JUNIOR CRICKET MANUAL FOR COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS, …strathmore.vic.cricket.com.au/files/433/files/Coaches Manual 2017-1… · The Strathmore Cricket Club is moving towards 50 years

STRATHMORE CRICKET CLUB

www.strathmore.vic.cricket.com.au

JUNIOR CRICKET MANUAL FOR

COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS, PLAYERS AND PARENTS

Version -2017/18

http://www.strathmore.vic.cricket.com.au/


- 2 - SCC Junior Cricket Manual

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................3

1.1. Welcome from the Committee .............................................................................................3 1.2. The Objective of Junior Cricket ...........................................................................................3 1.3. Philosophy Statement ..........................................................................................................3 1.4. SCC Code of Behaviour ......................................................................................................3 1.5. The Coach ............................................................................................................................3

1.5.1. Hints for Coaches ...................................................................................................4

1.5.2. Golden Rule Summary ...........................................................................................4 1.5.3. Understanding the Players: .....................................................................................4

3. Coach and Team Manager Details ................................................................................................5 3.1. Coach’s responsibilities .......................................................................................................5 3.2. Team Manager’s responsibilities .........................................................................................6 3.3. The Season ...........................................................................................................................8 3.4. Starting and finishing times .................................................................................................8

3.5. Wet Weather Procedure .......................................................................................................8

3.5.1. Wet Weather ...........................................................................................................8 3.5.2. Heat Rule ................................................................................................................8 3.5.3. Weather Training ....................................................................................................8

3.6. Dress ................................................................................................................................9 3.7. Club Activities to Remember ..............................................................................................9

3.7.1. Skills Coaching.......................................................................................................9 3.7.2. Team photographs ..................................................................................................9

3.7.3. Junior Presentation ...............................................................................................10 3.8. Match balls ........................................................................................................................10 3.9. Used match balls ................................................................................................................10

3.10. Player Registrations ...........................................................................................................10 3.11. Junior Presentations ...........................................................................................................10

3.12. Care of equipment ..............................................................................................................10 3.13. Helmet policy ....................................................................................................................10

3.14. Accidents ...........................................................................................................................11 3.15. Complaints .........................................................................................................................11 3.16. Age group qualifications ....................................................................................................11 3.17. Use of the nets ...................................................................................................................11

3.17.1. Running a Net Session .........................................................................................11

3.17.2. Net session checklist ............................................................................................12 3.17.3. Organisation of players ........................................................................................13

4. Forms ..........................................................................................................................................14 4.1. Team Roster .......................................................................................................................14

5. Training ......................................................................................................................................14

5.1. Skills ..............................................................................................................................14

5.1.1. Under 10 Skills .....................................................................................................15

5.1.2. Under 12 Skills .....................................................................................................16 5.1.3. Under 14 Skills .....................................................................................................17 5.1.4. Under 16 & 17 Skills ............................................................................................18

5.2. Wicket Keeping .................................................................................................................19 5.3. Draft Training Schedule ....................................................................................................20



1. Introduction

1.1. Welcome from the Committee

On behalf of the Strathmore Cricket Club, thank you for giving of your time to help our players.

Coaches and Team Managers provide an essential contribution to the success of the Club and in

honouring our commitment to the players.

We aim to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for players of junior cricket and we need your

assistance to provide this. The Club requires the involvement of as many parents as possible to

ensure its growth and continued well-being.

1.2. The Objective of Junior Cricket

The Strathmore Cricket Club is moving towards 50 years of cricket. We are a family oriented club

and acknowledge that junior cricket is about girls and boys learning the skills to play cricket, being

part of a team, being allowed to participate and improve their skills. Combined with this is the

importance of belonging, sharing and having fun.

Junior cricket is not about winning for the sake of winning – it is about learning the game and

personal improvement. Winning is a by-product of these factors. During the season, all coaches

are encouraged to rotate their players to ensure they are given an equal opportunity to develop and

individually improve their skills and be involved in the game of cricket.

In view of the above objectives, all coaches should complete the Level 1 courses are run every

year by the Association. The costs associated with any coaching courses are paid for by the club.

You will be advised when and where they are being run and we encourage all coaches to attend.

1.3. Philosophy Statement

It is Club policy that all members of the Club be provided an equal opportunity to play a fair game

of cricket. This ensures that all players have an enjoyable season.

It is the Club's intention that all children who register and play with the Club develop both their

cricket and social skills. To this end, each child should be provided the chance to bat and bowl in

every game as far as possible. The primary objective is not to win games or competitions.

