Contact Help center
Cricket Cricket
HOME Cricket Coaching Trends SEARCH

Cricket: throwing

JOIN NOW FOR FREE

Share

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

Pairs Cricket Pairs Cricket Kwik Cricket Kwik Cricket Hit Stumps Hit the Stumps Cricket Rounders Cricket Rounders

VIEW ALL GAME-BASED DRILLS

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
Cricket Cricket Trends Match Simulation: Game-Based Training
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

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

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
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
throwing DRILLS
View All

Backfoot Drive

Each batter gets 6-8 feeds each. The throwing player feeds from on one knee and then all rotate after 6 feeds. If a wide ball is thrown or the batter decides to leave the ball they may have an aditional feed.

Back foot batting

Catching to the left and right

Player 1 throws the ball to player 2 to run in and catch before throwing the ball back to player 1. Player 2 then joins the back of the other queue. Player 1 throws another flat catch to the next person in line on the other side. Player 1 throws 10 balls before everyone swaps position in a clockwise direction with all players taking it in turn to throw the ball.

Catching

Fielding / Catching drill.

Player 1 rolls the ball out for player 3 to intercept before throwing to the Wicketkeeper. The coach then throws a catch to player 2. Player 3 takes up the position of player 1 and then goes to the back of the queue. Repeat from the other side.

Catching

Group coaching for the back foot defence

(see c50024a & c50024b for more info)Set up for the practiceThink 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 activity5. 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.

Back foot batting

Long Barrier pair defending

Two players per team, stood about 4-5 metres apart between two cones (the goal). Both teams must try to protect their goals by stopping the opposition from throwing the ball through their goal. Using only underarm throws players must try and score in their opponent's goal. A goal is awarded every time their opponent either drops the ball or fails to prevent it passing between their cones.

Ground fielding and throwing

Roller Ball

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Short catching / Underarm throwing

The fielder behind the stumps rolls the ball out, player 2 picks up the ball and throws over the top of the stumps to the fielder behind the stumps. The process is repeated until player 5 goes who then continues their run to replace the player behind the stumps.

Catching

Taking an Off Side Ball

Organise as shown with player A (feeder) throwing wide of the off stump so the wicket keeper has to move to the right to complete the catch.

Wicket - keeping

Two Handed interception + Backing up

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.

Ground fielding and throwing

Warm up drills

Roll the ball along the ground to a team mate. You can run with the ball, but the ball must be rolled along the ground.Aim to hit the stumps (approach from any side of the square)in the opposition square, using an underarm flick. The square is made up of cones, distance 5-8 metres from the stumps.No fielders at any time are allowed inside the square. The ball is never out of bounds, as there are no boundaries.

Ground fielding and throwing

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

Hit the stumps! Ground fieldin...

The wicket keeper rolls the ball out for the players from each side to run onto and pick up. The fielding players run from each side in turns and try to hit the stumps with a fast throw. The keeper then collects the ball and rolls it out again for a player from the other side to run onto.

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

Pairs Target Barrier Ground fi...

<br />Organisation: Divide the group into pairs. Organise the practice as shown in the diagram. Aim is to beat partner, using underarm throw. One point is given for every time the ball passes between the markers.<br /><br />Equipment: 1 ball per pair, 4 marker cones per pair.

General

Driving Game Ground fielding a...

<BR>With between 5-8 players on each team. Each batsmen must drive on one out of 3 deliveries and run on the driven one, then complete two runs. The fielders must stay behind the boundary until the ball is hit. If a boundary is hit the batsmen gets an additional 3 balls. If the ball is hit out of the grounds then 6 runs are awarded.<BR>1) Bat until all out <i>or</i><BR>2) Bat until teams wickets are used up i.e. 4 wickets per team.

General

Throw and Move Ground fielding...

Player 1 rolls the ball out, 2 intercepts and flicks at stump 2. 8 stops the ball and rolls it out towards 3, 5 then intercepts. After each throw, players run up the side and join the back of the queue.<BR><b>Note: </b> The person who starts the practice with the first throw stays where they are until the next turn, then they throw and run up the side.

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

Under Arm Flick Ground fieldin...

<br />Teams of 3-6 people for as many groups as you like. Player (3) runs up to the ball and does an under arm flick to (1) who puts tha ball back in the middle and then goes to the back of the other queue. The first team who gets back to the same position they started wins.

