Role Of the Coach

Coaches create the learning environment which provides an inclusive

and fun experience with maximum participation. The shift in coach
education has fundamentally been a move from “What to Coach” to
“How to Coach” focusing on engaging participants in a variety of ways
to enable the Coach and player to learn implicitly through self
discovery.

Other responsibilities include:

• Developing a coaching philosophy (what kind of coach will you be?)

• Planning for training and match day

• Provide a safe environment for their players to enjoy their cricket

Batting Key Messages

Grip

Allowing players to present the Full Face of the Bat

• V’s aligned down outer splice of bat. Bat slightly open in pick up.

• Hands in close to the body, bat between keeper and second slip
in back lift – enables straight lines.

• Top hand dominant in bat pick up with pressure on thumb and

forefinger of bottom hand.

• Free swing of the bat through line of the ball - “high hands” at
the top of the follow through.
Stance

Prime position to track the Ball

• Eyes Level - Ensure 20/20 vision at ball release.

• Balanced and relaxed stance, feet shoulder width apart, toes slightly
open, knees bent. Nose – Hands – Knees – Toes all aligned.

• Still tapping bat as ball is about to be released to promote relaxed

stance and arms that can move quickly and powerfully.

• Focus on seam of the ball in bowler’s hand.

The player must gather the information as early as possible so they

can move accordingly.
Step

Footwork and Weight Transfer

• One decisive, comfortable stride towards line of the ball (back and across for the
short ball).

• Push off the ball of the foot to transfer weight forward or back and into the shot
– stable base & knee bend.

• Point of contact – under the nose (defence and attack) for optimal power and
control.
Front Foot Play
Off, Straight & On Drives

Drills (groups of 3):

1. Tee Drives – Have the participants adjust the line of their stance to the tee so
they are able to practice the Off, Straight, and On drives. They are to aim
between two markers placed 6m apart, guarded by 2 fielders.

Foot placements (right hand Batter):

Off Straight On
2. Drop Balls – Batter to hit the ball after one or two bounces
(depending on surface).

3. Under arm throws (One/two bounce) – emphasise playing the ball

late and straight from a balanced position.
Leg Glance

• Head & Foot in line with ball.

• Head slightly in front on foot.

• Contact under nose.

• Attempt to present the full face of bat at

impact.

• Deflect the ball to the leg side using the

pace of the ball.
Sweep

• Foot in line with the ball.

• Back knee on the ground to stabilise

(eyes level).

• High to low, full bat swing.

• Fully extend arms through the shot.

Drills (groups of 3):

1. Tee sweep – Similar to the tee drive drill except the batsman starts with their
back to the target area, and using the key points above, hits the ball through
the target area.

2. Under arm lobs – The same equipment set up required as the first drill, except
one of the fielders becomes the thrower.
Back Foot Play

Back Foot Defence

• Push back deep in the crease

and across to cover off stump.

• Head to the line of the ball.

• High leading elbow.

• Soft hands.
Drill (groups of 3):

1. One knee, firm under arm throws (soft balls) – Replicate angle of
short ball by kneeling approximately 4m from the batter. Throws
to be aimed at the line of off stump.
Cut Shot

• Step back and across (back foot

pointing behind point).

• High to low bat swing.

• Late point of contact.

• Fully extend arms at point of

contact.

• Full bat swing.

Drill (groups of 3):

1. One knee, fast under arm throws (soft balls) – Replicate angle of short
ball by kneeling approximately 4m from the batter. Throws to be
aimed 2 foot outside off stump.
Pull Shot

• Step back and across (back foot

pointing to extra cover).

• Head to the line of the ball.

• High to low bat swing.

• Fully extend arms at point of

contact.

• Full bat swing ending with the

batsman facing where the ball
has gone.
Drill (groups of 3):

1. One knee, firm under arm throws (soft balls) – Replicate angle of
short ball by kneeling approximately 4m from the batter. Throws to
be aimed at the line of off stump.
Back Foot Evasive Techniques

Ducking a short ball at the body:

• Push back deep in the crease and across to cover

off stump.
• Eyes on the ball for as long as possible.
• Drop body forwards.
• Keep bat low.