The Club judges its success by the number of children who return to play with the Club in

subsequent years and who feel that they “belong”. It is adherence to this philosophy that helps the

Club grow.

1.4. SCC Code of Behaviour

The Club publishes a separate document on the Code of Behaviour it expects from all players,

parents, supporters, coaches and officials. You should obtain a copy and familiarise yourself with

the code(s) applicable to you. It is available in the policy section of our web site –

www.strathmore.vic.cricket.com.au.

1.5. The Coach

A Coach is a director of people who are striving for a goal. He/she must not drive them relentlessly,

but instead guide them towards the goal.

The Coach coordinates the team and liaises with parents and the Team Manager to advise training

schedules. The Coach should be available to train the children in all aspects of the game and be

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present during the game. It is essential that coaches complete a Level 1 coaching course.

Volunteers from each team may be required to undertake umpiring duties, help pad up the

batsmen, score the game, etc. The duties should be organised by the Coach and Team Manager,

as the Coach and Team Manager cannot physically do all these things. In fact, it is often better to

rotate the duties amongst the parents. Ask the Team Manager to set up a roster and organise your

parents.

1.5.1. Hints for Coaches

1. Create a positive coaching environment by:

• learning names quickly

• smiling

• praising and encouraging

• answering questions

• being patient

2. Set achievable goals by:

• keeping the stage of skill development in mind

• keeping the work challenging and progressive

3. Vary the sessions by:

• individuals, pairs and group work

• non-competitive, self-paced work

• cooperative team work

• supervised play with guided instruction

• free play

• equal opportunity for all players

4. Teach one skill or one part of a skill at a time.

5. Demonstrate what to do, not what not to do. If you can’t demonstrate, choose someone

who can.

6. Involve all children in every activity.

7. Provide instant feedback and use your voice well.

1.5.2. Golden Rule Summary

DO DO NOT

Encourage and praise Give fitness sessions for primary school children

Encourage fair play & good habits Abuse or shout at children

Have fun yourself Smoke or swear

Wear appropriate training gear Treat them as little adults

Let them play Train young children (U10) for more than one hour

Organise your session Focus on the competition table

1.5.3. Understanding the Players:

Studies from Cricket Australia surveys indicate that, children placed the following statements in

this order when asked what they enjoyed about participating in sport:



1. Improving their skill level

2. Playing, using the skills of the sport

3. Having a good relationship with the coach

4. Being selected in the team, not on the bench

5. Competing and trying to win

6. Having an exciting close game

7. Being with friends

8. Wearing the correct uniform

9. Beating their opponents

10. Receiving medals or trophies.

Children feel strongly that:

• all players in the team should have an equal opportunity to play in matches

• it is more important for all players to play than for the team to win

• learning to play the game is more important than for the team to win

Players' advice to coaches:

• Don’t yell so much

• Teach us more

• Give us more involvement

• Let us express ourselves

• Don’t have favourites

• Encourage more

3. Coach and Team Manager Details 3.1. Coach’s responsibilities

The Coach runs the team. He or she is responsible for the preparation and control of the players

during the matches. However, from under 14, a captain should be appointed to run the team when

fielding, as coaches are only allowed to provide on-field assistance between overs. The batting and

bowling orders remain the coach’s responsibility. As stated earlier, ALL coaches should have at

least some basic coaching training.

Coaches are responsible for ensuring the team kit is brought to each game. A match ball, the score

book, stumps and bails are essential. Coaches are also responsible for the return of the kit bag to

the Club at the end of the season.

All junior players are required to wear a helmet and a protector when batting and it is the coach’s

responsibility to ensure this. Wicket keepers in under 10 and under 12 must wear a helmet. Under

14 and older age group the wicket keeper standing up to the stumps must also wear a helmet. If

players are reluctant to wear other protective equipment, it is the coach’s responsibility to point

out the rules of the Association in this regard and to explain the safety aspects of the equipment.

If a player will not wear the approved protective gear, the SCC Committee cannot allow the player

to play.



3.2. Team Manager’s responsibilities

The Team Manager assists the coach with team administration. The Club requires that all Team

Managers become familiar with all the aspects required to conduct a game of cricket and the rules

under which matches are played. It’s important that managers get to know all parents involved

with the team so that all participants feel welcome and comfortable with each other. It’s a good

idea to have a team sheet at the start of the season providing all player details as well as Mum &

Dad’s names, emails address and contact phone numbers.

The Team manager should ensure that rostered parents are available to act as umpires or scorers

and assist players getting ready. The Team manager should also ensure that umpires are paid their

fee prior to play starting.