General

Shy round square Ground fieldi...

Throw ball round the square trying to hit the stumps. When the stumps are hit reverse the direction.<BR>See how many hits can be got in 10 mins or race another team. When you hit, all move round until you complete the square.

General

Catch the ball Ground fielding...

Ask the players to spread themselves and have 1 ball for the players to throw or roll the ball to each other. The player in the middle has to try and catch the player in possession of the ball. or get to the ball before a player does if it is badly thrown.

General

Rebound Barrier Ground fieldin...

<br />Organisation: Each player has a ball which is thrown at a target on the wall. As the ball rebounds, the ball is fielded using long barrie. In restricted space players may operate in pairs.<br /><br />Equipment: 1 ball per player.<br />Firm wall surface.<br /> This can be done in teams who can race eachother.

General

Short catching / Underarm thro...

The fielder behind the stumps rolls the ball out, player 2 picks up the ball and throws over the top of the stumps to the fielder behind the stumps. The process is repeated until player 5 goes who then continues their run to replace the player behind the stumps.

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

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

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

Catching drill Catching - Cric...

<BR>Partners stand opposite each other and throw a ball back and forth, trying to see how many catches they can make in a given time (e.g. 1 minute).

General

Off Spin Ground fielding and t...

Exercise for two teams against each other trying to score the most points. All players must throw the ball under arm and are not allowed to run with the ball. To score the ball must bounce in the small square and then caught by one of their team mates on the opposite side before it bounces again to get the point.

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

Batter vs 2 handed pick up and...

The drill starts when the batsman calls <em>Yes</em>. 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

Catching relay Ground fielding...

Player 1 rolls the ball out for player 2 to run onto and catch. Player 2 flicks the ball back to 1 who catches it and puts it down. Player 3 then rolls the ball out towards player 1, who runs towards 3, flicks the ball at 4 who catches it and puts the ball down. Drill continues in this way...

General

Under arm flick Ground fieldin...

The first player rolls the ball out to player 2 (in the opposite line) who runs to meet the ball and performs an under arm flick back to player 1. Player 1 runs with the ball into the middle and puts it down before joining the back of the other queue. As soon as this player has run to the back of this line the next player goes.

General

Short catching relay Ground fi...

1) rolls ball out a short distance. 2) runs in, underarm flicks to 1) who catches ball. 1) puts ball down, runs back and tags 3) then 2) rolls ball out. Repeat process until all have had a go.

General

Long barrier penalties Ground ...

Pairs stand 3 to 4 metres apart between a pair of cones (their goal). By throwing the ball underarm, below waist height, players must try to get the ball through their opponent's cones. Players score a point every time their opponent either drops the ball or fails to prevent it passing between their cones.

General

Fielding drill Ground fielding...

6-12 people needed. Player (6) starts by rolling the ball out to (5) who runs in and throws ball to the (WK). Coach now throws (5) a flat catch as he runs towards the stumps where (6) was feeding from. (6) now joins back of queue.

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

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

Fielding / Catching drill. Gro...

Two lines of players facing each other.Player 1 rolls out ball for player to run and do an underarm flick back to player 1 who catches ball and puts down. Player 2 joins back of queue.Player 3 repeats the exercise from the other side. Aim: 10 catches after receiving the flick throw, if ball gets dropped go back to 0.

General

Serve and pull game Ground fie...

Divide the main group into smaller groups of 5 and organise as shown in the diagram. When the batter calls &quot;Ready&quot; the bowler bowls overarm at a target in line with the stump, 3 metres in front of the batter, with one player acting as a wicket keeper in case the batter fails to make contact. The batter should then hit the ball into the wall and try to make 2 runs  without being caught or run out.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
throwing DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Ground fielding and throwing Drills
Techniques
Ground fielding and throwing Drills
Techniques
throwing SESSIONS
View All

Junior Elements: Developing Throwing and Catching

Encourage your players to push themselves and improve their hand eye coordination in this learning through play session!

Junior Fielding - Ground Fielding and the Long Barrier

Break the ice and get all your players involved - Refresh ground fielding skills with this simple to set up session!

Pre Season 5: Throwing accuracy under pressure

Fielding is quickly becoming an art in itself and players are being picked based on their fielding credentials. Develop your players throwing power and accuracy with an element of fitness in this intense session.

