2

CONTENTS

Student Notes Teacher Notes MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CRICKET ASSOCIATION 3
INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE 3
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SHEET 4
Prepared for The Royal Navy in Association with The National Cricket
Association and produced by Education & Youth Ltd, London. UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO CRICKET MODULE 5

If there is any support you feel The Royal Navy can give regarding this UNIT 2 TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS 6
project please contact 0870 333 0423. 1 FIELDING 6
2 BOWLING 9
3 BATTING 14
Acknowledgements
4 WICKET KEEPING 22
These notes have been compiled by Bob Carter – National Coach,
(Coach Education) The National Cricket Association UNIT 3 TACTICS AND FIELD PLACEMENT 25

Technical Editor: P Edwards M.A. UNIT 4 UMPIRING 28

UNIT 5 PHYSICAL CONDITIONING FOR CRICKET 30
UNIT 6 HISTORY OF CRICKET 34
UNIT 7 THE COMPETITIVE STRUCTURE OF THE SPORT. 35
UNIT 8 USEFUL INFORMATION 36
 4
Skills Development Sheet

The beginning stage of learning cricket is the exploratory phase, where

the player is attempting to learn the correct sequence of movements
of all the basic skills e.g. Batting, bowling, fielding. A number of
errors may be made and players will require feedback to recognise
and correct these errors.
During the intermediate stage a player will perform more consistently.
Timing and anticipation will improve, although skills may break down
under the pressure of a game situation.
At the advanced stage all the basic skills are automatic and a player
will concentrate on more detailed aspects of the skill and the tactics
required in the game eg. Position of fielders.

Name of Module Cricket

Basic Skills Fielding, bowling, batting, wicket keeping (pages 6-24)

Game-play Skills Good basic skills, techniques. A good understanding of the basic principles
and tactics. Ability to vary strokes and bowling techniques. Demonstrates
good concentration and alertness in the field (pages 6-24)

Tactical Skills Bowling: Encouraging dangerous strokes. Varying pace, flight, length,
spin and width of crease.
Batsmen: Judgement and decision making; looking for gaps in the
field; noting ability of fielders and exploiting weaknesses.
Fielders: Placing to
1) Catch batters
2) Stop runs. Adjusting field according to batter (pages 25-27)

Training Skills Aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, flexibility (pages 30-33)

Rules “The Laws of Cricket” can be obtained from the MCC. Address page 36.
 6
UNIT 2
Techniques and Skills
In order to play cricket to examination level, students should have a
good practical and theoretical grasp of the 4 major activities of the
game:
• Fielding
• Bowling
• Batting
• Wicket keeping

1 Fielding
Essentially this involves catching and throwing in a variety of
circumstances both static or on the move.
CATCHING
The High Catch
Objective: To catch a ball which is dropping quickly.
Method: Sight the ball.
Move quickly to where it will come down.
Stand still with hands up above eye level and palms facing
ball, fingers spread out, little fingers touching.
Hands “give” as ball is caught.
Finish close to chest (see Figure 1). Figure 1

The Skim Catch

Objective: Primarily to catch a flat trajectory ball arriving about head
high.
Method: Sight the ball, palms facing ball, fingers pointing upwards,
thumbs touching.
Hands give as ball is caught.
If ball is caught directly in front of head, move head to side
as hands give (see Figure 2).

Figure 2
 8
CHASING AND RETRIEVING
The Short Throw
Objective: Run inside line of ball to enable right foot to land beside it.
Method: Weight well back. Head over right knee, left foot trailing.
Pick ball up.
Turn to left into throwing position.
Aim and throw without further steps (see Figure 5).
(If the ball is moving quickly it may be necessary to take
several braking strides before turning and throwing.)

Figure 5

The Long Throw

Objective: To retrieve a ball after picking up near
the boundary.
Method: Ensure left foot is forward alongside
ball.
Bend down keeping seat well back.
Pick ball up.
Push hard on left foot.
Turn to left, fling left arm into aiming
position and throw (see Figure 6).

Figure 6

Throwing on the Turn

NB This is an advanced technique, used to prevent
runs, or to secure a run out.
Method: Run inside line of ball.
Pick up ball alongside right foot.
Step onto left foot.
Jump, turning in the air.
Aim at target with left arm.
Throw while still in the air (see Figure 7).

