Coaching Tips & Hints

Each fortnight new coaching tips will be uploaded and we invite you to send us a question which we will endeavour to reply and potentially post on-line for all viewers!  If you have a coaching question you would like answering or like to know about some techniques and skills - send your question and we will answer it!  Selected questions will be uploaded to help others!

Coaching Tips



'PEPPER BATTING' - BATTING ACTIVITY
The batter stands ready in normal batting stance with two throwers standing halfway up the pitch, each ready with a ball in one hand. One throws the ball and the batter plays the ball accordingly. Once the batter has despatched of the ball and is composed, the second thrower throws the ball meaning the batter immediately has to adjust to the delivery being faced. 
Coaching Points: Watching the ball.
Hint
The activity can be extended by incorporating more balls, while the bowlers can vary the types of throws to simulate the array of balls that can be bowled in a match.


'THE BOWTIE' FIELDING ACTIVITY
Equipment: Three stumps, one ball in play (two balls back-up) and four markers
The player at position A throws the ball underarm at stump one. Player at position B attacks the incoming ball, picks up and throws overarm at stump two. Player at position C backs up the throw and throws the ball underarm at stump three. Player at position D collects the ball and throws the ball overarm at stump two.
Coaching Point: Correct grip, fingers across seam and backing up.
Notes:
After a player throws the ball they follow the direction of the throw to the next marker, preparing for their next opportunity to field the ball. Also note that when a player hits the stumps with their throw, it is their responsibility to re-set the stumps and get to the next marker in preparation for the next throw. Play can be made more difficult by having only one stump to aim at and to hold competitions between teams for the most number of hits in a designated amount of time.

Coaching Hints - Batting

Stance Grip
  • Side on to the bowler
  • Head upright, eyes level
  • Feet shoulder width apart

 
  • Hands placed together in the middle of the handle
  • V's formed by thumb and index finger

Cricket Terms

Take Guard
When a batter first arrives at the crease the first thing they would normally do is mark either centre stump or some variation of this on the pitch in order to align themselves with the angle the ball is coming from. This is called taking guard.


All Rounder
A player is considered an all rounder when they are specialists in more than one skill, for example batting and bowling, and contribute to the team consistantly in both disciplines.

 

Disclaimer: Coaching material & content taken from the Cricket Australia publications 'Cricket Activities Booklet' & 'Orientation to Coaching'.