Catching at match intensity - Hardening the hands

You know the old cliche, ?catches win matches?. Early season chances are often put down due to the lack of practice. Harden your fielders hands with this session so they?re snaffling every chance that comes to them.

Pre Season: Building up your players throwing arm

As fielding becomes a more important part of the game, having a strong arm is vital in a game that?s getting faster and more powerful each season. Improve your players all-round game to offer something not just with the bat or ball.

Bullseye Throwing - Fielding Accuracy

How's your arm? Give all your players the best answer around and see them fizz it back into the stumps!

Improving players' stump throwing accuracy

If the batsmen wants to take a quick single then good luck to them after this session. Get direct hits every time!

Fielding in the Deep

Fielding has never been more intense. Use this session to stop leaking the odd run in the field and get the batters working for every run!

Mid-Season - Breaking Bad Fielding Habits

Ignore the key fielding principles at your own peril - use this early-season session with your squad today to keep your fielding game sharp!

Junior Fielding - Ground Fielding and the Long Barrier

Break the ice and get all your players involved - Refresh ground fielding skills with this simple to set up session!

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!

Multi-Skills Games Session

Fun, games based session that works on your players' catching concentration as well as their batting and throwing accuracy!

Improving players' stump throwing accuracy

How accurate are your fielders? Find out with this throwing technique and accuracy session!

Throwing - Fielding Accuracy |...

Bullseye fielding, accurate throwing! Make sure that when your fielders throw the ball it reaches its intended recipient!
throwing ANSWERS
View All

is there any practice for throwing yorkers?

is there any practice for throwing yorkers?

Archived User Coach

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

Ideas for Game Scenarios

I ran a coaching session on Sunday where I took along a number of handwritten cards, from which the kids (U11s) could randomly choose "Super Over", "Bowl Off" or "Game Scenario". If they chose the latter, I had another set of cards they could choose from "Wicket Target", "Run Target", "Run Target - but boundaries don't count".Finally, they then draw from some more cards - runs (20-30), max wickets (1-3), overs (3-5).Each game scenario lasted around 10-20 mins, so in our session, we had time for about 4 or 5 scenarios. They appeared to enjoy it, but most of them said they wanted to bowl/bat individually for longer! Kids, eh?The idea behind these if to get them thinking about batting intelligently - rotating the strike, keeping the score ticking over, managing achievable run rates, etc. It's also a chance to give some of them some experience at captaining and having to make key decisions (bowling and batting order, how to place a field for different scenarios).Any ideas for variations I could try would be welcome. My session lasts for 2 hours including warm ups and any specific exercises I want to do beforehand.

Matt OToole Coach, England

how do i increase my bowling speed???

i want to be real quick, not like bhuvi...i want to be better than starc johnson

Archived User Coach

Catching of under 10 boys

hi how to train a u10 boy to take reflex catches

syed zabiulla Coach, India

Cricket for 2 to 7 year olds

Hi, I have two boys aged 3 and 5 who are mad about cricket - do you have any fun games/lesson plans I can play with them and their friends? Thanks

james Coach, England

Lesson plan for 5 year olds

Hi, can anyone help me with a basic plan for a first session with 5 to 7 year olds in throwing and catching?

james Coach, England

Indoor Fielding Drills

Hi...just looking for suggestions as to which would be good indoor fielding drills to mix up indoor net sessions. We'll probably have half a sports hall with max 20 players - mixed abilities. Cheers

Simon Lee Coach, England

Coaches Training Guide

I need some help putting together a coaches training guide for my teamincluding a intro, warming up exercises, training drills and cooling down

marlena sch Coach, Australia

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

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

catching

how to catch the ball

Kavadi Sandhya Coach, United Kingdom

how to conduct the drill

how to conduct the drill

Surendra J Coach, India

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

how t

how to back up in the field

Jon Fry Coach, England

hep rotation

hep rotation off spin bowling drills

Adnan Khan 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
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
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
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
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Cricket POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
warm up drillsfieldingcatching drillsoff spinfielding drillswarm upbowlingroundersfitnessfront foot drivelong barrierbatting drillswicket keepingcatchingcover drivebattingpull shotthrowingleg spinwarm ups

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