The Coach, Team Manager and parents should share the duty of getting the ground ready for play,

this includes setting up the field (boundary markers, stumps, etc), sweeping the pitch (if required)

and inspecting the field for dangerous items (eg. dog poo, glass, etc).

The Team Manager is also responsible for communication between the team and the Club. The

Club Secretary and Junior Coordinator convey information during the season via email to coaches

and Team Managers who are required to relay this on to their team members.

Team Managers or a delegate are responsible for the publication and recording of team results on

MyCricket based on the deadlines set by NWMCA.



Match type What to enter Who When

One Day match played on Friday or

Saturday

Full Match scores and result

entered and confirmed

Both clubs By 3.00pm Sunday

Team sheet to be entered into

MyCricket by selecting team


Full scorecard with all statistics

entered into MyCricket

Both Clubs 8.00pm Tuesday

Captains Report entered into

MyCricket

Both clubs 8.00pm Tuesday

One Day match) played on Sunday Full Match scores and result


Both clubs By 3.00pm Monday








MyCricket


Two Day match played Friday or

Saturday – 1st day scores

Enter first day scores with Result

set to Match in Progress

Home side By 3.00pm Sunday







Two Day match played Sunday – 1st

day scores

Enter first day scores with Result

set to Match in Progress

Home side By 3.00pm Monday








MyCricket


Two Day match played Friday or

Saturday – 2nd day scores











MyCricket


Two Day match played Sunday – 2nd

day scores











MyCricket




3.3. The Season

A normal junior cricket season commences in October and continues until the middle of December,

then takes the summer school holidays break. The season recommences on the first Friday after

Australia Day and concludes at the end of February. Semi-finals are usually the first two Saturdays

in March and the Grand Final follows.

3.4. Starting and finishing times

A full description of starting times and game durations can be found in the NWMCA rule book.:

• U10 - Friday matches start at 5.15pm

• All other age group playing on Friday – matches start at 5pm and last 2.5 to 3 hours

depending on daylight available

• Saturday games start at 8.20am and last until 11.30am if a result is reached. Games can

be played until 11.45am if a result has not been reached.

Please ensure your players are at the game half an hour before the scheduled start of play and are

ready to commence play on time. It may be possible to delay the start of a game due to ground

unsuitability or wet weather.

3.5. Wet Weather Procedure With regards to weather the normal process is you need to turn up to the ground and decide when

you get there if it is not suitable to play and sides have lost points for not turning up.

The rules clearly state that “Prior to the start of each day’s play, the two captains (team manager or

coach in Under-Age matches) shall determine the fitness of the ground, weather or light for play. If

agreement cannot be reached, then play cannot commence” (page 15 of the NMWCA Rules).

3.5.1. Wet Weather

With regards to wet weather the normal process is you need to turn up to the ground and decide

when you get there if it is too wet to play. Sides have previously lost points for not turning up. It

is uncommon for the NWMCA to cancel the round unless we have had significant and prolonged

rain.

3.5.2. Heat Rule

The heat rule for juniors is that it must be more than 35°C at the time of play for the game to be

postponed. The temperature is not the forecast temperature but the temperature on the ‘Extreme

Weather’ line, which is 1196. You need to take the temperature for ‘Melbourne Airport’ and if

the weather is over 35°C play ceases, but the game is not cancelled unless both coaches agree.

Again it is unlikely for the NWMCA to call of games because of heat.

3.5.3. Weather Training For hot weather we would normally cancel training the day prior if the weather forecast is greater

than 35°C. Again this is preferred to be done on the day as the forecasted weather is often different

to the actual weather.

For wet weather at training, again a decision has generally been made during the day. If it has been

raining all morning then training is generally cancelled as the ground surface becomes dangerous.



3.6. Dress

Players are expected to be correctly dressed on the playing field. All players should wear the SCC

playing shirt provided at the Cap Presentation. The SCC “uniform” consists of:

• Shirt SCC playing shirt

• Pants Long white pants (white shorts optional)

• Shoes and Socks Predominantly white shoes & white socks

• Cap or Hat SCC cap

• Sunscreen Should be worn at all times

Players are to bring their own drink bottle and any other gear they have to training and matches.

3.7. Club Activities to Remember

3.7.1. Skills Coaching

Please attend meetings and check emails for notice of any clinics that may be available. There may

be a number of these during the season, but they are at the discretion of the NWMCA, so early

notice is not always possible.

