aiililk lailwiii Guide to Cricket Skills and Drills

Transcription

1 gmkcoolemancourt m ^ P j b SPONSORS JUNIOR ^ CRICKET IN WESTON CREEK A fg 1 PK i^-^tflhhh llliilllse I: Ilftllllll 1 % " ; 8J "P'WMMAWMSmSl i WM&fPSS M: BIMMWHwMMi HBBBBHi Jf illllllfts:- SSiBBilBl aiililk lailwiii Guide to Cricket Skills and Drills F a r use l»y C o a e h e s of Y o u n g e r C r i c k e t e r s

2 A GUIDE T O CRICKET S K I L L S AND DRILLS for use by Coaches of Junior Cricketers by Greg Irvine and Percy Samara-Wickrama

3 COOLEMAN COURT JUNIOR CRICKET PROGRAMME

4 PREFACE Cooleman Court is pleased to be associated with Weston Creek Cricket Club and the junior cricket programme aimed at fostering cricket amongst youngsters in Weston Creek area. We are conscious of our community role in our area and are delighted to be involved with this most popular summer game which not only is a character builder but instills team spirit in our youth. The coaching co-ordinator appointed to the task is Greg Irvine, one of Canberra's leading and well known cricketers and we have no doubt that the professionalism he brings to coaching is only equal to the professionalism he displays in the middle. Alison Reid Centre Manager Cooleman Court Weston A.C.T

5 THIS PUBLICATION IS A PART OF COOLEMAN COURT JUNIOR CRICKET PROGRAMME

6 5 BATTING INTRODUCTION In order that the instructions are clearly understood the terms in common use are explained. In the text, terms such as leading elbow, leading shoulder and top hand are used, so that the instructions would apply equally to left and right hand batsmen. The terms used are as follows: BACK FOOT FRONT FOOT LEADING ELBOW LEADING SHOULDER BOTTOM HAND TOP HAND Right Hand Batsman Right Foot Left Foot Left Elbow Left Shoulder Right Hand Left Hand Left Hand Batsman Left Foot Right Foot Right Elbow Right Shoulder Left Hand Right Hand THE GRIP Rest the bat face down on the ground. Bend down and pick up the handle of the bat in both hands, The right hand closer to the blade for a right hand batsman Left hand closer to the blade for a left hand batsman. The V s between thumb and index finger on both hands point down the centre of the bat. Both hands close together middle of the handle. in the The grip of the top hand is extremely important in all batting strokes. It leads the way and is the dominant hand in most shots. i) The grip of the top hand should always be firm. ii) Bottom hand is firm between the thumb and index finger with the other fingers relaxing on the grip on some shots. e.g. Front and back foot defensive shots. Refer Fig. 9 and Fig. 19

7 6 THE STANCE Place feet either side of and parallel to the crease. a Feet should be apart and comfortable. Toes of both feet are in line and 90 to the batting crease. Fig. 2 a Bend knees slightly to allow for easy movement. s Bat rests behind toes of the back foot. Hands rest lightly on the front leg between the inside of the knee and thigh. «Leading shoulder and front elbow pointing down the pitch. Head turned to face bowler with EYES LEVEL. Fig. 3 THE BACK LIFT When the bowler delivers the ball the bat is raised. Height of the back lift depends on the batsman but do not lift the bat too high. Bat goes straight back towards the off-stump and first slip. BACK FOOT DRIVE Move feet in the same way as for the back foot defence. Keep head over the ball. Leading (front) elbow pointing in the direction that you want the ball to go. Back lift is high and bat comes through quickly. Hit the ball with the full face of the bat and as straight as possible. Follow through in the direction of the shot.

8 7 Fig. 6 FORWARD DEFENSIVE Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Back lift straight and off the ground before ball is delivered. Front foot moves as close as possible to the pitch of the ball. Left shoulder and elbow lead the bat towards the ball. Bend the left knee so that the head is over the ball. The bat comes through straight and angled backwards to play the ball into the ground. Back foot remains behind the crease. head over ball elbow high Watch the ball make contact with the bat in all cases. bottom hand loose front foot to pitch of ball back foot behind crease Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Fig. 22

9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 ON DRIVE Back lift. Pick bat up straight. a a a a Leading foot has opened to move forward and outside (legside) the line of the ball. Front shoulder is dipped. Full face of the bat comes through the ball, Attempt to hit the ball towards mid-on not mid wicket. Top hand controls the shot. a Do not over balance towards the off side. a Follow through the line of mid-on. IMPORTANT: The position of the head is extremely important when playing the on drive. If the batsman over-balances towards the off side the head is leaning to the off side. Head needs to move towards the pitch of the ball.

