Range hitting and power

Setup

1. Use a ground or field with a large clear area in front of the batter. Before the first ball, the coach checks that nobody is in the hitting arc, including other teams, spectators and people walking through.
2. The feeder throws from behind a protective L-screen at the bowling end, or uses a bowling machine. The feeder ducks behind the screen after every feed.
3. Mark a 'six line' of cones in the V between long-off and long-on, and a 'four line' closer in.
4. Everyone not batting or feeding waits behind the batter's end and outside the arc. Nobody fetches balls until the coach calls 'all clear' and the batter has grounded the bat.
5. The batter wears full kit with a helmet and faceguard.

How it runs

1. Block 1, technique: ten balls fed on a full length. The batter hits straight back over the feeder's screen, aiming between the cones. Focus on base and swing, not distance.
2. Block 2, scoring: twelve balls. 3 points over the six line in the V, 2 over the four line, 1 for a hit along the ground, minus 1 for a mis-hit in the air that a fielder would catch.
3. Block 3, zones: the coach calls a zone before each ball (straight, over long-on, over extra cover) and the batter has to pick the hit to that area.
4. After each block, the coach calls 'all clear'; the batter steps away and the group collects the balls together.

Coaching points

• A stable base first: feet a little wider than usual, weight balanced, head still and level at release.
• Hold your shape and let the ball come to you. Swing hard through the line, don't lunge at it.
• Create space by clearing the front leg slightly as the ball arrives, so the hands can swing through freely.
• Fast hands and a full follow-through. The bat speed at contact is what sends the ball, not how hard you grip.
• Hit with the line. Straight balls go straight; fuller, wider balls go over cover.
• Strength and timing come before tricks. Train the base and swing before adding scoops or ramps.

Common mistakes

• Falling away to the leg side and slicing the ball.
• Head moving early to watch where the ball will go.
• Pre-deciding the shot and swinging at a ball in the wrong place.
• Collecting balls before the coach has called all clear.