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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.

November 2025

Sportplan Coaching

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 (34)SESSIONS (2) ANSWERS (19)

set up DRILLS

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Back foot defence

3-5 people stand in each net, with one bowler and the others waiting to receive the ball. Each bowler bowls 24 balls with the batsman getting 3 consecutive balls. If the batsman decides to leaves one of the balls then they may have another ball. On receiving 3 balls the batsman must join the back of the queue.

Back foot batting

Back foot defence: Playing in the V

Set up in groups as shown: one batsman, one wicket keeper, one feeder and one or two fielders. Mark out the V area with chalk or cones, approximately 4-5 metres wide. The batsmen has to try and hit the ball between the cones to score runs, if they do they get one run, if not, they lose two runs.

Back foot batting

Backfoot Drive

Split the group so there is between 3-6 people in each net (including thrower or use coach). The thrower stands at the stumps whilst the rest queue up to bat at the other end. Two cones are placed to provide the target to drive the ball through. Each batsmen gets 2-3 consecutive balls then must go to the back of the queue. If the ball is left they may have another go. Once the batsmen drives the ball through the cones he must run to the stumps and back. Feeding: Each batsmen receives 24 balls and must be from a kneeling or standing position (depending on age and height). The ball should be short of a length, away from the batsmen, bouncing between knee and waste height.

Back foot batting

Catching Drill

Set up as shown in the diagram. Groups of 4. One ball per group. Three players form a triangle with one player in the middle. The first player throws the ball and the middle player tries to catch it, if they do then they can move on to the next person. If they drop it they have to throw the ball back to the same person and repeat this until they do catch it.

Catching

Group coaching for the back foot defence

Setup the practice as shown. Each player has 8-10 balls, then all rotate clockwise. 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).

Conditioned games

Group coaching for the back 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.

Conditioned games

Group coaching for the back foot drives

Set up the practice as shown in the diagram. Target area: 10 metres away from the batsman (10-15 metres wide). Fielders stand between markers. Mark out parallel lines on the floor to show line and length of feed. The Feeder kneels on one knee, 10-12 paces from the batsman. Feeder says \"Bat up!\", then feeds a dart feed which bounces between the batsmans knee and waist height. (Throw from head height downwards, one bounce.

Conditioned games

Group coaching for the front foot drive

Set the practice up as shown. Each player has 8-10 balls, then all rotate clockwise. The coach calls bat up before feeding the ball for the batsman to drive the ball through the v shaped cones. If the batsman leaves the ball they get another ball. If they play and miss they do not. If players deliberately play cross-batted shots on leg side they lose that round. (Be strict on this point). If players hit the ball into the air, over the fielders, it does not count and they lose that ball. Make the last round competitive: who can hit all balls through target area along the ground? Fielders must stop the ball. On the competitive round, if a player gets out, all change round.

Conditioned games

One day nets - Bowling challenge

Set up two nets with 4-6 players assigned to each. Each net has a different type of bowler (spin, fast, leg etc.) Each batsman gets 12-15 minutes in the nets, they must play the ball back towards the bowler. On the 3rd ball they have to run up to a marked point on the net and then back to the crease again.

Conditioned games

Rebound Bowling

Each player has a ball. As with normal bowling the ball can only bounce once before hitting the target on the wall. The bowler then collects the rebound, ensuring the rebound does not get past them and then bowls again.

Fast and spin bowling

Ian Bell - Stance v Seam New V...

It's common for batters to change their stance depending on whether they're facing a right handed or left handed bowler. Whilst there is not one method that suits everyone in cricket, in this video, Ian Bell talks through how he sets up.

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

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

Ian Bell - Taking Guard v Spin...

If a batter can set up correctly then they will give themselves the best possible chance to face the delivery that comes down at them. But how should their guard change when facing the different types of spin?

General

Group coaching for the cut, ho...

(.)SWEEP Feed a one-bounce underarm from (A) standing up or (B) bobble feed. Throw a length ball slowly on leg stump which bounces around knee height. 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.

General

Fielding Warm Up Game Catching...

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.

General

Group coaching for the front f...

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.

General

Corridor Bowling Fast and spin...

Using a wall, set up a line of cones about a foot from the wall to create a narrow corridorBowl along the wall (not releasing the ball)Bowl in both directions as one direction encourages front arm to align straight and other direction encourages bowling arm to align straight.

General

Backlift and Drive Front foot ...

Batter to set up in stance, and receive bobble feed. Hit the ball driving onto front foot.Hold shape of follow through for 3 seconds.

General

Target Throwing and Hitting th...