10 9 Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 DRIVES STRAIGHT, OFF AND COVER Back lift. Lift bat back, high and straight. Move front foot towards line of the ball with bat and pad close together. Bend front knee to keep head over the ball. Lean leading shoulder into the shot. Leading elbow follows through in the direction of the shot. Keep the bat straight and hit the ball with the full face of the bat.. Contact of bat with ball should be made close to front pad. Follow through in the direction that you want the ball to go. HIT THROUGH THE BALL, NOT AT IT.

11 10 BACK FOOT DEFENCE Back foot moves towards off stump bring the front foot alongside. Photo 11. a Back foot remains parallel to the crease so that the body stays in a sideways position. Photo 11.» Front elbow is high and points towards the bowler. «Head directly over the ball on contact. Top hand controls the shot. Angle bat down to keep the ball down. Fig. 17 Fig. 18 Head over ball. Eyes level. Elbow high and pointing towards bowler. Loose grip on bottom hand. Bat angled. Back foot parallel to crease. When playing backfoot strokes, you should feel your weight on your back foot. Your front foot is used for balance. Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Fig. 22 PULL SHOT OR HOOK SHOT Move back foot towards off stump but point it down the pitch slightly. Bring front foot back towards the leg stump. Head and chest should now be facing the ball for a pull shot. The head moves inside the line of the ball for a hook shot. Hit the ball as early as possible and try to hit the ball down.

12 11 c CUT SHOT a Move back foot towards off stump. Keep back foot parallel to the crease.» Weight transferred to the back foot. ( Back lift is higher. Bring bat down and over the ball, roll the wrists., Try to extend the arm on contact. «Front foot moves towards back foot to keep in balance. 0 A full follow through is important DO NOT SWAT AT THE BALL. HIT THROUGH THE BALL NOT AT IT. Fig. 23 Fig. 24 Fig. 25

13 RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS Remember, there are three calls you should use. YES, NO, WAIT which is followed by YES or NO. When the ball goes behind the wicket the non striker (the batsman at the bowler's end) calls for the run. All other calls are made by the batsman. First run must be run as quickly as possible. When running hold the bat in' the front of you Fig. 26 Communicate with partner while passing in the centre of the pitch e.g. you could say "Look for two". Fig. 26 Always turn facing the ball with the bat in hand furthest from the ball. This could mean changing the bat into a different hand. Never turn to run when you cannot see where the ball is. Stretch out, reach behind the crease and keep your body as low as possible for a faster turn. Fig. 28

14 Fig. 29 Fig. 30. Always try to slide the bat betore reaching the crease (bat has to be grounded behind the crease). Fig. 31 NON STRIKER SHOULD - Back up at the bowler's end. Start walking down the pitch as the bowler delivers the ball. s Keep bat behind the crease. Always hold the bat with the hand closest to the bowler.

15 14 BOWLING INTRODUCTION For an accurate and effective delivery of a ball the bowler has to concentrate on four important points as follows: 1. A correct grip. 2. A smooth, comfortable and rhythmic run-rup to the crease. 3. A well balanced delivery stride which makes full use of the run-up. 4. A deliberate follow through. THE GRIP

16 RUN-UP, DELIVERY AND FOLLOW THROUGH Every bowler must establish a regular run-up comfortable to his needs. To be able to establish an individual run-up follow the steps given below. A. i Start with both feet on the crease. Run away from the crease delivering the ball when you feel ready and comfortable. Place a marker where the back foot lands. Repeat this several times until a consistent back foot plant is made. Then practise the run-up from the marker, starting with the same foot, as before. IMPORTANT: The run-up should start slowly, gradually increasing speed. Full pace should be reached during the last few paces., The bowler should attempt to bowl from a position as close as possible to the stumps. The follow through should continue down the pitch about one or two paces before veering off to the side. NOTE: Placement of suitable markers can help the young bowler develop a fluent and well balanced follow through.

