Batting Equipment

The correct batting equipment and protective equipment must be used in net sessions to prevent injury and to teach players the correct stroke play techniques. Players must gear up as they would on match day with the following equipment:

• Bats
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Arm Guard
• Thigh Guards
• Box Guard
• Leg Pads

Some coaches also use cones or tees which can be placed for batsman to aim at and can be used for shot direction and stance at the crease. Cricket shoes with spikes should also be used, which carry sufficient toe protection and gives necessary grip on the playing pitch.

Bowling Equipment

New bowling equipment is released regularly on today’s market and continues to push the boundaries with advancement in technology. There are various types of bowling machines available, some more suited for throwing specific deliveries and catering to different levels of batsman.

Mechanical Bowling Machines – These are a classic style of bowling machine which are built strongly for batting practice. These offer use with standard cricket and tennis balls, made for swing, seam and pace bowling. The motors are generally powered by a car battery, with the ability to alter speed for various types of batsman from the less experienced to the seasoned player. A reliable machine for club use.

Pneumatic Bowling Machines – These operate differently to other common bowling machines, with balls slotting into spots on the rotor. The ball comes through a trap door mechanism and is pumped out and released by a build up of air pressure, coming out at the height of a bowler’s arm.

Programmed Bowling Machines – These machines are still being developed industrially with the aim to provide various options in bowling. A relatively simple machine to operate, newer versions of the programmable mechanism are being sold to various clubs around the world, using virtual players projected into a screen with the bowlers hand reaching a hole and releasing the ball to the batsman.

Earlier styles of the machine have been known for their reliability but could only operate with single configurations, limiting options to players. Another model improved usefulness by being able to bowl different deliveries through computer control. Machines are being developed through world cricket today and it will interesting to see what comes out next.

Fielding Equipment

The art of fielding requires heavy practice on basic skills and drills, as saving runs and catching the ball is an extremely important part of the game. There are various lines of fielding equipment on offer today, all providing the necessary elements in catching and throwing.

Bats, Balls – These are basic tools which can be used simply to hit the ball in the open field to players. This can get players moving around and work on the correct techniques of catching and stopping the ball.

Baseball Glove – Many coaches use a baseball glove to retrieve balls quicker from fields man, whether it be over the stumps or just in general practice. As the glove is protected, this speeds up action in skills and drills with coaches being able to retrieve and throw the ball a lot quicker to players around the field.
Rebound Net – Rebound nets are a great tool for testing players reactions and gives good catching practice. These test players hand and eye co-ordination and can be used in team situation or by players on their own.

Fitness Equipment

As with all sports, fitness is of the high priority to coaches and players. There are many types of fitness equipment which can help players prepare thorough ally for match day.

Speed Ladders – Speed ladders are ideal for both indoor and outdoor practice sessions, teaching players correct foot placement and enhancing speed and agility. These are a great fitness tool and helps players build stamina for an overall valuable work out.

Cones – Cones are essential for practice sessions and are ideal for most skills and drills. Produced in a wide range of colours, these can be used in most training situations.

Whistles – Whistles can be a coaches best friend at times, and are generally used to catch players attention during skills and drills. You can use your whistle during sessions for different things such as time combinations, stoppages etc.

Technology

As the game has progressed, the need for technology in cricket has never been more evident. Technology such as video cameras can be used during practice sessions, providing a valuable tool for players looking to work on their individual game. Coaches can also video players individual techniques and work with the player to either change it or stride to improve it. The use of televisions in the game can also be a handy tool if looking to teach different styles of play. By assessing matches on the domestic or international scene and looking at certain players and how they play can help players with their own technique. With a wealth of equipment on offer today, this article only touches base with what’s currently available around the world. As time progresses, more innovations will bombard the market and will provide coaches with numerous options to choose from. It’s important players and coaches respect and maintain equipment as this money is invested in players futures and ongoing success.

A motivated and more positive coach are steps to success, and feeding this through to your players can bring healthy rewards. Here are a few tips for coaching junior players which can guide you to success.

Keep Things Simple

It’s important as a coach not to over-complicate things when it comes to younger players. Learning the wide range of skills can be confusing for some players, so if taught simply and correctly, these basics can develop a lot quicker.

• Use a slower and more softer tone when explaining skills and drills which players can absorb easily. Actively demonstrate examples before every drill so players know what to achieve.
• Try to be as positive as you can, showing patience with your players and giving praise when needed. Practice means perfect and as players regularly work on skills, they will rapidly develop.
• Don’t be too hard on your players that they lose confidence and enjoyment, but be firm enough so you can take control when needed.

