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Running between the wickets remains one of cricket's most undervalued skills. Teams that run well can add 15-20 runs per innings without taking additional risks. Good running also puts pressure on fielding teams and creates more boundary opportunities by rotating strike effectively.

Calling and Communication

Clear partnerships:

First call: The striker calls for shots in front of the wicket.

Non-striker's role: Calling for shots behind the wicket where they have the better view.

Decisive calls: Yes, no, or wait - clear and immediate.

Changing calls: Only the person running to the danger end can change a call.

Running Technique

Low bat carry: Running with bat horizontal for faster turns.

Turning efficiency: Planting the outside foot and driving off it.

Ground cover: Maximum speed while maintaining control.

Slide technique: When and how to slide the bat safely.

Judgement and Awareness

Field assessment: Knowing fielder positions and arm strengths.

Reading the ball: Judging how hard the ball was hit.

Backing up: Non-striker moving with the bowler's delivery.

Risk calculation: Understanding when twos are on and when they're risky.

Partnership Building

Strike rotation: Keeping both batters involved and comfortable.

Protecting partners: Taking singles to shield weaker batters from dangerous bowlers.

Momentum building: Using quick running to lift scoring rates.

Energy management: Balancing running intensity with stamina over long innings.

Key Coaching Points

Communication between partners must be immediate and clear
The first run is always the easiest - look for the second
Running technique can be practised without batting
Know opposition fielders' strengths and weaknesses
Good running adds runs and creates pressure on fielding teams

Drills for Running Practice

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Cricket

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Cricket Cricket Trends Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Game-based training and match simulation prepare players for real competition more effectively than isolated drills. Modern coaching integrates pressure scenarios, decision-making, and competitive situations into every training session.

December 2025

Sportplan Coaching

Cricket Cricket Trends Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

Catches win matches remains cricket's truest saying. From high balls under lights to sharp slip catches, the ability to hold chances consistently separates winning teams from those that let matches slip away.

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Cricket Cricket Trends Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

Elite running between wickets adds significant runs without risk. Quick singles, converted twos, and intelligent strike rotation separate the best batting partnerships from average ones across all formats.

October 2025

Sportplan Coaching

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DRILLS (30)DRILL CATEGORIES (2)SESSIONS (7) ANSWERS (21)

running DRILLS

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Ball Retrieve Fitness

Player 1 starts on the middle cone, and aims to collect all 4 balls in as quickly as possible. Player must go out to retrieve the ball and back to the middle, before moving onto next cone. Once all the balls have been collected in, player then reverses the drill, putting all the balls back out onto the cones. Player 1 has now finished set 1, and returns to the back of the queue to recover. Player 2 begins and so on... Players perform 3 sets each and then change over.

Running between the wickets

Choose the End and back up

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.

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

Fielding Warm Up Game

Work in groups of 10. Two rows of cones are set up, 5m apart in width and 2m apart. Players get into pairs, opposite each other, lined up behind the first cone with one ball. The first pair must exchange 5 catches before running diagonally to the next cone where they repeat the 5 catches. After this players run to the next cone where they now roll the ball 5 times to their partner. The partner performs an underarm pick up and returns the ball to their partner. upon reaching the end players jog back to the start and repeat.

Catching

Running Between the Wickets - Catchers vs Runners

OrganisationOrganise a group as shown in the diagram. On the command " Yes " the batsman runs up and down the wicket. At the same time players in Team B throw and catch the ball to each other. As the batsman completes the 2nd run the next batsman sets off. Count the total number of catches made when the last better completes the final run. Teams change over and repeat, the winning team is the one with the most catches.ProgressionRunning singles or threes.One handed catches.Rebound catching.Equipment: 2 bats, 2 marked creases a pitch length apart. 1 ball (size and colour may be varied). Lines/cones for catching positions.

Ground fielding and throwing

Running between the wickets relay

Players line up in two opposing team. Every player in both teams must run four single runs, from crease to crease, before the next player can start. The team that completes their runs first is the winner.

Running between the wickets

Running Between Wickets Relay

In teams; have a relay race over a short distance, such as 5 metres. Each player must have a cricket bat. Emphasis on getting low and changing the bat from one hand to the other to touch the cone or line on the floor. All players must run a four before the next one in team can go. The first team through wins.

Running between the wickets

Running on to High Catch

Player 2 throws the ball straight-up, player 1 runs in and catches before returning the ball back to player 2. Player 1 continues to run around the cone, and receives another high feed from player 2. On catching th ball player 1 takes up 2s original position before the next person in the queue starts.

Catching

The Basic Grip: Side view.

The basic grip when bowling, shown here, places two fingers along the seam over the ball with the thumb running along the seam under the ball.

