Captaincy and field changes

Setup

1. Centre-wicket game: a full fielding side with a nominated captain, two batters in full kit with helmets, and bowlers who know their plan.
2. If you play limited-overs cricket, mark the fielding circle with cones and use your competition's fielding restrictions.
3. Before the first over, the captain and bowler agree a plan (for example, full and outside off with two slips) and set the field to match it. The coach checks it against the Laws: no more than two leg-side fielders behind the popping crease (behind square).
4. Give each bowler a short spell, then rotate, so captains handle several bowlers. Pace bowlers stay within their workload guidelines.

How it runs

1. Play normal overs. The batters are told to play their own game, so the captain has to react to what actually happens.
2. The coach can call 'pause' at any moment. The captain has about 30 seconds to say what they've seen and what they will change, then signal the changes to the fielders without shouting across the ground.
3. The coach also changes the situation between overs with a card: a left-hander comes in, the batter starts sweeping, 25 needed off 3 overs, or the new ball is due.
4. After each spell, the captain explains one change that worked and one they would do differently. Rotate the captaincy so several players get a turn.
5. Fielders score a point for the team each time a field change directly saves runs or creates a chance.

Coaching points

• Start from the bowling plan. The field should support where the bowler is trying to bowl, not the other way round.
• Watch the batter's scoring areas and feet. Two boundaries in the same area is a message.
• Change one or two fielders at a time, with a reason you can say out loud.
• Talk to the bowler before every over and agree any changes together.
• Use clear hand signals and make sure every fielder is set before the bowler runs in.
• Know the regulations: leg-side fielders behind square, the fielding circle and any powerplay rules in your competition's playing conditions.
• Field placings are common plans, not rules. There is more than one good answer to most situations.

Common mistakes

• Chasing the last ball: moving a fielder to where the ball has just gone every time.
• Leaving an attacking field in place long after the batter is set and scoring freely.
• Making changes without telling the bowler.
• Slow changes that waste time and let the batters settle.