3.7.2. Team photographs

Junior team photographs are usually held every year in November, at the Lebanon Reserve. Team

Managers will be notified via email when the date and times have been set and should inform all

their players. Players should wear full Club uniform.



3.7.3. Junior Presentation

End of season junior presentation (“trophy night”) is held in late March after all finals at Lebanon

Reserve. Team Managers will be advised via email of the exact date and times.

3.8. Match balls

The soft plastic match balls for Under 10 should be used over at least two matches (ie. over two

Fridays). The U12-U16 age groups use one ball per innings, whether one or two day games.

Please return any unused balls with the kit bag at the end of the season as new balls are a significant

cost to the club.

3.9. Used match balls

Used match balls can be added to your kit for practice balls. Please return balls in reasonable

condition at the end of the season with your cricket kit as this ensures we have practice balls

available to hand out at the commencement of the next season. Please do not give away used balls

as this just means we will be short of practice balls next season.

3.10. Player Registrations

Prior to playing all players must be registered with the Club and have an active mycricket record.

If it identified that a player has played who has not registered they are not covered by insurance.

For age groups where competition points apply, loss of competition points and/or a fine may apply

if an unregistered player is played.

3.11. Junior Presentations

Junior presentations (“trophy night”) is held in late March after all finals at Lebanon Reserve.

Three trophies are awarded for each team in the U12-U16 are groups:

• Batting Award

• Bowling Award

• Coaches Award

• Best in finals (only awarded where teams make the finals)

• 50s, 100s, 5 wickets

Coaches are requested to provide a summary report of the season for inclusion in the annual report.

Examples of these will be provided to Coaches.

3.12. Care of equipment

The Club invests a significant amount in providing a cricket kit for each team. It is requested that

each Coach and Team Manager takes due care of the gear and ensures that all items are accounted

for after use each week and returned to the Club at the end of the season. If any gear is in need of

repair or replacement, contact the Junior Co-Ordinator as soon as possible.

3.13. Helmet policy

It is Association policy that each batsman MUST wear a safety helmet when batting – no

exceptions.



3.14. Accidents

If anyone from your team is unfortunate enough to sustain an injury during the season, please

record details of the incident for insurance purposes and file a report with the Club Secretary as

soon as possible. You’ll find a form for this in the Policies section of the Club website.

3.15. Complaints

Should any problems arise during a game, obviously try to sort it out with the other team at the

time. If the problem cannot be resolved amicably, contact the Junior Co-Ordinator. If a decision is

taken to pursue the matter, the President will write to the Association and/or the other Club

concerned.

3.16. Age group qualifications

The base date for a cricket season is midnight on August 31 at the beginning of that season. If, for

example, a player is 11 years-old on August 31, that player would qualify as an U12 player for the

coming season. Any players aged 17 or more at midnight on August 31 are not eligible for junior

cricket.

Note that over restrictions are based on the child’s base date age, not the age group they are playing

in. A player eligible to play U14 but playing U16 is restricted to a maximum of 8 overs/day, not

10 like the rest of the team.

3.17. Use of the nets

The nets offer an opportunity to broaden the training and coaching offered to our players, however

this opportunity brings a responsibility for the Club and the Coach overseeing the net session. It is

our collective responsibility to provide a safe environment for the players to train. Net facilities

are by nature full of potential risk to players and spectators. We must therefore run net sessions in

a controlled manner to reduce these risks. There are benefits for the players both in reduced risk

and in practice content if the session is kept controlled and structured.

Please note that in the nets junior players shall not bowl more balls than the equivalent number of

overs they are allowed to bowl in a game (see NWMCA rule book). This is a Cricket Australia

requirement. Due to this it is recommended that U10s do not undertake net training.

The following sections outline some suggestions for running a net session, but more importantly

they describe a code of conduct for coaches and players that must be applied in the net area.

3.17.1. Running a Net Session

Net sessions can result in the development of poor player technique if players are not coached

during the session. The session should have an aim for both batsmen and bowlers – aimless practice

does little to develop the skills of young players. Players should be encouraged to practice as if

they were playing a game, ie. marking out run ups, taking guard, etc. Ensure that the skill levels

of players in a net are matched.

Coaches should involve themselves with both the bowlers and the batsmen, setting objectives for

the session and introducing coaching points such as stance, grip, follow through, shot selection,

bowling tactics, etc. The batsmen should be asked if there are any particular problems they are

working on or if they have been dismissed in the same way on a regular basis. This helps the coach

identify batting weaknesses. Let the bowlers know these weaknesses too and get them to attempt

to bowl at them. It’s good practice for a bowler to look for a weakness in a batsman and then to



bowl at it.