17 16 THE DELIVERY The final stride - a jump off the left foot turning the body sideways and the left arm stretching upwards. The right foot (back foot) lands parallel to, and usually behind the bowling crease to allow for the side on position of the body. The body should now be in a position so that the left shoulder points towards the batsman. The left arm extends upwards, and the bowler looks at the batsman over the left shoulder. The weight is on the right foot and the body is leaning away from the batsman. The left foot lands in front of the right foot pointing to fine leg - the body must remain sideways. NOTE: For left arm bowlers the same rules apply except that the left foot is the back foot and the right foot is the front foot and should point towards third man on delivery, and the right shoulder points at the batsman. The body weight now transfers to the front leg with the front arm up and towards the batsman. The front arm now comes through, across and then behind the body. The bowling arm comes over as high and as straight as possible letting go of the ball at the highest point. The arm then swings across the front of the body finishing up on the outside of the front thigh. At all times the head should be still with the eyes looking down the pitch. The follow through should take the right arm bowler to the off side, and the left arm bowler to the on side in both cases off the wicket. Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Fig. 22

18 FIELDING 17 INTRODUCTION Fielding is important and shpuld be fun, even more so if everyone tries. Some time should be spent during training practising your fielding. After you have practised the correct fielding positions, it is enjoyable and worthwhile to use some of the games in here in help with your catching and fielding. The fielders' first job is to stop the ball and there are two methods of doing this. DEFENSIVE FIELDING Move into the path that the ball is taking as quickly as possible. Right handed throwers drop onto your left knee, to form a 'barrier' with your left leg and right foot. Left handed throwers kneel on their right knee, which meets their left foot. Keep your head above your hands, and point your fingers down when stopping the ball. Once you have the ball in your hands, you can get up and be in position to throw the ball to your team mate. Point your other arm towards the target as this will act as a guide for the direction you want to throw the ball in. Fig. 33 Fig. 34 ATTACKING FIELDING If there is a chance of running a batsman out, there is a quicker way to field the ball. When you have seen the path that the ball is travelling in, run towards it as quickly as possible. Right handed throwers meet the ball with your right foot behind it and at 90 (right angles) to the line of the ball. Try to stop the ball in front of your foot with the fingers pointing down. Once the ball is fully under control, you can stand up and be in a position to throw the ball immediately.

19 18 CATCHING Fig. 35 Catches are important, because they could be the difference between winning or losing a match. Do not move until you have seen the path of the ball. Then move quickly, watching the ball all the way. Make a wide 'web' with both hands and when the ball hits the palms close your fingers round the ball. OUTFIELD CATCHING Try to catch the ball at eye level. Again hands are cupped but inverted with thumbs and tips of the index fingers together. Move quickly into position. Keep hands relaxed and give slightly when the ball makes contact with hands. Be positive and confident in catching. Fig. 36 CLOSE CATCHING Hands are always cupped and relaxed. Fingers are spread to form a web and little fingers are touching. Do not point your fingers at the ball e.g. crocodile catching. Stay in a crouched and still position. KEEP YOUR HANDS LOW, it is easier to come up than to go down. Do not move until you have seen the ball. Watch the ball all the way.

20 19 WICKET KEEPING Of all the positions in the field, the wicket keeper is the most important and the most demanding. You must make sure that your stance: is comfortable and not strained; allows you the best view of the ball; enables you to take the ball with little movement; is close enough to the wicket, so that you can stump the batsman without having to reach for the stumps. When you stand back to quicker bowlers, make sure that you are far enough back to catch the ball between your knees and waist. If you stand close to the wickets try to keep your feet moving in a semi-circle. This will let you catch balls on the offside and down the legside while keeping your body facing the stumps. CHECK LIST 1. Always keep your body and head still when you are waiting for the ball. 2. Try to stay down for as long as possibie, rise with ball after it has bounced. 3. Move your feet as little as possible, just make sure that your head and body are behind the ball. 4. Always catch the ball with the fingers pointing away from the ball, never at it. 5. When catching 'give' slightly with the ball. 6. Never move your hands towards the ball, or snatch at it. Off Side Leg Side

21 20 DRILLS INTRODUCTION This section covers a series of drills that may be used during a training session to help sharpen-up the reflexes of the young player. 1 All good training sessions should be planned in order that batting, bowling and fielding skills are improved. Batting and bowling for about 10 minutes in a net is of very little benefit to the young cricketer. You should aim to include at least 30 minutes of practice session. drills in a typical 2 hour In addition to the obvious benefits derived, these drills will help the young cricketer to greater participation during practice sessions. BATTING DRILLS 1 FRONT FOOT TO THE PITCH OF THE BALL DRILL Player B rolls the ball slowly along the ground towards Batsman A. Batsman steps forward with the front foot and traps the ball. Batsman takes up basic stance, stay.sideways on to the bowler. Batsman must remain in balance. 2 DRIVING DRILL Equipment needed: Batting tee, witches hat or paper-cup bat and ball. TOP HAND DRILL A X a, Using only the top hand, drive the ball between the markers. Fielder returns the ball. A

22 21 b, Thrower lobs the ball towards the marker which is positioned on a drivable length. Batsman A then strikes the ball back to B. c, A ball in a stocking or sock is hung from the clothes line or other high structure. The ball is suspended about 10cm from the ground. The batsman drives the ball as it returns to him. 3 FRONT FOOT DRIVE DRILL Drive from Tee - Cover, Straight off and On Drive. Points to remember * = X batsman must take normal stance step towards the ball with front foot try to place the ball between the markers follow through in the line of the shot lift the bat straight. 4 FRONT FOOT DRIVE X X X Place three markers at drivable length for straight on, and off drives. Activity - Thrower throws the ball accurately at the marker and the batsman drives the ball in the desired direction. This activity can take place in front of a fence or inside the practice nets.