Fast and spin bowling

The quick singles game

(.)Coaching pointsA. For batsmen (running between the wickets)1. Loud, quick positive calling.2. Changing hands always looking at the ball. Never turning blind.3. Non-striker backing up.4. Run the first run fast.5. Do not run past the crease after one run (because you might have to run again.)6. Run with bat arm stretched out in front of you.7. Hold the bat handle at the end.8. Run your bat in over the line.B. For fielders (creating pressure, stopping singles)1. Walking in, Threatening2. Pace to the ball.3. Watch the ball into your hands under pressure.4. Always back up other fielders and the wicket keeper.5. Get to the bowlers end to take an incoming throw.6. Know when not to throw.7. Know when to throw over the top of the stumps and when to hit them.8. Remain focused when under pressure.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!

Conditioned games

Cricket: Running between the w...

General

Batsmen vs Fielders Running be...

When the batsman (1) calls Yes the coach rolls the ball towards the fielder stood by the stumps. Fielder (1) runs across, picks up the ball and then tries to run out the batsmen. Repeat with the next fielder and batsman. Each batting team has a certain number of wickets (eg. 3 wickets). The teams change over once the batting side have lost all their wickets.

General

Batter vs 2 handed pick up and...

The drill starts when the batsman calls Yes. At this point the batter must run with the bat in hand and try to complete two runs. However, the batter is racing against the fielders. Fielder 1 rolls the ball out to the player waiting in line who must then use a two handed pick up before returning the ball over the stumps to the wicket-keeper. After the ball is thrown player 1 joins the back of the queue and player 3 takes their place on the cone. After this the race can start again, this time repeated on the other side for the fielding team.

General

Under arm flick run out game R...

BAT 1) calls YES. BAT 2) runs towards stumps. BAT 1) runs towards other batter On the call of YES F 1) Rolls ball out. F 2) runs in and under arm flicks at stumps. F 2) is trying to run out BAT 2). Each team has 3 wickets, when an individual is out he stays in. When 3 lives are used up the team is out, then batsmen change with fielders.

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

Cricket: Running Between Wicke...

In teams; have a relay race over a short distance, such as 5 metres. Each player must have a cricket bat. Emphasis on getting low and changing the bat from one hand to the other to touch the cone or line on the floor. All players must run a four before the next one in team can go. The first team through wins.

General

Cricket: Running Between the W...

Organisation Organise a group as shown in the diagram. On the command " Yes " the batsman runs up and down the wicket. At the same time players in Team B throw and catch the ball to each other. As the batsman completes the 2nd run the next batsman sets off. Count the total number of catches made when the last better completes the final run. Teams change over and repeat, the winning team is the one with the most catches. Progression Running singles or threes. One handed catches. Rebound catching. Equipment: 2 bats, 2 marked creases a pitch length apart. 1 ball (size and colour may be varied). Lines/cones for catching positions.

General

Moving Out Competition Game Ru...

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.

General

The quick singles game Conditi...

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

Ball Retrieve Fitness Running ...

General

Hurdle Run & Bowl Fast and spi...

Set up hurdles leading up to the crease, you can use as many as you likeAdd two lines of cones beyond the crease to create a gate to promote a follow throughPlayers run over the hurdles with a strong running technique, lifting the knees Players bowl towards the wicket and and follow through the cones

General

Running on to High Catch Catch...

Player 2 throws the ball straight-up, player 1 runs in and catches before returning the ball back to player 2. Player 1 continues to run around the cone, and receives another high feed from player 2.On catching th ball player 1 takes up 2s original position before the next person in the queue starts.

General

Working in Pairs - Players Tak...

The coach blows their whistle and the batsmen set off, running between the wicket. One the coach's second whistle, the fielder will chase the ball and throw it to the wicket keeper attempting to run the batting pair out. The pairs that are running must call and decide how many runs to undertake. Rotate the group so each player fields and bats, and change the wicket keeper if needed.

General

Survival Game Conditioned game...

Two teams with the coach bowling. All batters have 4 balls. Each wicket that falls means that team loses four runs. Catch after 1 bounce = out. Players bat until they are out but must retire at 20 runs (optional). Runs are only awarded if the ball is played through the cones. If the ball is wide, or left, then the batter may have another ball.

General

Bound Run & Bowl Fast and spin...

Get a resistance band and put around the player's waistCoach stands behind the player whilst they run towards the crease, pulling for resistancePlayer drives forward and bowls towards the wicket whilst resistance is appliedTake off the band once bowled and quickly bowl again without resistanceFor progression and to stop players pulling to the off side, add resistance to bowlers off side to straighten the approachPlayer does six bowling motions against resistance. Then take off the band and bowl without resistance

General

Run move ball and run relay Gr...