Set up as shown: two sets of stumps with a wicket keeper with a ball behind each. Two lines of players. The WK facing the two lines starts by throwing the ball out for player 1 to run out and catch Player 1 catches the ball and throws the ball over the stumps for the WK to catch. The second WK (player 4) now rolls the ball out for the fielder to run onto, gather and then throw at the stumps. Player 4 collects the ball and leaves it behind the stumps for the fielder. Players then rotate, with players 4 joining the back of the opposite line and player 1 taking up the role of second WK. Drill should be continuous.

General

Partner Bowling Fast and spin ...

Organise the group into pairs and set up the activity as shown in the diagram. Ball is bowled to partner from the coil position. Partner catches the ball and bowls it back.The ball must bounce before reaching the partner.

General

Group coaching for the front f...

Set the practice up as shown.Each player has 8-10 balls, then all rotate clockwise.The coach calls bat up before feeding the ball for the batsman to drive the ball through the v shaped cones.If the batsman leaves the ball they get another ball. If they play and miss they do not. If players deliberately play cross-batted shots on leg side they lose that round. (Be strict on this point).If players hit the ball into the air, over the fielders, it does not count and they lose that ball. Make the last round competitive: who can hit all balls through target area along the ground? Fielders must stop the ball. On the competitive round, if a player gets out, all change round.

General

Ball drop and pick up Ground f...

Players work in groups of 5, in a grid with 5 cones set up in a zig-zag formation, roughly 7 metres apart.Each player stands on a cone. All players, except for those queueing behind the first cone require balls.On the coach's call player 1, on the first cone, aims to get to collect the ball that has been dropped from shoulder height by the player on the cone in front of them, before the ball bounces twice.This is one pick-up.Player 1 then gives the ball back to the player on the cone, and sets themself before the coach gives the next call.Again the working player aims to get to the next ball before second bounce.This process is repeated until all players have performed 4 pick-ups.

General

Over Stumps & Spin To Other Si...

Set up stumps or a raised barrier down the wicketSet up a line just in front of the batters stumpsBowler aims to fly the ball over the stumps and spin to the other side of the lineSpin the ball hard and get it to dip fast

General

Group coaching for the cut, ho...

(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.

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. 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. The backing up player must then turn, and throw at the single stump with a direct hit. 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

Hitting On Top Of The Ball Bat...

Set up a bench at the crease for the batsman to stand on.Batsmen stand in set position.The ball can either be thrown or fed through a bowling machine.Straight balls should be pulled by the batsmen and wide balls outside the off stump should be cut.

General

Grip - Indication of Vs Techni...

The bat should be placed directly between two feet. Ask players now to pick their bat up and set up in their stance, facing you.

General

Diving Practice Wicket - keepi...

Divide the main group into smaller groups of 4 and set up as shown. The ball is thrown to the wicket keepers (person in the middle) right or left for them to dive onto the mats. The two players behind the mats are back-up fielders.

General

Two Balls - One Keeper Wicket ...

Set up the practice as shown.Two balls per group.Two fielders each have a ball and they take it in turns to throw the ball to the wicketkeeper.When the wicketkeeper catches the ball they throw the ball back to the same fielder that threw them that ball.

General

Moving Up to the Stumps Wicket...

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.

General

Group coaching for the front f...

(see c50016a & c50016b for more info) Set up for the practice Think enjoyment minimises boredom and encourages repetition (repetition -> development) 1. Set up practice as shown in diagram. 2. Markers on the floor for fielders to stand on, should be 3 metres from the batsman. Be strict on this point - safety. 3. Mark out the target area for feeder to aim at for the back foot defence. 4. Ideal number for each group is 4-5 players -maximun activity 5. Feeder kneels 7-10 paces from the batsman. 6. Feeder says \"Bat Up!\", then feeds a dart feed, standing up, throwing from head height downwards. The ball should be aimned to bounce once and between the batsman's waist and chest height. 7. Each group has 3 balls. 8. Ideal duration of practice: 20-30 mins.

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

Cricket: Front Foot Drive Posi...

Set up two cones half way down the wicket, one central and one leg side.Feed from a bobble feed.Batter to hit from the front foot drive set position, knees and feet facing down the wicket, and aiming for one of the two cones. If the shot is an on drive (towards left cone), batter to hold the shape, and take small steps towards the direction of the shot to the cone. If the shot is a straight drive (middle cone), batter to simply hold the shape.

General

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set up SESSIONS

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The Art of Spin: Improve your Spin Bowling

Never let the batsmen settle; develop your spin bowling and build some variations with this session to keep the guessing as to which ball is coming next.

Back to Basics - Batting Technique

Ensure your players know how to set up and bat correctly in this batting review session and think about their trigger movements!

set up ANSWERS

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How to stop my U12s using their bottom hand and hitting the ball up?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

33 answers

How do I set up my team

How do I set up my team on this site?

Archived User Coach

1 answer

Small Ground Bowling Tactics

How should I be bowling on one side small ground? I have a tournament which we are playing with hard tennis ball. The ground I am balling on is way too small on one side and too big on other side. Which bowling tactics and which balls should be ideal for such situation? I tried yorkers, but again it's a risky gamble.