23 JUDGING LENGTH AND TOP HAND DRILL T \ \ ' \ 1 Equipment: Activity: Tennis balls, paddle bat or cut-off cricket bat and batting gloves. The batsman, using only the top hand drives the ball. The thrower pitches the ball towards a good length line. If the ball lands short of the good length line he plays back and strikes the ball. If the ball lands in front of the good length line the batsman plays forward. The batsman predicts his shot by saying loudly "Forward" or "Back". See Photos 9 and 12. IMPORTANT: - front elbow high and pointing down the pitch. - bat follows down the line of the ball and NOT out towards mid wicket. HOOK AND PULL SHOT DRILLS A V X V A Activity: Using a tennis ball or cricket balls, the thrower pitches a ball at a marker outside the line of the leg stump and short of a length. Batsman hooks or pulls several balls towards the witches hats. Points can be scored thus: 4 points if the ball is hit between the witches hats and through the fielders XXX 2 points for between the hats but above the fielders. 1 point if stopped by fielders. -3 if caught by fielders

24 7. ACCURACY AND WICKET KEEPING DRILL XXX X Bowlers line up and deliver the ball in turn. Aim at a small square marked on the pitch at a good length and in line with the stumps. Wicket Keeper can practise his technique during this drill. Rotate players as wicket keeper. FIELD AND UNDERARM THROW ( \ r 1 -.> A X -. X XXX X W.fc \ Activity Wicket keeper rolls the ball towards Group A. Player 1 moves in, picks up the ball and underarms the ball over the stumps to the wicket keeper. Player 1 then runs around the wicket keeper and back to Group A. Sequence then continues. Variation - Introduce 2 balls per player. - 2 balls but alternate 1 per player.

25 9. FIELD, THROW AND BACKING UP A. XXX- X wk X JL \ 2., X \ The wicket keeper rolls the ball towards a mid-wicket fielder. Fielder 1 in Group A runs in, fields the ball and throws at the stumps at the bowler's end, then moves on to Group B. Fielder 2 from Group B moves accordingly to back-up the stumps and the throw. Fielder 2 after fielding the ball, throws to the wicket keeper and moves on to Group A and the sequence is continued. The throw at the stumps can be underarm or overarm. The drill should be worked from both sides of the wicket and in any fielding position. 10. FIELD AND THROW RUNNING AWAY FROM THE STUMPS A. X X XX 1 -X Wk. Activity Wicket keeper rolls the ball away from the stumps. Player 1 in Group A runs out to the ball, fields and throws a return to the wicket keeper. Player 1 then re-joins Group A and the game continues.

26 FIELDING AND BACKING-UP - a rotation X X 6 \ \ y x v i - x x A rolls the ball towards B X D. X B fields the ball and throws the ball underarm over the stumps to C who is backing up. C rolls the ball towards D. D fields the ball and throws underarm to A. - the rotation continues. - each player moves on to the next group, after fielding or rolling the ball. Variation - change the direction of rotation. - use two balls. X A x ^ i 12. FIELD AND THROW i Activity y f -x-. wk * a Wicket keeper rolls the ball between A and B. X Player from A runs out, fields the ball and returns the ball to the wicket keeper. Player A then continues his run and joins the end of Group B. Sequence then continues. This drill then changes direction towards A. THROWING 13. TARGET THROW / FIELD AND FOLLOW A- X I B' xxx X..1- Activity. Player 1 in Group A throws the ball at the target, then follows to Group B. Player 1 from Group B fields the ball and throws at the target, then follows to Group A, and so on. The coach may set up a number of stumps at the same time.