Swaying out of the way of a short ball on or outside

off stump:

• Push back deep in the crease and across to cover

off stump.
• Eyes on ball for as long as possible.
• Drop hands.
• Sway body back towards square leg.
Drill (groups of 3):

One knee, firm under arm throws (soft balls) – Replicate angle of short
ball by kneeling approximately 4m from the batter. Mix up line of the
throws to use the two different evasive techniques.
Running Between Wickets

Calling:

• 3 calls – YES, NO or WAIT!

• Striker to call unless they are unsighted (usually when the ball goes
behind square).
• If uncertain about taking a run, the call should be WAIT.
• Provide as much information as you can when running for 2’s and 3’s.
e.g. has the fielder got the ball yet? Is another run a possibility?
Backing Up:

• The non-striker should build momentum as the ball is delivered to get

a head start on a possible run.

• Always face the bowler.

Turning & Sliding the Bat:

• Ensure that the batsmen are always facing the ball to assist in quickly
judging whether there are more runs on offer.

• Low and stretching into the crease, sliding the bat on approach, and
powering out of the turn.

• Always slide the bat at the end of the final run.

Bowling Key Messages
Grip (standard)

• First two fingers apart on top of the seam.

• Thumb underneath the ball on the seam.

Approach (Momentum at the target)

• Run up – gradual build-up of momentum with all movements

directed at target (stumps). Use 400m runner’s technique i.e.
relaxed, forward tilt and thumbs to chin. This will assist greatly in
achieving a correct gather.

• Gather - inside rectangle (points of shoulders and hips).

Drills:

1. Running technique – place markers 20m apart and have the group
practice the correct running technique whilst holding a cricket ball.

2. Gather walk through – participants to assess each other’s gather at

walking pace and provide feedback.

3. Measuring a run up – the participants are to close their eyes and

repeatedly run, starting from the same point each time, until they
feel comfortable to bowl. The pairs map the point that each other’s
front foot is landing in their delivery stride. Once a consistent point
is found, the participants can then step out their new run up.
Alignment & Delivery

• Ensure shoulders and hips are aligned at back foot impact (the
second last step before the ball is released) and the front arm is
high and in line with the target.

• Front foot points towards the target.

• High ball release – finger & wrist in correct position for desired
delivery.

• Follow through - complete the bowling action and continue to drive

through at the target.
Outswing (moving the ball in the air towards the slips)

• Seam upright and pointing towards 1st/2nd slip.

• Shiny side of the ball faces the leg side.

• Wrist behind the ball on release.

Inswing (moving the ball in the air towards the batsman)

• Seam upright and pointing towards fine leg.

• Shiny side of the ball faces the off side.

• Wrist behind the ball on release.

Spin Bowling Overview

Spinning the ball

Spin the ball viciously! – create plenty of revolutions on the ball.

Accuracy takes a back seat to spin. Allow players to hone their accuracy
over time whilst spinning the ball hard.
Utilise the whole body to impart spin on the ball.

Flight

Spin up – bowl over an imaginary mid pitch wall to achieve the desired
trajectory. Sufficient flight will allow the ball to grip the pitch and spin.
Sufficient spin on the ball will also create dip and drift.
Finger/Off Spin

• Grip the ball across the seam

between the index and middle
finger (work fingers into the
ball). Index finger is
predominantly used to impart
spin.

• Short delivery stride to allow

for a higher release point.

• Drive back knee up in the

delivery stride to assist with
getting “up & over” the braced
front leg. Also, emphasise
shoulder alignment towards
target.
Variation (arm ball)

Similar grip to an off spin delivery, however upon release of the ball
the index finger runs down the back of the seam in an attempt to stand
the seam upright and create some slight outswing.
Wrist Spin

• Grip the ball across the seam between index, second, third
finger and palm. The first knuckle on the 3rd finger is
predominantly used to impart spin.

• Back of hand faces the bowler upon release.

• longer delivery stride (similar to a pace bowler) with a slightly

lower/wider release point.

• Drive back knee up & through in the delivery stride to provide

further energy through the crease. Also, emphasise shoulder
alignment towards target.
Variations

Top Spinner

• Back of the hand faces the off side upon release.

• The ball should go straight on, but bounce higher due to overspin.

Wrong’un

• Slightly higher release point with the back of the hand facing the
batsman upon release.

• The bowling hand comes right over the top of the ball so as the ball
leaves the hand, it is spinning from off to leg.
Flipper

• Squeezed out of the front of the hand between thumb and index
finger with a clicking motion.

• The ball should have some slight backspin which will cause it to
skid onto the batsman.
Fielding Key Messages

Underarm Throw

• Stay front on to the target.