Figure 7
 10
Step 2
Run Up and Bound
Method: Concentrate on line of delivery.
Smooth rhythmical approach.
Accelerate gradually. Control speed.
Bound (spring) off left foot. Raise both arms. Turn 90° in
air.
Land in coil position leaning back from batsman.
Repeat bowling action.
Practise bowling with a smooth and economical run-up and
easy rhythmical well balanced delivery, finishing with a
deliberate and fluent follow-through (see Figure 10).
Once players have mastered these steps they should be ready to
progress to more complex skills using swing and spin. Figure 10

THE OUTSWING OR AWAY SWING

NB To do this it is essential that the ball used has a good seam.

The Grip
Method: Seam vertical but pointing at slips.
Side of thumb on centre seam. First two fingers either side
of seam.
Polished side of ball to leg side (see Figure 11).

Figure 11

The Action
Method: Bowl from close to stumps.
Look over front shoulder behind
front arm.
Back foot parallel with crease.
Front foot lands to leg side of
back foot.
High delivery, hand behind ball.
Emphasise good follow-through
of bowling arm and shoulder
(see Figure 12).

Figure 12
 12
OFF SPIN AND LEFT ARM ORTHODOX
SPIN (FINGER SPIN)
NB An off break spins the ball from off to
leg, rotating clockwise from the bowler. The
left arm spinner moves the ball from leg to
off.
The Grip
Method: Hold ball in between first and
second fingers.
Seam at right angles to the
fingers.
Top joints across seam.
Knuckles of first finger and
second finger grip seam.
Do not use thumb to hold ball
(see Figure 15).
The Action
Method: Shortish run up.
Good coil position; look behind
arm. Short delivery stride.
Front foot slightly across to leg
side.
High delivery, head up.
Pivot on ball of front foot.
Figure 15 Twist hand clockwise.
Flick ball with first finger.
Pull bowling arm across the
body.
Spin ball clockwise by turning
hand upwards.
Finish with palm upwards (see
Figure 16).
Figure 16
 14
3 Batting
Please note, throughout the module “batsman” also refers to
“batswoman”.
Batting in cricket is probably the most popular of all skills. Firstly, it
allows the player to score, and secondly he has the full attention of not
only both teams, but also the spectators.
When teaching batting it is essential that staff exercise great care in
selecting the surface on which the skill is performed. At school level
this is often a factor over which neither staff nor students have any
control. Nevertheless, staff should remain on the side of caution and
on bad pitches certain strokes should not be taught. It is accepted that
at least one Examining Board includes the hook within the syllabus.
The National Cricket Association (NCA) does not recommend that this
stroke be taught to inexperienced players, particularly if the pitch is
suspect. For this reason the hook and other advanced skills (lofted Figure 19
shots, the sweep and the late cut) are omitted from this text.

BATTING SKILLS – THE BASIC ELEMENTS

The Grip
Method: Hands close together towards top of handle.
Top hand gripping very firmly.
Fingers and thumbs of both hands around handle.
V’s formed by thumb and forefinger are in line
approximately half way between splice and outside edge of
bat (see Figure 19).
The Stance
Method: Feet slightly apart.
Knees slightly flexed, weight evenly distributed on balls of
feet – not heels.
Eyes level and square to line of delivery.
Toe of bat on ground (see Figure 20).

Figure 20

THE BACKLIFT
Method: Front shoulder and elbow pointing to bowler.
Bat raised but pushed back over middle-stump.
Head still.
Open face of bat to point.
Top forearm roughly parallel with ground.
Back elbow away from body.
No movement of body backwards or forwards until
selection of stroke to be played is made (see Figure 21).

Figure 21
 16
Back Defensive Stroke
Objective: This stroke is played to a ball pitching short and
bouncing knee high or above.
Method: High back lift.
Step back and across towards off side if ball is on off
stump.
Back foot parallel with crease.
Back of front shoulder turned slightly.
Head on line of delivery.
Weight on back foot.
Balance of body forward.
Front foot brought back naturally.
Relax bottom hand to finger and thumb grip.
Top hand in control.
Ball is played under head.
Bat vertical but angled downwards so that ball is not
played upwards (see Figure 24).

Figure 24

The Forward Defence Stroke

Objective: To prevent a good length ball from hitting the wicket.
The ball should not bounce as high as the knee.
Method: From a good straight backlift lead with head and front
shoulder onto the line of the ball.
Top hand in control.
Relax bottom hand to thumb and finger grip.
Front leg close to line of ball and bent at knee.
Ease back foot onto inside of foot; keep back leg
straight.
Do not follow-through.
Maintain a good balance by keeping head close to
front shoulder and over the bat (see Figure 25).