27 14- PICK UP AND SIDE ARM THROW i A. x x n A is r. 1 y Activity Four cricket balls are placed along a line at right angles to the wicket keeper. Player 1 in Group A runs in and picks up the first ball and throws a return to the wicket keeper; he continues this action and continues on for balls two, three and four. Wicket keeper rolls balls back to positions for player 2 and so on. 15. THROWING f : r t i 1 i i t t X X X Activity X X > Cricket balls are placed on the line between witches hats and opposite each Group. Fielder 1 in each Group have a ball in their hand. With a starting signal they race out, place their ball on the line and pick up the stationary ball and return it to the next member in the team and so on. t v

28 27 RUNNING BEGTWEEN WICKETS AND FIELDING 16. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS Activity X X Importance of this drill is the speed of the turn. The player must reach for the crease with the bat in one hand, minimising the distance he must run, also slide the bat across the crease. This is an individual relay where points can be awarded to the team that has the most winners. 17. SPEED TURN AND RELAY ' 1! 1 1 t «; ' 2 X 3 ^ * * Activity Coach indicates by raising an arm, the direction an imaginary ball has been hit. First runner in each group has a bat, he will then run towards the marker with the bat held out in front. When turning towards A the bat is held in the left hand. The bat is held in the right hand when turning towards B. The coach can change direction of the turn by indicating the direction of the ball at the last minute. This is an individual relay and not a team relay.

29 18. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS, FIELD AND THROW TO EFFECT RUN-OUTS X A X A. x Activity. ' - i. - " x N. Ar 1 Wicket keeper or coach rolls the ball towards A. Player 1 in Group A fields the ball and returns the ball to the wicket keeper who attempts to run out the batsman. When the run is complete the batsman in position N moves to Group A. Fielder from Group A moves to new batting position N and so on. The positioning of Group A can be moved to any fielding position on the field, e.g. cover, mid-wicket, backward square, mid-off and so on. 19. RUNNING BETWEEN WICKETS, BACKING UP THROW AND FIELDING * R X / /' M. N- ** Activity The wicket keeper rolls the ball towards Group A. x" K \ y x A. X Player 1 from Group A fields the ball and has the option to throw to the wicket keeper or player 2 from Group B who is backing up the bowler's end. The wicket keeper and player 2 are trying to run out batsman N and M. After the run is completed, batsman M moves to Group B, and batsman N moves to Group A. Fielder 2 from Group B becomes batsman M and fielder 1 from Group A becomes batsman N. The rotation then continues. Change direction of throw by moving the Group A to opposite side.

30 MIDDLE DISTANCE AND OUTFIELD CATCHING wk. L A. 6 I t Activity Batsman hits fly balls out to the fielders in group A & B., * They return the ball to the wicket keeper. After several catches, group A fc B rotate. X Two balls can be hit alternatively by the batsman. IMPORTANT: The ball is always returned to the wicket keeper in the same sequence. A. I. I. ]. < s. X X X X X Activity Fielders in Group A have their backs to the batsman. Batsman hits a fly ball towards Group A and calls a number or the name of a player. That player then turns and moves to the catch, he then returns the ball to the wicket keeper. 21. SLIPS CATCHING The coach/batsman throws the ball on to the face of the bat. X X A The ball is deflected from the bat to the slips cordon.. ^ I i i'' A < L X B i) The thrower pitches the ball to the batsman who deflects the ball towards the fielders in position A. Also a short-leg fieldsman can be placed in position B. ii) iii) If a fielder drops a catch, then he should move to the end of the slip cordon and positions rotated. A variation for reflex catches is to: - Throw the ball underarm to the batsman over a short distance. - The slip cordon to be 2 to 5 metres from the bat. When fielding in the slips you should stay low as long as possible.

31 22. RUNNING AWAY CATCH Activity y / ' V ' i XXX X X Wicket keeper or batsman hits the ball in the air about metres away from Group A. Player 1 in Group A runs out and catches the ball, then returns the ball to the wicket keeper. Player 1 then rejoins the group and so on. 23. RUN, CATCH, FIELD & THROW A. XXX»- X \ XXX \ \ </ I / / / V I X Activity Batsman hits the ball out towards an area half-way between the two groups A & B. Player 1 in Group A runs out to catch the ball and returns it to the wicket keeper, he then moves on and joins Group B and so on. Work this drill from the right and then from the left.

32 WICKET KEEPING 24. REFLEX AND SPEED CATCHES Two players A and B have cricket balls. Each player throws the ball under arm, alternatively to the wicket keeper who returns the ball to the same player. 25. DIVING CATCHES A > X A Two markers are placed about 4 metres apart in front of a wall or the practice nets. The wicket keeper stands between the markers. Another player throws a ball underarm anywhere between the markers. The wicket keeper dives to catch or stop the ball.

33 32 NOTES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Our special thanks go to the Management of Cooleman Court for making this project possible, Chris Body for the titles, Beverly Alley for typing and Col Kelaart for proof reading. P.S. G.I.

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