Cricket · Throwing

Overarm throwing at the stumps

Players learn a side-on overarm throw and aim at a single set of stumps, with the collector safely out of the line.

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Start / 5
Time
12 min
Players
3–8
Age
U7+
Area
20 × 15 m
Equipment
6 soft or incrediballs1 set of stumps4 cones

Setup

  1. Stand a set of stumps in open space with nothing and nobody behind them.
  2. Mark a throwing line 6–8 m from the stumps; throwers queue behind it.
  3. One collector waits off to the side, well out of the line of the throw, and only moves in once the ball has stopped.

How it runs

  1. The thrower stands side-on with the front shoulder and front foot pointing at the stumps, the ball held in the fingers.
  2. Throwing arm goes back long and high, the front arm points at the target, then the thrower steps and throws over the top, finishing with the throwing hand down by the opposite knee.
  3. One point for a hit. The collector gathers the ball and rolls it back to the next thrower.
  4. Rotate: the thrower becomes the collector, and the collector joins the back of the queue. Three throws each per turn.

Coaching points

  • Side-on, point, step, throw.
  • Elbow at shoulder height or above as the arm comes through.
  • Eyes stay on the stumps, not the ball.
  • Only throw when the collector is out of the way and has called 'clear'.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing chest-on with a pushing, darting action.
  • Dropping the elbow so the ball sprays to the side.
  • Throwing before the collector is back out of the line.

Say it: “Point, step, throw over the top.”

Make it harder

  • Move the line back, or throw from a different angle each turn.
  • Roll the ball to the thrower first: they pick up on the move and throw.

Make it easier

  • Use two sets of stumps side by side or a bin as the target.
  • Come closer and throw from a kneeling position to learn the arm action.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.