Cricket · Batting · Running between wickets

Rotating the strike: finding singles

Batting pairs score only by running, so they learn to place the ball into gaps with soft hands and call early against a set field.

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Start / 5
Time
25 min
Players
8–14
Age
U12+
Area
Pitch and 30 m ring
Equipment
6 balls (incrediball to start, hard ball later)2 sets of stumps2 bats2 helmet with faceguard, pads and gloves (hard ball)8 cones

Setup

  1. A pitch with stumps at both ends and a pair of batters padded up. A bowler (or coach feeding throw-downs) bowls from one end.
  2. Six fielders stand back on a cone ring about 25–30 m from the bat, leaving gaps in front of them. A keeper stands back.
  3. No boundaries: only runs completed by running count, and any ball hit in the air beyond the ring is out.

How it runs

  1. Each pair faces two overs. Score one point per run and lose two for every dot ball.
  2. The batter plays with soft hands or a firm push into the gaps in front of the ring fielders and the pair run.
  3. The striker calls for anything in front of square; the non-striker calls for anything behind square.
  4. Normal run outs apply: a batter is safe only once the bat or a part of the body is grounded behind the popping crease.
  5. Swap pairs after two overs. The best total for the session wins.

Coaching points

  • Loose bottom hand and a soft grip so the ball dies a few metres from the bat.
  • Look for the gap before the ball is bowled, then pick the length and play late into it.
  • Clear, loud calls: 'Yes', 'No' or 'Wait'. 'Wait' is followed by a decision straight away.
  • Non-striker backs up a few steps as the bowler bowls, but keeps the bat behind the crease until the ball is released, or risks being run out at the bowler's end.
  • Run on opposite sides of the pitch, carry the bat in the hand nearest the stumps you are running to and slide it in.

Common mistakes

  • Hitting hard straight at fielders instead of placing the ball.
  • Ball-watching instead of running once the call is made.
  • Both batters calling, or no one calling.
  • Non-striker leaving the crease before the ball is released.

Say it: “Soft hands, early call, run hard.”

Make it harder

  • Bring the ring in to 20 m, so the gaps are smaller and fielders are quicker to the ball.
  • Play with a hard ball and a bowler instead of throw-downs.
  • Run out by a direct hit costs five points.

Make it easier

  • Coach underarm feeds on a good length so batters can focus on placement.
  • Mark two big gaps with cones and score double for runs through them.
  • Dot balls cost one point, not two.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.