Add Variety

Repeating the same skills and drills every practice session can become a chore for players. Add some variety into your coaching without steering away from the basics you need to teach the game.

• Plan your skills and drills before every practice session, adding different games and activities for players to learn.
• Don’t just stand in one spot instructing players what to do. Get amongst it and have some fun at the time.
• Let your chosen captain take control of a practice once or twice per season, teaching them valuable leadership skills towards managing a team.
• Every so often review a domestic or international match on television. Take notes on important players and how they play. This will be helpful and inspirational to young players.

Goal Setting

Setting goals is a great way to develop as a team. Set different targets throughout the season and reward your players for achieving them, making the task and challenge much more enjoyable.

• Set realistic goals at the start of the season, targeting different skills you want your team to learn and develop.
• Review these goals at practice sessions, stating the progress and what areas need work. Praise players for individual efforts and the team as whole when achieving goals.
• Work with individuals and listen to your players. Make yourself approachable if they have any questions regarding certain aspects of their game and how to improve. Set goals to achieve improvement.

Motivation

Motivation and enthusiasm are keys to success and without these it is hard to build a winning cricket team. Be determined to teach players the basics to perform better on the field.

• Attempt to promote your love for the game to your players by getting involved actively in practice sessions and participating in numerous activities and drills.
• Boost players confidence by praising their efforts as much as possible.
• Keep players focused and enjoying the game, adding plenty of variety with skills and drills.
• Give players their own roles in the team and let them know what is expected of them. This will make them feel important and give them motivation to succeed.

Team Work

As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team and this is nothing more evident than in cricket. Players must learn to effectively communicate in various aspects of the game whether it be running between the wickets or even throwing the ball to each other in the field.

• Work as a team collectively to achieve high standards, not only in matches, but also in practice sessions.
• Create a healthy team spirit with positive communication and realistic goal setting. Make sure players are all on the right wavelength to success.
• Conduct team building activities at practice to develop communication between players.

Promote Enjoyment

Enjoyment is one of the reasons for coaching players and watching them loving their cricket is a reward in itself. Make the game fun by mixing it up in practice with different drills and playing new games. Act positively as a coach, limiting criticism of players. It’s all about giving players a stepping stone to the future and without this depth within, world cricket will find itself in danger. Teach players to enjoy their cricket and have to some fun doing so.

There are many facets to coaching kids cricket and everyone of them needs careful consideration. As a coach, make sure you enjoy the game just as much as you want your team to, this will surely reflect in their performance. Here are some things you must consider when bringing younger players into one of the world’s greatest games.

Preparation

Being prepared and organised is an essential element of cricket coaching.
If you are readily prepared for practices ahead, you will find your time better spent developing players skills.

• Make sure you are prepared well in advance for practices and game days etc. Write down skills you want to work on, drills, games and exercises etc.
• Prepare all the necessary gear available such bats, balls, practice stumps and protective equipment relevant to your age group of players.

Safety

Providing a safe environment for players is paramount in their beginning years, providing all the necessities if anything goes wrong or injury occurs.

• Make sure you have a working mobile phone with contact numbers of parents, caregivers etc. Give parents/caregivers your contact number if there is any problems they would like to advise of. At the start of any season, give out a notice with numbers of officials within the club or school to contact.
• Check your playing and practicing area for any potential hazards and do your best to fix them or let the necessary party know.
• Make sure adequate equipment is used in the nets and practicing area. For junior players, make sure helmets and protective equipment is used at all times for up-most safety.
• Tell players to let you know if any injury occurs so you can take the next step in advising parents, caregivers etc.
• Take a basic first aid course which can help you and players in any difficult situations.

The Basics

Teaching kids the basics of cricket many seem a chore to begin with, but showing patience and giving plenty of encouragement goes along way to developing potential in players.

• For beginners, give them a basic outline on how to hit the ball and use simple shots etc. Don’t waste ample amounts of time on technique as this comes later on in coaching. Develop players hand and eye coordination to hit the ball and teach them to use their feet to get to the pitch of the ball.
• With bowling, practice basic deliveries, working on rolling the arm over the shoulder. As players practice more regularly, they will develop speed and better accuracy in time. Simply work on bowling the ball to the wickets and go from there.
• With fielding and catching, focus on keeping eyes on the ball and getting hands ready to catch. Use simple drills such as batsmen hitting the ball to fielders, using different distances.

Rules and Sportsmanship

As a coach, it’s your duty to install proper principles of fairness and good sportsmanship into your players. Not only must players respect one another, but the opposite team and umpires too.

