Calling, Backing Up and Avoiding Run Outs

In this lesson you will learn who is responsible for calling. The general rule is that the striker calls for shots played in front of the wicket, because they can see where the ball has gone. The non-striker calls for shots that go behind the wicket, such as glances, edges and late cuts, because the striker has their back to the ball. You will learn that both batters must agree this before the innings, so there is no confusion. When the ball goes straight back towards the bowler, the striker usually calls, but both batters should be alert. A clear understanding of who calls removes most run-out risks before the ball is even bowled.

• Striker calls in front of the wicket
• Non-striker calls behind the wicket
• Agree the rules before the innings
• Clear roles remove most risks

In this lesson you will learn the three calls. Yes means run. No means do not run. Wait means hold on while you judge whether the ball will beat the fielder, and must be followed quickly by yes or no. Call loudly and clearly, so your partner can hear you above the noise of the game. You will learn to avoid words like go, which can sound like no, and phrases that are hard to hear. Make the call early, as soon as you know, rather than hesitating. If you call yes, commit to it. Practise calling in the nets with the same tone and volume you will use in matches, so that it becomes automatic under pressure.

• Yes, no or wait, nothing else
• Call loudly, clearly and early
• Avoid go, which sounds like no
• Wait must quickly become yes or no

In this lesson you will learn how to back up correctly. As the bowler runs in, walk forward a few steps with your bat grounded behind the popping crease until the ball is released, then move out of your ground as the ball is delivered. Hold the bat in the hand away from the bowler and keep your eyes on the ball. Good backing up can save valuable time on every run. You will learn that under the Laws of Cricket, if you leave your ground before the bowler would normally have released the ball, the bowler may attempt to run you out. Stay in your ground until the ball is released, and avoid getting in the bowler's way.

• Walk in with your bat grounded
• Leave your ground only as the ball is released
• Hold the bat away from the bowler
• Leaving early risks being run out

In this lesson you will learn to judge whether a run is safe. Look at where the ball is going and who is fielding it. Consider how far the fielder has to move, whether they will be throwing with their strong arm, and whether they are known for a good throw. Fielders inside the circle can often run you out with a direct hit, so be careful about singles to them. Think too about which end the fielder will throw to; the batter running to the danger end, the end the fielder is likely to throw to, must be extra careful. You will learn to use this information to decide quickly, rather than setting off and hoping.

• Who is fielding and how far must they move
• Strong arm or weak arm
• Inside the circle means direct hit danger
• Know which end is the danger end

In this lesson you will learn what to do when a run is no longer safe. If you are the caller and you realise the run is not on, shout no, clearly and early, and raise your hand to stop your partner. If you are past the point of no return, it may be better to keep going and accept the risk than to leave both batters stranded at the same end. You will learn that sending your partner back is part of good teamwork, not a criticism. Respect your partner's call, even if you disagree. Arguing mid-pitch is how run outs happen. Talk about it calmly between balls or at the end of the over.

• Shout no early and raise your hand
• Avoid both batters at the same end
• Respect your partner's call
• Discuss mix-ups calmly between balls

In this lesson you will learn the key points of the run out Law. Under the Laws of Cricket, a batter is out run out if, at any time while the ball is in play, they are out of their ground and their wicket is fairly put down by the fielding side. The batter whose ground is at the end where the wicket is put down is the one who is out. A batter is not run out if the ball has not been touched by a fielder after the striker hit it and it breaks the wicket at the non-striker's end. Being out of your ground when the wicket is put down is what matters, not whether you were running. You will learn that a free hit after a no-ball does not protect you from being run out.

• Out of your ground and wicket fairly put down
• The batter whose ground it is will be out
• Straight hit onto the stumps with no fielder touch: not out
• A free hit does not protect you from run out

In this lesson you will look at why run outs happen in tight T20 finishes and how to avoid them. Pressure to score quickly tempts batters into risky singles and hesitant calls. You will learn to keep your calling simple, to back up properly every ball, to slide your bat in at every turn and to run in a straight line so you do not slow down. Before a big over, talk to your partner about whether you will take on fielders or play safe. Remember that a run out costs the team a wicket and the runs the batter could have made. In a close finish, a calm, well-judged single is worth more than a desperate dash.

• Pressure tempts risky singles
• Keep calls simple and clear
• Back up and slide the bat every ball
• Plan risk levels with your partner