It is advisable that net safety instructions (see below) are given to all players at the same time and

then reinforced by regular reminders. As stated above, the coach should also be mindful of the

recommended Cricket Australia restrictions on young bowlers, which will determine how many

batsmen can use the net in any one training session. Once bowling restrictions are reached, the

team should retire to the field for other activities.

3.17.2. Net session checklist

• Check the facility for its suitability for use. Check for loose netting, sharp objects

(broken glass etc), adequate light for batsman, sand & leaves on wicket area (bring a

broom).

• All equipment used by batsmen and bowlers must be in good order and fit for the purpose

it is being used, eg. no bike helmets in nets, shoes in good repair, etc.

• One responsible adult to run each net. This person should not to take part as a batsman or bowler.

• One ball in net at a time

• One bowler per net in the danger area

• Bowlers waiting to bowl stand in a position of safety (see diagram)

• Bowlers leave net area by designated route (see diagram)

• Keep spectators to a designated safety area

• Advise all bowlers of danger of following through into other net area

• Call “STOP” if any unsafe situation arises during practice. Be consistent with this call to ensure players respond as required.

• All bowlers should understand net safety:

➢ Bowl only when then batsman is ready

➢ Advise batsman of bowling action or change of action

➢ Constantly watch batsman even when not bowling

➢ Always exit net area as instructed and wait for next delivery in designated area

➢ All action stops when the coach in either net calls “STOP”

• All batsmen should understand net safety:

➢ Always wear gloves, pads, helmet and protector

➢ Empty your pockets (hard items in pockets could cause injury if struck by ball)

➢ Never wear jewellery or watches

➢ All action stops when the coach in either net calls “STOP”

• A session for a batsman should be a maximum of 15 minutes comprising:

➢ 5 minutes to get his eye in.

➢ 5 minutes practicing target stroke or coaching point.

➢ 5 minutes simulated game situation i.e. try and score 10 of next 12 balls etc.



3.17.3. Organisation of players

S

P

E

C

T

A

T

O

R

S

Waiting

Bowlers

Waiting

Bowlers



4. Forms

4.1. Team Roster

Please use this roster for your team to help organise the assistance of your parents. This can be issued to

parents once the season has started. If parents are unavailable they need to arrange a replacement.

Date Name of Match

Fee Collector

Name of Scorers Name of Assistant

(dressing players and/or training)

Round 1 –

Round 2 –

Round 3 –

Round 4 –

Round 5 –

Round 6 –

Round 7 –

Round 8 –

Summer

S c h o o l

Holiday Break

Round 9 –

Round 10 –

5. Training

5.1. Skills Each player will develop skills are rates. Each season Coaches are looking to further develop players skills.

In the early years Coaches are looking to develop foundation skills which are built upon in later years.

Below are details of skill to be developed at each age group.



5.1.1. Under 10 Skills

Batting

• Running between Wickets. Yes/no/wait.

• Bat Grip, Stance and taking guard

• Getting to the ball to hit it

• Hitting the ball in the gap

• Backing Up, running hard and sliding the bat

• Straight verses cross bat shots.

• Play the game; don’t watch it, especially when running between wickets

Bowling

• Ball Grip bowling

• How to build a run up

• Left or Right arm up looking through the window

• Correct foot when bowling

• No standing and bowling

• What to watch when bowling, window, follow through, side on, head up

• Running in straight when bowling

Fielding

• Underarm returns from 5m

• Throwing the ball

• Cupped hands when catching

• Backing up in the field

• Stopping the ball on one knee

• Ball Grip throwing

• Catch above head to left or right, soft hands, steady eyes

• Calling for catches




Reinforce under 10 skills

Batting

• Drive Off/On & Cover Drive

a. Bend the knees

b. High Elbow

c. Head still

d. Move feet

• Soft hands when defending

• Back foot grounded sideways when fully forward

• No half way house- fully forward or back and across

• Hitting the ball in the gap – leg side

• Coming down the wicket-lofted straight shots

• Run outs and how to stop them happening

• Which hand to hold the bat when running

• Rotating the strike

Bowling

• Bowling outside off stump when defence is attack

• Bowling at the top of off stump

• Yorker

• Bowling at the top of off stump

• Sundries:

a. Cost of wides

b. Cost of short pitched balls

• Playing the game – don’t watch it (catches and run outs)

• Leg spin, Off-spin. (Arm ball, Googly,)

Fielding

• Catching in the outfield

• Catching behind the wicket

• Catching in close

• Playing the game – don’t watch it (catches and run outs)

• Leg spin, Off-spin. (Arm ball, Googly,)

• Underarm throws from less than 5 meters

• Backing up in the field

• One bounce throws

Game Strategy

• Defence can be attack when fielding

• Attacking and Defensive bowling

• Batting first or second. Half way mark.