• Lead by example by shaking the opposite coaches hand. It’s amazing what young players take notice of and repeat.
• Teach your players to shake hands and acknowledge your opposition after a match. This is an important part of world sport today and promotes good sportsmanship.
• Make your players aware that the umpires decision is final. Too many arguments go on in world cricket today regarding decisions, but at the end of the day the umpires word is final and must be respected.

Encouragement

It’s funny how far a little bit of praise goes and how much it can turn an average player into a good one. Install a healthy environment within your team, praising players involvement and advancement in the game. Let your team know how well they are playing and reward achievements. Players will enjoy the game a lot more with a little praise and will benefit immensely in the long run. Not enough praise and using negativity not only puts fear into players, but can remove them from the game altogether which isn’t good for cricket in general.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment is the key to successful coaching and passing this enjoyment onto younger players gives them motivation to succeed. By providing a safe, cheerful and thriving environment, this will not only make kids enjoy the game, but keep them playing which is a positive for cricket overall.

• Boost enjoyment by introducing new games, drills at practice etc.
• Provide small rewards for player and team achievements, giving youngsters motivation to succeed.
• Give every player a certain role, letting them know their importance within the team.

Coaching kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences in cricket, introducing players to a possible future in the sport. It’s important to nurture younger players, showing patience and steadily teach them skills to develop their play. But overall, it’s more important to teach them to enjoy their cricket and express themselves individually and within a team environment on the field of play.

Here are some of the important factors that must be considered to become a successful coach.

Preparation

As with most sports, preparation is the key to a good performance. Without correct preparation, players can make simple errors during games, resulting in poor results on the field.

• Teach players to relax properly before every game, thinking positively and eliminating all negative thoughts.
• Players need to set goals for their upcoming performances, doing all they can when training to achieve this on the field.
• Before every match, players’ body and mind must be ready. Factors such as the right amount of sleep, nutrition and hydration must be taken seriously before every game.

Communication

Positive communication with players is vital in cricket today, working with players to achieve their goals and thrive in a successful environment.

• Adopt an open attitude with players, coaching with them instead of at them to achieve their maximum potential.
• Listen to players and what they have to say. Ask questions and be open to answering queries.
• Use positive communication, eliminating all negative aspects and thoughts from players.

Drill and Basics

Common cricket drills must be practiced in lead up to games, involving as many basic cricketing skills as possible.

• With batting, work extensively with defense and stoke play. Work with players to ensure proper technique in the nets, practicing footwork, back lift, stance etc. Ensure head and chin is at the proper level, maintaining correct eye contact with the ball.
• Bowling action and movement must be correct to ensure accurate bowling. Work with players weaknesses to get the basics right, making sure good line and length is achieved regularly.
• With fielding and catching, throwing the ball over the stumps regularly can improve accuracy and throwing technique. Work with kneeling down in the field to stop the ball and correct catching techniques.

Fitness

Good fitness is of the up most importance. Train players to endure all facets of the game (Twenty 20, One day, Five day cricket etc)

• Interval and circuit training is great for endurance, as the amount of time on the field can be at length.
• Work on movement with players, with plenty of flexibility training.

Nutrition

Cricket has more emphasis on athleticism than build and weight, compared to more physical sports such as Rugby, American Football etc.

• Maintain a healthy diet, along with regular exercise and fitness training. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables along with a variety of healthy foods, making for more energetic and mentally prepared players.
• Ensure players maintain correct hydration levels, consuming adequate amounts of water during training and lead up to games.
• Eat protein rich foods along with training and a balanced diet to build strength.

Coaching a winning team won’t happen over night, but with patience and the ability to teach positively and work with players, success can be at your grasp.

Preparation

It’s important to prepare thoroughally before any innings, making sure you’re fully equipped to score runs at the crease.

Firstly, clear your mind of all distractions, focusing on the goal ahead.
Stretch and walm up properly, making sure you’re ready to run between wickets. Stretching and walming up can also prevent injury.

Concentration

There are plenty of distractions that can disrupt your game, such as your anxiety about performance, opposing players comments, the pitch and psychological fears about the current team situation (scoreboard, run rate etc)

Attempt to erase all fears from your mind, focusing on the game plan ahead.
Eliminate all negative factors and talk yourself up positively during the game. Focus on the bowler as he runs in and keep your eye on the ball and body in position when delivered.

Patience

Patience can be the key to a good score, giving yourself every opportunity to stay at the crease for a longer period of time. It’s an element of self discipline which if ignored, can result in an early dismissal.

Play every ball by its merits, putting away the badly bowled and play accordingly to good deliveries.
Getting frustrated by good bowling can result in negative batting and a possible dismissal. Practice self discipline by playing ball by ball, as eventually the right delivery will come your way to be hit.

Footwork

Many batsman’s biggest downfall is their inadequate use of the feet, resulting in mistimed stoke play and a dismissal. It’s important to practice correct footwork which enables you to play shots more freely and with power.

Make use of your feet by adjusting them accordingly to every delivery, giving yourself enough room to play shots.
Practice getting your feet into position when defending, both forwards and backwards.
Make sure your feet are in the right position before each and every ball, giving you enough time to adjust when needed.

Stroke Play

It’s important to learn a wide variety of strokes which can be used in any given game or situation to score runs.

Carrying a wide array of defensive shots can work to your advantage. Many balls have to be defended in a certain way, depending on line and length. Practice defensive strokes regularly in the nets.
Mastering attacking strokes can also be beneficial, and the assessing the right time to play them. You must choose your stroke selection wisely to extend your stay at the crease in any given innings.

Stance

Your stance is a vital element of your game, preparing yourself for every delivery that comes your way.

Check your stance and make sure your weight and feet are equally distributed.
Your body and position must line up correctly. Your shoulders should be evenly headed towards the bowler and eyes and chin level with the ball.

The batting element of cricket involves plenty of psychological thinking and self discipline. Practicing this along with your stance, stroke play and footwork will result in a better batsman for many innings to come.

Preparation

Correct preparation can benefit you throughout a game, preparing yourself mentally and physically for what’s ahead.

• Relax your mind before every game, focusing on the game plan and your role in the team.
• Stretch and warm up correctly to prevent injury.
• Focus on the positives, eliminating all negative thoughts. Set realistic goals you can achieve.

Run Up

Your selected run up is of personal preference, but must suit your overall bowling style.

• Get a feel for your speed in your run up, making for better rhythm and consistency.
• Practice your run up which will give you a general feel for the amount of steps you take and footwork when approaching the crease to bowl.
• If a fast bowler, it is recommended to take 25 to 30 paces back, giving yourself enough range for better speed in your delivery.

Accuracy

An accurate and consistent bowler has every opportunity to take wickets and limit runs conceded against them.

• Practice bowling from the same spot in the crease as often as you can. This can improve accuracy and consistency.
• Practice where you want to aim the ball and your variety of good length deliveries. If you can bowl at a set target often, you have the ability to take wickets and force the batsman into a mistake.
• Make sure your bowling action is tight and straight, making for better accuracy. Having too much sideways movement in your action and affect your flow and bowling, resulting in inaccuracy and extra runs conceded.

Speed

If a fast bowler, your speed can be a vital component in beating the batsman. Speed differs from the fast, medium and spin bowlers and must be used accordingly, varying pace from time to time.

• When fast bowling, aim for a consistent speed and one that’s comfortable, making for accurate and better bowling.
• Take 25 to 30 paces back, which gives you enough range to build up your speed.
• Throw the odd slower ball, which can catch the batsman off guard. This can frustrate batsman and force a mistake, sometimes resulting in a dismissal.

Line and Length

Bowling a consistently good line and length can disrupt batsman and force errors. It can also take wickets and limit the amount of runs scored against you, improving your teams chances of victory.

• Attempt to bowl a delivery than can confuse the batsman, leaving them to play an unnecessary shot.
• Practice your ideal line and length regularly to improve your bowling.
• Aim to bowl the ball just outside off stump which can increase the chances of the batsman playing a shot resulting in a caught behind or playing on to the wickets.

Swing Bowling

The art of swing bowling has its positives and can more often than not confuse and disrupt a batsman’s rhythm.

• Swing bowling is best achieved with the new ball.
• Select a side of the ball to shine at the start of an innings and inform team mates. Make sure they shine the correct side of the ball, allowing the other side to roughen up as the game progresses. This will enhance the swing and make for a more destructive delivery.
• If aiming to outswing the ball, aim just outside of off stump, forcing the batsman to play unnecessary shots. This can result in a caught behind or catch in the field.
• When inswinging, aim to pitch the ball where it can hit in line of the stumps, resulting in a possible LBW decision if it hits the pads.
• Practice swinging the ball both ways in training, further enhancing your variety of bowling and potential to take wickets when needed.

There are many facets to bowling the perfect delivery, but overall practicing all the key elements regularly can make you a better cricket player and bowler.

Sporting outlets contain a wide variety of bats of different makes, models, sizes and weights which makes the decision tough, one which you must consider thoroughly before purchasing.

If you select the right bat, you have the ability to play a better game and become a better batsman. If not, your batting can suffer and struggle to improve.