• Pick the ball up next to foot on the same side as the throwing arm. i.e.
pick the ball up next to right foot for right handed throws. From this
position, no back swing should be needed.

• Take one more step towards the target and release the ball straight
through at the target.
Drills:

1. Stationary ball pick up – Place a ball on the ground between partners.

Take it in turns to practice picking the ball up next to the correct foot
and upon taking the next step, release the throw.

2. Partner roll outs – Roll the ball out to each other and return it with an
under arm throw.
Overarm Throw

• Thumbs down.

• Engage scapula (shoulders/back) by drawing elbows

back.

• Front hand and eyes aligned to target.

• Elbow above shoulder and palm facing away from the

target.

• In the throwing action, front arm comes to chest and

throwing arm finishes at opposite hip.
Drills:

1. Cone throw – Place a line of cones down 10m apart for the partners
to stand 10m either side of and aim their throws at.

2. Throwing distance – Place cones at short, medium and long throwing

distances. Practice the crow hop from the furthest cone.
Attacking Ground Fielding

• “Creep in” as the bowler approaches the wicket. Low & smooth
movement.

• The fielder comes to a split step with the weight on the balls of their
feet as the batsman moves into position to play a shot.

• Adopt a low position as early as possible to pick the ball up from a semi
side on position. Hips at 45 degrees, feet in an “L” shape.

• Head over the line of the ball.

• Funnel the ball in and take the throwing arm back ready to throw in
one smooth action.
Drills:

1. Practice creeping in & split step. Either in pairs or two lines.

2. Partner roll outs – Using soft balls, roll the ball out to each other and
return it with a one bounce throw back to their partner.

3. Return throw race – Break the group into two teams (may not need
the whole group to participate) and have two team leaders roll the
ball out to the teams, who are set up 30m away, at the same time. The
first team to return the ball accurately above the stump to the team
leaders score a point.
Defensive Fielding

• Only to be used when the ball is travelling too fast for the fielder to
move towards it.

• Drop one knee to the ground perpendicular to the line of the ball and
use the body as a second line of defence (commonly known as the
long barrier).

• Keep eyes on the ball and endeavour to take the ball in the hands.
Short catching

• Above belly button = fingers up. Below/side = Little fingers crossed.

• Extend arms then use “shockies” (elbows & shoulders) to cushion the
ball into the hands.

• Head over the line of the ball and watch the ball into the hands.

• Employ a crouched fielding position as it is quicker and easier to come

up then it is to get down for a catch.
Drills:

1. Partner catch – standing 2-3m apart, using soft balls, have the players
underarm at each other trying to hit each other’s knees, feet and
head. 1 point for a hit or dropped catch.

2. One hand sweep – sweep underneath and catch with either the right
or left hand. E.g. if the ball goes to the left side, the players sweep
through with their right and catch with that hand.

3. Slips catching – one person throws the ball overarm at a batter from
approximately 10m away. The batter glides the ball off the face of the
bat to the awaiting slip cordon (ensure correct spacing of players).

Note: this can also be done with underarm throws from 5m to a batter on
one knee to practice slip catching to spin. For a further extension, the
batter can play cut shots to a player standing at point/backward point.
High Catching

• In position as early as possible. Head still, feet at 45 degrees to the

line of the ball.

• Preferably fingers pointing up, thumbs crossed. If there isn’t sufficient

time to be in a position where the fingers are pointing up, then the
ball should be taken in front of the eyes with little fingers crossed.

• Watch the ball into the hands.

• Activate “shockies.” Every joint, including legs, must act as a shock

absorber.

• Keep the ball centralised to the body.

Drills:

1. Partner catch – standing 15m apart, using soft balls, have each pair
underarm the ball approximately 20m up in the air in each other’s
direction to practice their high catching technique.

2. As a further extension of the first drill, have the pairs experiment with
having to cover some ground to make the catch.

Note: stress the first high catching point.

Wicket Keeping Key Messsages

Stance

• Feet shoulder width apart.

• Knees bent to right angles (power position).

• Weight on the balls of the feet.

Drill:

1. Have the participants practice the power position. Also

explain the negatives of crouching too low (knees beyond
right angles) e.g. inhibits lateral movement.
Glovework

• Cupped gloves rise with the ball.

• Keep gloves out in front of the eyes, presenting a large surface

(catching) area.