• Protecting spinners

• Captaincy introduction

• Player’s role in the team

• Strategy-pressure team batting second





Batting

• Fully Forward or Back and Across

• Taking quick singles

• Rotating the strike and building partnerships

• Building an innings. Playing in the V.

• Hook shot-risk reward when batting

• Driving on the Up.

• Following through when driving

• Lofted Shots

• Fully forward or back and across, looking over the ball, watching the ball onto and off the bat

• Upsetting the bowler when batting

• Sweeping outside off stump, sweeping outside leg stump

• Square on drive-cow corner

Bowling

• Bowling to a Field. Length is priority No1

• Running in straight, left arm high and straight, head straight, body straight, jump straight, pull down

straight, follow through straight

• Bowling variation.

a. Slower Ball. Split fingers, palm, finger behind

b. Crease variation. Close or wide of the stump, Around the wicket

c. Flight. Drift, Over-spin, Arm angle

• Upsetting the batsmen when bowling

Fielding

• Outfield catching

• Field positioning long and short format games

• Slips catching

Personal Assessment

• Self analysis bowling and batting

• Mental side of cricket.

a. Switching on and off

b. Relishing the challenge

c. Know your boundaries

d. Preparation

e. Visualization

Game Strategy

• Captaincy. Attacking Fields. Defensive Fields.

• Your role in the team.

• Setting a field for your bowling

• Chasing a total and pressure

• Batting through the overs

• Watch the batsmen-which shots are his strength and weakness

• Seeing off a top class bowler and attacking a weaker bowler

• Building pressure in the field



5.1.4. Under 16 & 17 Skills


Batting

• Playing spin bowlers

• Reading the bowler’s hand

• Opening the stance to left hand bowlers.

• Getting to 50, getting to 100

• Facing Very Fast Bowlers.

• Ducking and evasion

• Leaving the ball

• Reducing your back-lift in windy conditions

• Watching the ball ONTO and OFF the bat

• Watching the spin in the air or out of the hand

• Batting to a low score

Bowling

• Hitting the seam-wrist position

• Reverse Swing

• Reading the batsmen feet in the field

• Bowling and setting a field to a batsman’s strength/weakness

• Relationship bowler and fielder

• Setting your field. Length is priority No1.

• Bowling to your field

• Getting that extra 10kmh when bowling fast-left arm pull and right hand cocked on release

• A good length-depends on the wicket

• Bowling on different wickets. Fast, Dry, Wet, Second Day wickets

• Bowling accuracy-it’s all in the head.

• The bouncer when to use, when and how to duck

• Bowling to a low score

• Bowling to a great batsmen

• Bowling to tailenders

Fielding

• Outfield Catching and Slips Catching

• Attacking fielding-the slide and throw

• Slips-how deep, how spread.

• Slips angle for around the wicket

• Run Outs and how to create them. Anticipation

• Turning to catch the high ball

Personal Assessment

• Turf Pitches and adjustments to make this year

• Your role in the team

• Training Routine

• Learning a batting/bowling skill from another player

• Decision making or instinct through practice



Game Strategy

• Dictating the game.

• Attacking

• Defending

• Run Chase

• Partnerships

• Bowling in pairs

• Watching the Captain

• To bat or bowl

• Spinners when to use

• Close games and how to win

• Taking a risk for a reward

5.2. Wicket Keeping Wicket-keeping is an individual skill rather than a team skill it is suggested that in U10 a simple rotation

policy is used until all have had a go. Protect a very weak keeper with a good backstop to stop boys

commenting on the field. In U12 ask who wants to keep and give each a go and then focus on the 3-4 players

who show promise. In U14 move down to 2 with 1 spare in case of sickness, rostered off etc. Coaches need to

spend time explaining the 11 benchmarks listed below to all players so that they all know the keeper’s role.

Coaches should mandate on a rostered basis one team member to train the keeper weekly at training for a

minimum of 20 minutes. The wicket-keeper can also go into the nets (fully equipped) and will also get

practice at all fielding training for the team. Remember most games are won or lost in Junior’s by 10-15 runs

on average so a saving of 10 runs by having a good keeper. A backstop is often needed for fast bowlers. For

spinners, a very fine short fine leg is needed for those catches when a batsman is trying to hook the ball on

high bouncing synthetic wickets.

