through the handle of the bat on completion of the shot. (Head directly above hands, and in line with back foot.)<br /><br />Play the ball with soft hands, so it rolls back up the wicket.<br /><br /><br />Aims of the practice<br /> 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.

General

Two handed pick-up, throw and ...

<BR>Wicket keeper rolls the ball out straight. (1) throws it to keeper. Just as he throws it (2) feeds out ball for under arm flick. (2) stops ball, (1) goes to stumps, (2) throws ball over stumps to (1). (2) joins back of queue and (1) takes the position of where (2) was. Repeat from other side so (6) goes next.

General

Roller Ball Ground fielding an...

<BR>Two Teams of 6-11 people try to partner along the ground throwing the ball to each other. They are not allowed to move once they have the ball and to score they must hit the oppositions stumps. No one is allowed in the the square of cones at any time.

General

The quick singles game Conditi...

<BR>Setup the game as shown.The coach throws from approximately 10 paces away. Mark the front foot and back foot target areas on the floor with chalk or markers. Use markers for fielders to stand on or next to. Make sure that the batsman does not bat for too long (e.g. retire at 20)Position all markers so the batsman can just about run a single without being run out.

General

Bounce Goal Game

Teams are competing to bounce the ball (via overarm throw) into the small square. In order to score a point a team mate must catch the ball on the other side of the coned off area..

Ground fielding and throwing

Do or die drill

11 fielders (including 1 bowler and wicket keeper), with 2 players batting and two padded up, waiting to bat. The 2 batters have one over to chase the target score successfully. If the players lose one wicket, they have 5 runs added to the required total. If they lose two wickets, they are both out. Their first over target score is 6 runs, then if successful, this increases by 1 every over. (6, 7, 8 and so on...) If players are unsuccessful in the run chase, they are out, and the next two batters come in. Bowlers rotate ends they are bowling from and fielders should be encouraged to get between the overs quickly.

Conditioned games

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
backing up SESSIONS
View All

Backing up in the field | Cric...

Don't leave it to chance - cover your team-mate's back and avoid fielding fumbles!

Ground Fielding Principles

Keep it tight in the field and make the batter work for every run! Improve your fielding skills now to keep the runs down and pick up some more wickets.

Backing up in the field

No one enjoys an overthrow. Make sure your fielders are on their toes and alert to any wild shy?s at the stumps!
backing up ANSWERS
View All

non striker backing up | Sport...

HiI want some drills to get new cricketers understanding about backing up as Non Striker and not standing watching.

Chris Coach, England

how to take easy singles | Spo...

what is the drills for taking easy singles while match

Msathiyanarayanan Coach, India

Batter collapsing his/her back...

Why do some batters collapse their back leg when driving off front foot. How do you stop it?

Mike Dugdale Coach, England

Batsman backing away. Are ther...

I have a batsman who has a habit of backing away to square leg when facing seamers. Are there any drills i can use for getting him in line?

darren jordan Coach, England

What should I coach at a beginners training session?

Im coaching an under 9's team ( GOD HELP ME!) and all though i have played extensively i have not coached such a young team before. Can anyone advise on a training plan designed for beginners / young players. Some ideas on how to make it fun and keep them interested would be great... thanks in advance.

Archived User Coach

Running between the wickets

Im looking for some good game based practices to focus on running between the wickets

LISA Coach, England

how t

how to back up in the field

Jon Fry Coach, England

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 350+ cricket drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Powerplay Bowling: Setting Fields and Executing Plans in the First Six Overs

Powerplay Bowling: Setting Fields and Executing Plans in the First Six Overs

With IPL 2026 starting this month, we break down the art of powerplay bowling - field placement, line and length, and how to turn the fielding restrictions to your advantage.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Micro-Resets: Training Mental Awareness Between Deliveries

Micro-Resets: Training Mental Awareness Between Deliveries

The 15-second routine that separates good players from great ones. Mental awareness is the new fitness metric for 2026 cricket.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
6 Things Changing Cricket in 2026

6 Things Changing Cricket in 2026

The biggest T20 World Cup ever, historic qualifications, and evolving playing conditions make 2026 a landmark year for cricket. Here's what coaches need to know.

January 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
throwingoff spinfieldingwarm uppull shotbatting drillscatching drillscover drivefielding drillsfront foot drivewicket keepingcatchingroundersbowlingfitnesswarm up drillsbattinglong barrierwarm upsleg spin

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Thanks to Sportplan and their coaching tips, I can now coach with greater confidence and enthusiasm.

Horatius Sokhanyile Cricket Coach, South Africa

Cricket Coaching is a learning process and Sportplan is doing a terrific job which really helps coaches to improve the quality of their coaching.

Riaz Quraishi Cricket Coach, India

"Sportplan is providing me with all of the new dimensions of coaching ideas that suit and help me in executing the programmes in a results oriented manner."

Kanishka Kaushik United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 350+ cricket drills
  • create professional cricket coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested cricket plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
batting batting drills bowling bowling drills catching catching drills cover drive cricket cut shot drills fielding fielding drills fitness forward defensive front foot drive how to take run up for bowling leg spin lesson plans long barrier off spin pull shot rounders running between wickets short barrier throwing underarm throw warm up warm up drills warm ups wicket keeping
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of cricket coaches plus 350+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT