Pairs cricket game

Setup

1. Two teams of four to eight. Use a short pitch and a small coned boundary; check your association's junior format for pitch length, boundary size and overs per pair.
2. The batting team splits into pairs and sets a batting order. Waiting batters sit together well behind the boundary, in the shade.
3. Every fielder will bowl an over, so write the bowling order down before the start.

How it runs

1. Each pair bats together for the same number of overs (for example two overs per pair), whatever happens.
2. Batters run and score as normal: runs between the wickets, four when the ball reaches the boundary and six when it clears it on the full.
3. When a batter is out (bowled, caught, run out or stumped), runs are taken off the pair's score and the batters swap ends, but they keep batting. How many runs come off varies by format; five is a common house rule.
4. Each fielder bowls an over in turn and everyone takes a turn behind the stumps. Swap innings when every pair has batted; the higher team total wins.
5. Rotate fielding positions every over so nobody spends the game in one spot.

Coaching points

• Batters: call every run, 'yes', 'no' or 'wait', and ground the bat over the line.
• Bowlers: bowl from the same mark each ball and aim at the stumps.
• Fielders: walk in as the bowler runs up, ready to stop the ball.
• Cheer good play from both teams and keep the game moving.

Common mistakes

• Batters stopping to celebrate or argue about an out; the next ball comes quickly.
• Fielders crowding round the bat. Keep them spread out and at a safe distance.
• Long waits for the next pair. Have them padded up (if needed) and ready.