Wicketkeeping footwork standing back

Setup

1. One set of stumps. The keeper crouches about 8 to 10 m behind them (further back for quicker feeds), and puts a cone on each side about two big steps away.
2. The feeder stands about 12 m in front of the stumps and throws overarm so the ball bounces before the stumps and carries to the keeper.
3. Use incrediballs or tennis balls to start; with a hard ball, use full keeping gloves with inners.

How it runs

1. The feeder calls 'ready' and throws one ball at a time, varying the line: straight, off side or leg side.
2. The keeper rises with the bounce, moves across with side-steps and takes the ball with the hands in front of the inside hip.
3. After each take, the keeper returns the ball and resets in the middle in the crouch.
4. Sets of 12, rest, then swap the feeder and keeper. Count clean takes.

Coaching points

• Crouch with weight on the balls of the feet, gloves together and touching the ground, eyes level.
• Rise as the ball bounces, not before: the hands come up with the ball.
• Lead with the outside foot and side-step; don't cross the feet.
• Get the head and inside hip behind the line where possible so the body backs up the hands.
• Fingers point down below the chest and up above it, little fingers together, and give with the ball.
• Down the leg side, move early: the batter's body hides the ball, so trust the line.

Common mistakes

• Standing up before the ball has pitched, then having to dip for a low take.
• Reaching across with just the gloves instead of moving the feet.
• Snatching at the ball so it pops out of the gloves.
• Turning the head away on a sharp take.