You must take everything into account:

Model

Cricket manufacturers produce bats tailoring to different player’s styles, such as Kookaburra with Australian captain Ricky Ponting . When manufacturing these bats, Kookaburra analyze the batting style of the individual and produce bats best suited to their play. Other brands such as Gray Nicolls do the same with their sponsored players.

Tip: Analyse how you would like to bat and your favourite batsman’s style. Assess their chosen cricket bat and whether it suits your style of play.

Willow

There are different grades and types of willow used by manufacturers. English is the best quality willow and renowned for its durability and toughness. Most senior level crickets use these bats as they are the best in world cricket. The next best is English nurtured willow, which is generally produced in India, Pakistan and Australia. The willow is aimed at the next tier market and can be a more affordable option for the entry level cricketer. These bats don’t contain the years of nurture and grains which the top quality English willow has to offer, but its price gives buyers a good option. Kashmir willow is aimed at the lower end of the market and more suitable for practice and in the nets. They are extremely affordable, but the quality is more suitable for casual cricketers and players beginning in the game.

Tip: Look at what level of cricket you’re at and your budget. If playing in the higher levels, it is recommended to stick to the better quality English willow for durability. If just starting in the game, the English nurtured and Kashmir are a more affordable option but as you progress your cricket career you will have to upgrade to a better quality willow.

Size

The size of your cricket bat is vital if you want to succeed in the game. You will require a bat which is not either oversized or undersized, just the perfect balance.

Tip: As you progress through the various levels of cricket, start with a smaller bat and work your way up as your height and build advances. Practice your batting stance and assess whether the bat is too high or too small. An over sized bat can limit your stroke play and development.

Weight

Some players prefer a heavier and some a more lighter bat. It’s important to choose the bat which feels the best and whether you can play shots with ease from that weight of bat.

Tip: Assess your position in the batting order. As an opening batsman, it is recommended that you use a lighter bat as the bowling speed will be quicker in the opening overs, requiring quicker reaction time. As the batting order progresses a more heavier bat is suitable as the bowling speed reduces. It’s important to have the right bat for the position you’re in to enhance stroke play and opportunity to score runs.

Pick Up

Selecting the right bat with the best pick up is of personal preference. Some bats are extremely heavy, but contain a light pick up and vice versa. There isn’t a recommended rule on pick up, only that it’s best designed for your style and overall feel. There are various brands with different styles on the market today.

Grips

Some players prefer two grips on the handle, making for a more comfortable feeling when playing. It can increase bat speed and enhance stroke play. Some feel better with one as the type of handle feels too heavy when playing shots. At the end of the day it’s up to the individual as every batsman’s different

The market is bombarded with a large variety of bats on offer, with the choice being endless. Some brands are better than others and it’s important to assess all features before purchasing. It’s a decision which can enhance your cricket career and allow for better development and progression.

The seam up delivery is a ball bowled when you are trying to get movement of the pitch and not through the air. It usually does not swing it usually goes with the angle or seams of the pitch.

Out swinger

The out swinger is a ball the moves away through the air away from a right handed batsmen or in towards a left hander. It gets a lot of wickets to a right hander through edges or from batsmen playing on.

In swinger

The in swinger is the most common ball used by international bowlers as it is very hard to play.

The length ball for a fast bowler is usually the standard ball for a medium or pace bowler. It is bowled at the top of off stump and so the batsmen is unsure weather to play a front foot shot or a back foot shot. It can be a very dangerous ball when conditions are right. But in the newer forms of cricket like T20 Cricket the length ball can just be the right ball to smash for 6 unless bowled well.

The good length ball for a spinner is slightly different to the length ball for a medium or fast paced bowler. It is flighted up more and turns. It also leaves the batsmen unsure weather to play forward or back and is also very hard to put away for runs.

The bouncer is a ball bowled only by faster bowlers. It requires extra pace and bounce. The ball is bowled short of a good length and rears up into the batsmen’s head and throat. Catching the batsmen by surprise. But if bowled wrong Can be put away with ease by good batsmen for a boundary.

A long hop is a failed attempt at a bouncer. It is bowled to short and fails to get the required lift that surprises the batsmen. It can bounce anywhere between shin and chest height. As it is bowled so short it comes of the pitch very slow giving the batsmen lots of time to react and play an attacking shot.

A half volley is a bad ball to bowl as it gives good batsmen the opportunity to drive the ball.

Like the half volley the full toss Is a bad ball to bowl. It gives the batsmen the opportunity to drive the ball or slog the ball onto the leg side.

The beamer is a dangerous illegal ball which usually bowled by accident by a bowler trying to bowl a yorker. This ball can be extremely dangerous when bowled by a fast bowler or when the batsmen is not wearing a helmet.