WICKET-KEEPING BENCHMARKS

• Catching technique

• Footwork and balance (agility)

• Diving

• Staying Down

• Expect every ball to come to you.

• Taking throws from the outfield

• Fast bowling (stance, catching height)

• Spin bowling (stance, footwork, stumpings and bowler’s variations)

• Placing the field (angles)

• Identifying a batsman’s weakness

• Reading the game

• Leadership on the field

• Team energy

• Stumping-be within striking distance



5.3. Draft Training Schedule Training

Week

U10 U12

1 Game: Diamond Cricket Hitting the ball in

the gap, taking singles, rotating the strike.

Bowling at the top of off stump.

Game: Diamond Cricket: Hitting the ball in the

gap, taking singles. Bowling at the top of off

stump. Re-in force fielding on the boundary not

near it or stopping singles. Playing in the V

early in the season and coming fully forward or

back and across.

2 Nets: Reinforce U9 skills, Catching-calling

for catches; catches win matches, Economy

Rate, Run Outs: Taking singles. It’s not tip

and run. Stopping 4's, Rule Changes.

Reinforce U11 skills, Outfield Catching-High

Catch 25m+, Economy Rate, Run Outs,

stopping 4's, Fielding to spinners, Setting a field

for fast and slow bowlers before bowling.

Setting your field before bowling. How many

batsmen got out by not moving their feet?

3 Back and Across when batting. High on

toes, head still, high elbow. Stopping the

ball on one knee. Ball Grip. Sundries and

Wicket-keeping Benchmarks. Rotating the

strike. Fielding on the boundary not near it.

Cut Shot. Wicket-keeping Benchmarks, Slips

catches, Slower Ball. Don’t hook spinners as

you can’t control it. Wait for the ball to reach

you when facing spinners. Footwork to spin

bowling.

4 Game: Hitting the ball in the gap to the on-

side, taking singles, rotating the strike.

Hitting the ball over the bowlers’ head with a

straight bat. Bowling outside off stump.

Game: Hitting the ball to one side of the field-

off then on, taking singles. Playing off the back

foot only. Bowling outside off stump to stop the

run rate. Field set 6 off/3 on.

5 Backward defence. High on toes, head still,

high elbow. Underarm throws from less than 7

meters. What to watch when bowling, window,

follow through, side on, head up, Catching.

Cricket ballet – back and across, back foot

grounded sideways when coming forward,

coming down the wicket. Fielding –Attacking.

6 Straight Drive. -Front Foot. Cricket ballet Part

1-coming down the wicket, move feet. Lofted

straight drive, Using the crease/pitch when

batting. Using the crease when bowling.

Back-Foot Drive. Leg Glance, Leg-Off Cutter.

Stop and Throw- Front foot, Back foot, Turn

and Throw.

7 Game: Hitting over the top, Pitching the ball up. Defensive Fielding. Stopping fours. Working singles

Square drive Front foot-knees bent, head still,

move feet. In – Out Swing/ Reverse Swing.

8 Bowling to hit top of off stump, catch above

head to left or right, soft hands, steady eyes,

Running between wickets.

Game: Hitting over the top, Pitching the ball up.

Defensive Fielding. Stopping fours. Playing

Spin, Working singles. Try Reverse swing.

9 Why you are winning or losing. Critical

moments. Partnership batting/bowling. Spin

bowling introduction.

Variation in overs, 6 different balls per over.

Use the crease when bowling, use flight and set

your field for your bowling.

10 Game: one shot only to be played and change

shot, Coming down the wicket-move feet.

Backing Up, Looking for 2.

Game Strategy, walking in, watching the

batsman’s feet, game tempo, starving the

batsman and buying a wicket. Your role in

team.



11 Game Strategy: dot balls, starving the

batsmen, building pressure, batting first,

batting second.

Game: one shot only to be played and change

shot, Coming down the wicket. Backing Up,

Looking for 2. Reverse Sweep. Bowl swing.

12 Out-swing (In-swing -coach discretion) using

the crease, Spirit of the Game.

Back foot square drive, Drill - move your

Feet

How to win close matches. Playing Spin 2.

Learning a shot, you can’t play from a team

member. How to have 11 Captains.

13 Game – hitting 4‟s straight bat, 10 runs to win

4 overs to go or 10 runs with 1 over to go.

Bowlers to stop the win.