• Point fingers at the ground, sky or sideways rather than straight at the
ball.
Positioning

• Ensure a clear view of the bowler in delivery.

• Position to take the ball at hip height standing back.

• When keeping up to the wickets, pivot foot should be about 5cms

outside off stump and two ‘foot lengths’ back.

Note: Highlight how the pivot foot must change if the ball is taken down
the leg side.
Footwork

• When standing back, move the feet so the ball can be taken out in
front of the eyes and cushioned into the inside hip.

• Maintain bent knees throughout sideways movement to remain low &

keep the eyes level.

• Keep the head over the gloves (in line with the ball) to the spinners.

• Keep a pivot foot close to the stumps so that they can be reached for
stumpings etc.
Drills:

1. Each participant practices lateral movement when keeping back to

pace bowlers. One partner under arms a ball firmly at hip height from
8m away to either side of their partner.

2. Shadow batter – balls are thrown underarm towards the batter from
5m away. The batter deliberately plays and misses so that the keeper
can practice ignoring distractions and focus solely on the ball.
Game Sense Key Messages
Practicing the Game

• Endeavour to replicate match conditions for players to practice the various skills.

• Make drills/training competitive – players need to become accustomed to

performing the skills of the game under pressure.

• Centre wicket practice – if none available, use the outfield.

• Create scenarios to work through the most challenging aspects of the game. e.g.
death bowling, opening the batting.

• Reward the winners and hand out suitable fitness activities for the losing side.

Focus Areas for Centre Wicket Training

Presenter to set up a centre wicket match for the group to take part in. Provide a few
focus points from the list below for each facet of the game. Also, challenge the group
to provide some scenarios that can be used at training.
Fielding

• Attack the ball, hunt for run outs and “speckie” catches. Avoid “long barriers”
unless the ball is travelling at high speed.

• Players are to get low as they creep in with the bowler, eventually coming to a
split step allowing for dynamic 360 degree movement.

• Chase the ball in pairs for a possible flick back.

• Relay throws.

• All players on the opposite side of the wicket to which the ball has been hit are to
assist with backing up the throw and directing the thrower on which end to throw
the ball.

• Floaters at the stumps – either the wicket keeper or fielders, who are in the circle,
are to get to each set of stumps to funnel the ball in. Avoid having to throw for a
direct hit where possible.

• Sliding/diving – sideways, alongside the ball etc.

Tips: Use markers as fielders to make up the numbers & play without boundaries to
force batsmen to run every run to increase the urgency with which the ball is fielded
(also brings relay throws into the game).
Batting

• Take note of fielders/field placements – both batters need to know where they are
looking for 1’s and 2’s and discuss potential weaknesses of the fielding team.

• Anticipation – both batters need to expect to run.

• Calling – persuade your partner that the run exists with LOUD! early, decisive
calling. Also, give your partner as much information as you can when running for 2’s
and 3’s. e.g. has the fielder got the ball yet? Is another run a possibility?

• Calling zones – if the striker is unsighted (generally when the ball goes behind
square) it’s the non-strikers call.

• Back up aggressively at the non-strikers end = less ground to cover.

• Always turn facing the ball, slide the bat into the crease and run the first run HARD!
If the batters don’t think the ball is going for 4, always push for 3.

• Look to score and avoid dot balls!

Tips:
• Allow “double run” zones to encourage the batters to play the ball into specific areas.
• Play tip & run – changes the mindset of the batters to expect to run every ball.
• Have 3 batters padded up for easy rotation when a wicket falls.
• Deduct runs for wickets or incorrect calling/running between wickets.
Bowling

• Restrict or attack depending on the scenario.

• Bowlers are to set their own fields.

• Practice variations.

Tip:

• Have 2 bowlers working in tandem at the one end to save time.

Game/Training Modifications (nets)

• Live nets – if a batter is out in the nets they are OUT of the nets.

• Attacking nets – let batters hit out from time to time in the nets to allow them to
discover their limits. This also allows bowlers to practice their death bowling.

• Place markers on various lengths on the sides of the pitch to create a zone for the
bowlers to aim for. e.g. full, back of a length.

• Challenge bowlers to count the balls that they bowl so that they can track how
each “over” is going.
Resources available to accredited coaches:

WACA Community Coaching Workshops (2 per region)

Cricket Coaches Australia website

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http://coaches.cricket.com.au/