Figure 25
 18
The Forcing Stroke Off the Back Foot
Objective: This stroke is played to a ball short of a
length outside the off stump which does
not bounce more than about knee height.
Method: Essential to have a good high back lift.
Step back and slightly across to offside
just inside the line of ball.
Back foot parallel to crease.
Front shoulder turned slightly to off side.
Weight on back foot.
Head down.
Control downswing of bat with top hand.
Allow front leg to move close to back leg.
Just before contact with ball punch
through with bottom hand.
Stop (check) swing of bat as shown,
keeping a high front elbow.
Keep looking at spot contact was made to
maintain balance and forward poise of
body (see Figure 28).

Figure 28

The Square Cut

Objective: This stroke is played to a short pitched
ball which passes wide of the off stump,
ideally about waist high.
Method: High backlift.
Turn back of front shoulder to bowler.
Step back and across to off side with
back foot.
Hit down on the ball at arm’s length.
Watch ball carefully, making contact as it
is level with body.
Keep head well over back knee as bat
follows through.
Weight is on back foot (see Figure 29).

Figure 29
 20
Running Between the Wickets Either batsman may refuse to ball before leaving the crease
run if he thinks he cannot make and moving down the pitch. If
In order to score in cricket it is the run, provided he does so the bowler does not deliver the
necessary for the batsman to immediately. ball, he is able to remain within
run between the wickets. While his ground because the bat is
this may appear blatantly Backing Up grounded behind the crease.
obvious, there is nevertheless a
degree of judgement as well as The non-striker holds his bat The non striker’s duty is to run
physical skill involved, and staff with the hand nearest the clear of the striker so that he
are recommended to spend bowler. As the bowler does not impede him if the
some time on this topic within commences his delivery, the non striker, due to the stroke he has
the time allotted to teaching and striker is moving towards his played, has to run on the same
practising batting. partner, placing his bat just side of the pitch (see Figure 33).
inside the popping crease. He
Running between the wickets watches the bowler deliver the
involves 5 factors:
(1) Calling
(2) Deciding who makes the call
(3) Backing up
(4) Making one’s ground
(5) Multiple runs
Calling
There are three calls:
Yes – when there is definitely a
run
No – when there is no chance
of a run
Wait – if unsure whether the
fielder can collect the
ball
Wait is always followed quickly
by either yes or no.
Whose Call
This depends on where the ball
has been struck. Generally if the
striker can see the ball easily it
is his call. If it has gone behind
the striker it would be the non
striker’s call (see Figure 32).
Figure 33

Non striker’s call

Figure 32
 22
4 Wicket Keeping
There are 2 positions from which to keep wicket.
• Standing back from the wicket.
• Standing up to the wicket.
Standing Back
Method: Position where ball can be taken as it drops between waist
and knee height after bouncing.
Crouch to off side of stumps to get a clear view of ball.
Rise with bounce of ball.
Palms facing ball, little fingers touching.
Hands forward to give as ball is taken.
Eyes level; head as still as possible (see Figure 36).

Figure 36

Standing up to the Wicket – The Stance

Method: Squat down just wide enough to obtain a good view of ball.
Safe distance behind stumps so that no part of keeper or
his/her equipment breaks back edge of bowling crease as
ball is taken.
Eyes level, weight on balls of feet.
Backs of fingers resting on ground, palms facing
bowler(see Figure 37).

Figure 37
 24
Standing Up to the Wicket – Taking a Rising Ball
Method: This applies to leg and offside.
Keep gloves on line of ball.
Sway head and body off the line; allow gloves to rise with
ball.
Push head towards stumps to assist arm swing back for
possible stumping (see Figure 41).

