Coaching Fielding Fundamentals

In this lesson you will look at why fielding deserves time in every session and how to coach it safely. In T20 cricket, every run saved and every catch taken can decide the result. Fielding also keeps everyone involved, because all eleven players field for the whole innings. Safety is essential. Use softer balls for younger or less experienced players and for close catching. Make sure groups are well spaced and that everyone throws in the same direction. Keep high catches at a sensible height for the ability of the group. Warm up thoroughly before diving or sprinting, and check the ground for holes or slippery areas.

• Fielding saves runs and keeps everyone involved
• Use softer balls for beginners and close catching
• Space groups and throw in the same direction
• Warm up and check the ground first

In this lesson you will coach the ready position. As the bowler runs in, fielders should walk in a few steps so they are moving and alert when the ball reaches the batter. At the moment of the shot, they come to a balanced ready position with feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet, hands relaxed in front of the body and eyes on the batter. Close fielders such as slips stay still and low instead. Use reaction games where fielders walk in and respond to a coach's feed or call. A good ready position makes every other fielding skill easier.

• Walk in as the bowler runs up
• Balanced, low, weight on the balls of the feet
• Hands relaxed and eyes on the batter
• Close fielders stay still and low

In this lesson you will learn to coach catching. For close catches, fingers point down for balls below the chest and up for balls above it, with hands together and relaxed. For high catches, get under the ball early, keep the head still and form a cup with the hands at around eye level, giving with the ball as it arrives. The reverse cup or Australian method, with fingers pointing up, is another accepted technique. Call loudly to claim the catch to avoid collisions. Progress from short underarm feeds with soft balls to longer, higher throws and then hits from a bat as confidence grows.

• Fingers down below the chest, up above it
• Get under high catches early, head still
• Soft hands that give with the ball
• Call loudly to avoid collisions

In this lesson you will coach ground fielding. The long barrier is the safest way to stop a ball when there is time. The fielder gets in line, turns side on and kneels on one knee so the knee and foot form a barrier, with hands together in front of the body to collect the ball. The short barrier is quicker, keeping the feet close together and the body in line while staying more upright, which allows a faster release. Encourage fielders to watch the ball right into the hands. Use rolled feeds first, then varied pace and bounce, and finally hits from a bat in a controlled area.

• Long barrier: side on, knee and foot as a barrier
• Short barrier is quicker for a faster release
• Get in line and watch the ball into the hands
• Progress from rolled feeds to controlled hits

In this lesson you will coach the attacking pick-up used to create run-outs. The fielder attacks the ball quickly, slows into a controlled position and picks up the ball beside the foot, usually the right foot for a right-hander, with one or two hands depending on pace and confidence. The body stays low and balanced so the throw can follow in one smooth movement. Teach players to decide quickly whether a run-out is possible or whether a safer stop is better. Practise with target stumps and a partner running between cones to add realism. Keep the area clear and make sure throws are aimed away from other groups.

• Attack the ball, then slow into control
• Pick up beside the foot, staying low
• Flow straight into the throw
• Decide quickly between run-out and safe stop

In this lesson you will coach overarm throwing. The thrower stands side on, points the non-throwing arm at the target, brings the throwing arm back high and steps towards the target, rotating the hips and shoulders before following through. Aim to throw flat and hard to the keeper or bowler, ideally arriving at around bail height or on one bounce over longer distances. Teach players to back up throws so overthrows are prevented. Throwing is tiring on the shoulder, so limit long-distance repetitions and build up gradually. Use target games with stumps to make practice fun and competitive.

• Side on, front arm points at the target
• Step and rotate, then follow through
• Aim flat and hard, around bail height
• Always back up and limit heavy throwing volume

In this lesson you will look at making fielding fun. Fielding drills can become dull if players wait in long queues. Use small groups, plenty of balls and short, intense activities. Games such as relay catching, target hitting competitions and run-out challenges give purpose and a sense of competition. Combining fielding with batting and running, as in continuous cricket or modified small-sided games, creates match-like pressure. Track simple scores, such as catches taken in a minute, so players can see their progress. Praise effort and good technique as well as results, and make sure every player gets lots of touches of the ball.

• Avoid queues with small groups and many balls
• Use relays, target and run-out games
• Combine skills in small-sided games
• Track scores and praise effort