Upsetting the batsmen when bowling, upsetting

the bowler when batting. Umpiring Leadership

and Captaincy

14 Introduction to Leg Spin, Off Spin. Variation

in the crease, variation in flight, variation in

the amount of turn.

Out-swing (In-swing -coach discretion) early,

late swing. Spirit of the Game.

15 How does the ball spin off the bat-Hook

shot, Cut Shot and fielding Back Foot

Square Drive

Game Strategy: setting a field, buying wickets,

chasing totals, see off a bowler, watch the ball

onto the bat.



Training Week U14 U16 & 17

1 Game: Diamond Cricket: Hitting the ball in the

gap, taking singles. Bowling at the top of off

stump. Re-in force fielding on the boundary not

near it or stopping singles.

Game: Hitting the ball in the gap-controlling the

speed of the ball when hit, taking singles and

testing new shots-wide on drive. How to keep

the run rate down. Bowling to a set field 7 off /2

on.

2 Reinforce u12 skills, Outfield Catching,

Economy Rate, Run Outs, stopping 4's. Wicket-

keeping Benchmarks and others training the

keeper. Correct use of net practice. Show them

how to come fully forward or back and across

and play in the V first game. Setting your field

before bowling.

Reinforce u14 skills, Practice Routines-creating

your own. Outfield Catching. Rotate weekly 1

boy trains the keeper. New Shots: Tendulkar

slip cut lob, Gilchrist square on-drive, Hayden’s

pulling off the hip.

3 Batting and Bowling on Turf. Fully forward or

Back. Sticky Wicket, Second day wicket.

Fielding triangle-underarm throw station, throw

at the wicket station and return to keeper

station. Batting in the nets –back and across

only to get them to move feet

Turf pitches and adjusting your game. Batting

and Bowling on Turf. Fully forward or Back.

Sticky Wicket. Wicket. 2nd day wicket.

4 Game: Hitting the ball to one side of the field-

off then on, taking singles. Playing of the back

foot only. Bowling outside off stump to stop the

run rate. Field set 7 off /2 on

Game: Hitting the ball for 2 to retain the strike.

Testing new shots- sweep outside off stump.

How to buy a wicket-speed variation when

bowling-setting your field.

5 Learning the pace of a wicket. Taking singles.

Rotating the strike. Back foot square drive.

Learning the pace of a wicket. Reading the

bowlers hand, getting to 100 or taking 5

wickets.

6 Captaincy. Attacking Fields. Defensive Fields.

Your role in the team. How to have 11

Captains.

Captaincy. Attacking Fields. Defensive Fields.

The doosra – bowling and picking a doosra if

keeping.

7 Bowling to a Field. Building an innings.

Bowling on a dead wicket. Playing spin. 2,

Holding up an end when bowling or batting.

Holding up an end when bowling or batting.

Watching the ball ONTO and OFF the bat.

Playing spin bowlers. Picking turn from the

hand or off the pitch.

8 Game: Hitting over the top, Pitching the ball up.

Defensive Fielding. Stopping fours. Playing

Spin, Working singles.

Game: Decision making or instinct through

practice. Bowler and Captain working in

tandem. defence is attack and attack defence.

9 Hook Shot, Recap Batting shots. Recap

Bowling. Lofted shots. Adjusting for an

accurate bowler.

Training preparation and Routine. Your role in

team. 11 Captains.

10 Slips catching. Self analysis bowling and

batting. Mental side of cricket. Facing spin

bowlers. Facing a swinging ball. Square On

Drive-cow corner.

Self analysis bowling and batting.

Batting/Bowling into form. Mental side of

cricket. Weakness’s in my game-working with a

team-mate. Fixing technical problems.

11 Game: one shot only to be played and change

shot, Coming down the wicket. Backing Up,

Looking for 2. Lofted Shots

Game: Game strategy. Watching the Captain.

To bat or bowl. Spinners when to use. Building

pressure on opposition- Attack is defence. Back

Foot Square Drive.



12 Bowling variation. Slower Ball, Crease

variation, Bouncer. Sweep shot –outside off

stump, outside leg stump.

Close games and how to win.

13 Fielding to spinners. Playing. Upsetting the

batsmen when bowling, upsetting the bowler

when batting.

Taking risks for a reward. Swing Bowling, Cut

Shot.

14 Out-swing , Reverse Swing.(In-swing -coach

determines boys), Spirit of the Game

Chasing down runs

15 Learning the pace of a wicket. Taking singles.

Rotating the strike. Back foot square drive.

Spirit of the Game

Documents

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