Figure 41

Taking Returns From the Field

Method: Move quickly to put the wicket between the ball and the
wicket keeper.
Whenever possible take the ball on the full toss unless this
would mean missing the chance of a run out.
Always try to take the ball in the gloves. Pads are for
protection should the ball be missed; they are not a front
line of defence.
If a fielder is chasing a ball with his back to the wicket
keeper it helps the fielder to sight the keeper as he turns if
a gloved hand is held above the keeper’s head.
Be prepared to remove a glove in order to throw the ball at
the bowler’s wicket if a run out is possible at that end.
 26
Stroke Selection
Early on, play well pitched up and straight balls between mid-on and mid-
off with straight bat strokes.
Hit bad balls to side that they are swinging or spinning. Do not try to hit
them too hard.
If pitch has variable bounce, do not hook and be on your guard for
‘shooters’.
Pick bat up early, particularly against faster bowlers, so that you have time
to come down on the ball.
Only play defensive strokes to balls which will hit the wicket or which
would otherwise hit you.
An additional judgement must be made following stroke production, and
that is how and when to attempt to score runs.
Scoring Runs
Check the field setting for obvious gaps or fielders set too deep to stop
singles.
Note which fielders are left handed, slow movers, poor throwers.
Be prepared for quick singles, back up when non-striker and run first and
hard.
Relax hands when playing defensive strokes so that the ball does not roll
far from the bat. Fielders may now have to remain close to wicket to
prevent singles. A firm push may now beat the fielder as he is too close to
react to save the single.
If a fielder is dropped back, do not try to hit the ball over him; aim for the
gap he has left or try to hit to another part of the field.
If you are having difficulty scoring off or playing a particular bowler, get
your partner to try to remain facing that bowler as much as possible.
Against spinners, using the feet to get to the pitch or full toss may help to
pierce the field.
Be patient – sooner or later the bowler will bowl a bad ball.
The tactics of both bowler and batsmen will interact with those of the
fielders. It is therefore important that players know how to set fields to
support the teams’ tactical objectives.
Field Setting
Fielders are placed in specific places for two reasons:
• To catch an opponent out
• To stop the batsman scoring runs
There are three types of fielding positions:
• Close catchers – slips, gully, short leg etc.
• Fielders saving one run – cover, mid on, square leg etc.
• Boundary fielders stopping boundaries – deep third man, deep fine
leg, long off etc.
Occasionally it may be necessary to place fielders halfway to the
boundary, if it is a very long boundary and the well hit ball will not reach
the normally placed boundary fielder. Alternatively a batsman may be
known to hit a ball regularly to the place where the field is sited.
 28
UNIT 4
Umpiring
The umpires are the sole judges of all matters concerning the game
once the toss for innings has been made. They decide whether it is fit
or unfit to play, make all decisions regarding the laws and officially
check the scores at the end of the game to confirm the result.

Point

Bowling Umpire

• Ball struck here

Moves to here for run out Square Leg Umpire

Figure 43 Figure 44

The bowling end umpire stands in line with the wickets (see Figure 43)
and makes decisions about the placement of the bowler’s feet for the
fairness of delivery, LBW etc. He may move up to the wicket or back if
requested by the bowler, but he must be in a position to carry out his
function.
When a run is being taken, the bowling umpire moves to the same
side of the pitch as the ball and level with the popping crease, to get in
the best position to give a decision for a run out as in the diagram.
The other umpire usually stands level with the popping crease at
square leg (see Figure 44). However, if the sun or fielder interfere with
his view he can stand at Point. His principal function is to give
decisions on stumpings, run outs etc. at the strikers end.
The bowling umpire starts the game by calling “Play”. After six
legitimate balls he calls “Over”; at the end of play he calls “Time” and
removes the bails. During the game he gives the following signals to
the scorers to inform them of what is happening. There is no signal
for one or more runs scored from the bat, unless a boundary is
scored. No signal will be given if a batsman is not out on appeal but
the umpire will say “Not out”. Umpires communicate their decisions to
both players and spectators through a series of signals (see Table 1).
 30
UNIT 5
Physical Conditioning for Cricket
The degree of fitness required to play depends upon the level and type
of match played. Generally cricket is played over longer periods of
time than other games; therefore the training has different aspects. To
be successful it is necessary to have a high skill level, so there must
be a great deal of time spent in skill training.
Before any vigorous activity it is wise to warm up 2/5 minutes’ gentle
jogging, followed by simple stretching exercises.
General Fitness – Aerobic Endurance
Any sustained activity, preferably running, which lasts over 20
minutes.
Cross country over different surfaces – sand, shingle, ploughed fields,
uphill – very useful.
Swimming and cycling may also help.
General Fitness – Anaerobic Endurance
Short bursts of very high energy expenditure, activity lasting 20-40
seconds.
Shuttle running
Fielding shuttles

Examples of fielding shuttles

10 Paces
F

10 Paces 15 Paces

F
A w/k B w/k
A

Fielder F runs levels with A to catch thrown ball and returns it to A throws ball out. F chases pick up, throws to keeper and returns to
keeper. F then runs level with B who throws another ball to be caught starting point. Repeat 6 times.
and thrown to keeper. Repeat 6 times.
 32
3 . Bowlers – need to be fit, flexible, and strong and have a good
recovery rate.
Special attention needs to be paid to warm up and
stretching to prevent injury, particularly to the groin,
back and shoulder.
Groin Exercise
Feet astride, bend right knee with left leg straight and
weight pressing inwards.
Change legs (see Figure 47).

