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Drills library

Cricket Fielding Drills

A structured fielding routine you can run at training: slip catching, boundary fielding and high catches. Each drill has clear reps, a focus cue and step-by-step instructions.

A 45-minute fielding session

Use this flow as the backbone of your training session.

Slip catching drills

Slip catching is reaction work. Train short, sharp sets with a low base and soft hands.

Slip cradle catches

3 sets × 20 catchesSoft hands, low base
  1. Crouch in slip stance, weight on the balls of the feet.
  2. Partner throws into the cradle from 3–4 m, ball deflects to either side.
  3. Watch the ball into the hands and give with the catch.
  4. Reset to neutral between each rep — no anticipating.

Coaching cue: Eyes level. Hands relax just before contact.

Edge bat feeder

4 sets × 10 nicksTracking deflections
  1. Feeder throws underarm, batter glances the ball with a slip-bat.
  2. First slip catches; second and third slips reset for the next ball.
  3. Vary the line so the nick goes wide, fine and head-high.
  4. Rotate positions every set.

Coaching cue: Watch the bat, not the feeder. React, don't predict.

Boundary fielding drills

Boundary work is about pace, technique and clear calling. Train sliding pickups and flat throws.

Chase, slide, throw

2 sets × 8 reps each sidePickup at pace and flat throw
  1. Coach rolls the ball 20 m toward the rope.
  2. Sprint flat-out, slide with the outside leg leading.
  3. Pick up cleanly and throw flat over the stumps in one motion.
  4. Return jog, reset to the cone — no walking.

Coaching cue: Low body on the slide. Throw across the front leg.

Boundary save and relay

10 minutes continuousCommunication and second man
  1. Two fielders patrol a 30 m boundary arc with a relay runner inside.
  2. Coach hits the ball toward the rope; first fielder cuts it off.
  3. Relay receives and fires to the keeper.
  4. Call early and loud — every ball.

Coaching cue: Talk first, move second. The call sets the throw.

High catching drills

High catches reward early footwork. Get under the ball and catch with a stable platform.

Vertical high catches

3 sets × 12 catchesFootwork and stable platform
  1. Coach launches a high ball 15–20 m up.
  2. Small adjustment steps to get directly under the flight.
  3. Hands up early, fingers pointing skyward, thumbs together.
  4. Catch in front of the face, not above the head.

Coaching cue: Get under it early so the catch is still, not stretched.

Sun & lights catches

2 sets × 10 catchesSight under pressure
  1. Stand square to the sun or floodlight.
  2. Coach hits a high ball that crosses the glare.
  3. Shield with the non-catching hand, track late and commit.
  4. Reset between reps; do not over-train tired eyes.

Coaching cue: Shield, then watch the ball all the way in.

Coaching notes

  • Keep sets short. Quality of catches drops fast once fatigue creeps in.
  • Rotate every fielder through slip, boundary and high catches each week.
  • End with shoulder mobility — high catching loads the rotator cuff.
  • Players under 18 should train under adult supervision. Stop if you feel shoulder, elbow or wrist pain.