The player at the front of the 2 players runs to the cone with the ball picks up the ball and then places it on the other cone. They then continue to run to the other side to tag the waiting player. Once tagged the next player runs to the middle and moves the ball back to the first cone and run to the other side. The drill continues in this way.

General

Weak and Strong Run Out Statio...

Wicket keeper rolls the ball out straight when the batsmen calls YES. The batsmen tries to complete 2 runs as fielder(1) runs across throws ball in and joins other queue. F(2) goes next from other side.

General

The quick singles game Conditi...

This game can be played in teams (6-10 a-side) or in pairs (8-10 players). Rules of the game: There should be a batter at both ends. If playing in pairs, give each pair two or three wickets. If playing in teams, when a wicket falls it is the turn of the next batsman. Tip and run, or two or three balls to make a run. The coach throws either all front foot defence or all back foot defence bowls. The fielders must stay on the cones or with one hand on the wall until the ball is thrown, otherwise batsmen automatically get a two run bonus. Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, run out, stumped, playing an attacking shot, or failing to score off the limited number of deliveries. The batsman can only score singles but the boundaries count for overthrows. Overthrows: side walls = 2 runs, back wall behind wicket keeper = 1 run, front wall = 4 runs (Unless you hit a 4 you can run singles to add to the side and back wall scores.) If a batsman leaves the ball it does not count and he does not have to run. If the batsman plays and misses it counts as a delivery

General

Roll and Catch Ground fielding...

Players work in groups of 4-6 players.Two cones are spaced 10m apart. Player one stands between the two cones.Stumps are placed 10m away opposite both cones, in line with the cones.Players 2 and 3 both start behind the two stumps.Player one moves side-ways, from cone to cone, taking a catch on one cone and returning it, and performing an underarm pick-up on the other cone.Players take two balls on each side (total of 4) and then swaps over with one of the players behind the stump who in turn joins the rest of the group behind the far cone.Drill continues in this way...

General

Staggered Catching and Return ...

Players take it in turns to take a catch at each distance, between the two cones (increase/decrease distance in relation to your players' age).The catching player must work from the starting cone and work their way inwards.Once a successful cacth is taken, the player drops the ball and proceeds forward to take the next one.

General

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running DRILL CATEGORIES

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Running between the wickets Drills

running SESSIONS

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running ANSWERS

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How do I get the kids to throw the ball in and not?

How do I get the kids to throw the ball in and not run in the ball when fielding?

M Regan Coach, Australia

1 answer

Running between wickets

Archived User Coach

1 answer

What lane is a batsman to run when running between?

What lane is a batsman to run when running between wickets

Archived User Coach

1 answer

show me warm up drills for cricket

warm up drills for cricket

SIMON PARKER Coach, England

1 answer

my son struggles running with pads on, he has only?

my son struggles running with pads on, he has only worn once, do I get him to wear at home, to walk around in?

Archived User Coach

1 answer

Drills for youngsters?

I am about to run my club's frist junior training session of the year and doe anybody know any good ideas for drills or fun games with youngsters (aged between 6-10) who are absolute beginners to cricket?

Archived User Coach

3 answers

Good cricket coaching tips games for kids aged 6?

What are the best cricket coaching tips and games for kids aged 5 and 6. I am starting coaching this year and want to help keep 30 5 and 6 year olds happy and enthused for an hour or two each Sunday

Archived User Coach

4 answers

Running between the wickets

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

LISA Coach, England

3 answers

Middle practice scenarios

Hi all - have any of my fellow coaches spent any time running middle practice (outdoors) scenarios eg redeeming a batting collapse, batting against really defensive fielding, running between the wickets under pressure etc. Would appreciate your experiences. Thanks, Graham Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Graham Furber Coach, England

1 answer

Drill for throwing while running

What would be a suitable drill that works on throwing the ball while running, I could do

vf Coach, England

1 answer

to get ready for level 2

need to know topics and study material for level 2

Paresh Narendra Padiyar Coach, India

1 answer

Previous Rugby subscription

I previously subscribed to Sportplan after receiving an email with an offer for six months. I wanted Rugby League but made an error and selected Rugby which is Rugby Union so ended up cancelling my subscription. I would like to re join but all the offers I get now via email are for me to join back for Rugby and can't seem to be able to change it to Rugby League when I click on the offers. Could you please send me an offer for Rugby League so I can subscribe again. Thanks

Neil Frazer Coach, England

1 answer

membership

how do i start a membership

Rosie Macauley Coach, United Kingdom

2 answers

Upgrade Subscription

How do I upgrade from free to paying?

Sharon Coach, New Zealand

1 answer

Start of a Session

What is a good game / drill to have setup at the start of a session so players can join in when they arrive (players arriving in drive/drabs/different times)? we usually have the cricket hockey game but can get a bit messy when no bibs etc.

undefined undefined Coach, United Kingdom

1 answer