Archived User Coach

1 answer

Running between the wickets

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

LISA Coach, England

3 answers

Open house session setup related

planning an "open house" type of session or event where interested kids will walk in for learning more about cricket and from here expectation is that they may join our regular coaching program. Trying to learn idea as to what activities should I consider for such event?

Amit Jariwala Coach, United States of America

1 answer

non striker backing up

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

Chris Coach, England

1 answer

can you give me coaching points at least 4 points on each skill.

stancegripbackliftforward drive back foot drivehit to leg pull shotforward defensive shotdelivery

Tafara Coach, Zimbabwe

2 answers

Setting the right tone

I am going to be taking on my first serious school coaching role at under 15B level. My number one priority will be setting the right tone during the intro session to get the season of to the right start. Do you have any tips? Thanks and best wishes, Luke K.

Luke Kadinopoulos Coach, England

10 answers

Now affliated with netball club update account

Hi, I have previously set up account for personal reasons, but I am now coaching with South Croydon Flames who are paid members to this site now, and have said that you have been provided with my email address and it should now allow me full access to drills as a coach with South Croydon Flames. But when I log in I still have limited access to drills.Could you please help in letting me know to to gain full access.thankyouBron

Bronwyn Turner Coach, Australia

1 answer

passworxd

hi there, I can't seem to set up a password, I don't have a current password so it won't let me create a new one.

Jazmyn James Coach, Australia

1 answer

Locked out

Hi, I seemed to be locked out of looking at drills. I am sure that paymetn had been set up,

Gregg Hamilton Coach, England

1 answer

Membership

Hi there,I am wanting to know if you can still have the option of a 6 month subscription?I went to upgrade so I could access more drills and only got the option of monthly payments.Thanks for your help.Anne

Anne Langtry 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

Batting drills for my under 13

I would like to ask for batting drills which I can teach my players.

Nonkululeko Rosemary Makhathini Coach, England

1 answer

Change email

I have set up my account with the option to sign in with my google account. how can I change my email to another address? it does not seem to recognise my password.

Horia Cretu Coach, England

1 answer

googly

tell me drills and it's field set up

Cricketwithhaider undefined Coach, United Kingdom

1 answer

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

1 answer

getting more revs with off spi...

My 14 year old is not able to get enough flight dip and revs with his off spinners. his stock ball is flat and fast through the air.. the various pitch lengths for junior and senior cricket he plays does not help.. any tips or drills to develop the flighted stock ball hitting the good length would be most helpful . thanks for the help

Sid Coach, England

3 answers

How can I improve my cricket t...

How to i improve on working on my top hand while batting as i always put the ball in the air when driving.

Archived User Coach

6 answers

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Cricket

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Sportplan App

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

Cricket: set up

Calling and Communication

Running Technique

Judgement and Awareness

Partnership Building

Key Coaching Points

Drills for Running Practice

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

Back foot defence

Back foot defence: Playing in the V

Backfoot Drive

Catching Drill

Group coaching for the back foot defence

Group coaching for the back foot drive

Group coaching for the back foot drives

Group coaching for the front foot drive

One day nets - Bowling challenge

Rebound Bowling

Ian Bell - Stance v Seam New V...

Hurdle Run & Bowl Fast and spi...

Choose the End and back up Gro...

Ian Bell - Taking Guard v Spin...

Group coaching for the cut, ho...

Fielding Warm Up Game Catching...

Group coaching for the front f...

Corridor Bowling Fast and spin...

Backlift and Drive Front foot ...

Target Throwing and Hitting th...

Partner Bowling Fast and spin ...

Group coaching for the front f...

Ball drop and pick up Ground f...

Over Stumps & Spin To Other Si...

Group coaching for the cut, ho...

Retireve and Double Throw Grou...

Hitting On Top Of The Ball Bat...

Grip - Indication of Vs Techni...

Diving Practice Wicket - keepi...

Two Balls - One Keeper Wicket ...

Moving Up to the Stumps Wicket...

Group coaching for the front f...

Batter vs 2 handed pick up and...

Cricket: Front Foot Drive Posi...

The Art of Spin: Improve your Spin Bowling

Back to Basics - Batting Technique

How to stop my U12s using their bottom hand and hitting the ball up?

How do I set up my team

Small Ground Bowling Tactics

Running between the wickets

Open house session setup related

non striker backing up

can you give me coaching points at least 4 points on each skill.

Setting the right tone

Now affliated with netball club update account

passworxd

Locked out

Membership

Start of a Session

Batting drills for my under 13

Change email

googly

non striker backing up | Sport...

getting more revs with off spi...

How can I improve my cricket t...

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

Match Simulation: Game-Based Training

Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

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