Figure 47
Back Exercise
Lie on stomach, hands behind head.
Raise chest off ground (see Figure 48).

Figure 48
Hold a partner in wheelbarrow position; lift him/her in
air. Partner helps by pushing up and arching back (see
Figure 49).

Figure 49
Lie on back; bring right knee up, and then swing to left
to touch ground with knee (see Figure 50).

Figure 50
 34
UNIT 6
History of Cricket
The origins of cricket are not clearly documented. However, it is clear
that from earliest times people played games which involved striking
an object with a stick. Some of the more interesting or key dates are
listed below. Further details may be obtained by reference to texts
included in Recommended Reading.
Earliest Recordings
Date Event or Record Test Cricket
1300 Documented evidence that Prince Edward played a 1736 Sailors recorded as playing cricket near Lisbon.
game called Creag.
1844 First international between USA and Canada.
1344 A document in the Bodleian Library illustrates a
1859 First tour by England of USA and Canada.
cricket-like game being played.
1861-62 First tour of Australia.
The Saxon word “cricce” or “cric” (a staff or crooked
stick) may be the origin of the name. 1876-77 First test matches played.
1500 and 1598 Records at Guildford mention “Creckett” and refer to 1878 Australians travel to England.
playing “crecket and other plaies”.
1880 First test match played in England.
1611 Chichester Court – two men fined for playing cricket
on Sunday. 1882 England beaten by Australia at the Oval. The Sporting
Times reported “The body will be cremated and the
1624 The first recorded fatality, when Jasper Vinall died ashes taken to Australia”.
after having been accidentally struck with a cricket bat.
1882-83 England beat Australia in Melbourne. Some ladies
17th century Some evidence that cricket may have been played in burned a bail, sealed the ashes in an urn and gave it to
public schools. the English Captain. On his death the ashes were left
to the MCC, and this is the basis of the Ashes
The Start of the Modern Game
competition.
1744 The Laws of the game first written down and printed.
1909 Imperial Cricket Conference established to administer
1787 The formation of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). cricket worldwide.
1788 The MCC revised the laws. 1965 The name was changed to the International Cricket
Conference.
1864 The modern over arm style of bowling was made legal.
1968 The Test and County Cricket Board was established to
The game was further developed following improvements to the run test cricket, and the National Cricket Association to
grounds as a result of the use of the “heavy roller”. Additionally, foster interest in coaching and the recreational game.
between 1850-1855 mowing machines were first used.
The MCC administer the Laws both at home and abroad.
The latter half of the 19th century was the era of W. G. Grace who,
during his career, made 54,896 runs and took 2,864 wickets. He All three of the above form the Cricket Council, the governing body of
retired in 1908. the sport. There are also the Minor Counties Association, the Irish
Cricket Union, the Scottish Cricket Union and the Welsh Cricket
The History of County Cricket Association.
1787 The first “county” club, Oxfordshire. 1989 The International Cricket Conference renamed the
1853 The first county champions, Nottinghamshire. International Cricket Council.
NB: At this time the press decided who were the champions. 1992 South Africa re-admited to international cricket.
1890 County Secretaries officially acknowledged the
championships.
 36
UNIT 8
Useful Information
Recommended reading
The Handbook of Cricket, K. V. Andrew ISBN 0 7207 1789 I
The Skills of Cricket, K. V. Andrew ISBN 1 85223 237 4
Cricket – The Techniques of the Game, Andrew, Carter, Lenham
ISBN 0 7158 0574 6 or ISBN 0 7158 0642 4
A History of Cricket, B. Green ISBN 0 7126 2080 X
The MCC Cricket Coaching Book (Fourth Edition)
Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack (Printed Annually)
Test Cricket in Clubs and Schools (Available from NCA)
How to Coach Cricket, R. Dellor
ISBN 0 00 218 319 6 or ISBN 0 00 218 369 2
Games for Cricket Training, A. Oakman ISBN 0 7207 1233 8
The Laws of Cricket (1980 Code) Second Edition 1992.
(Available from MCC, price £1.50)

Useful addresses
E.C.B
Lord’s Cricket Ground
London
NW8 8QZ
Telephone 0207 432 1200

Coach Education Office

c/o Warwickshire County Cricket Ground
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B5 7QX
Telephone 0121 440 1748