Slip catching with a cradle or angled feeds

Setup

1. Set the cradle on flat ground. The feeder stands about 8 m from it on one side; three slip fielders crouch in an arc about 5 m away on the other side.
2. No cradle? The coach holds a bat at an angle and throws the ball onto the face, or edges gentle throw-downs, so the ball deflects to the cordon.
3. Use incrediballs or tennis balls. Only move to a hard ball once catching is consistent, and keep the feeds below head height.

How it runs

1. The feeder calls 'ready', then throws firmly into the cradle so the ball flies off at different angles and heights.
2. Whoever the ball goes to catches it; neighbours call 'mine' or the fielder's name on anything between them.
3. The catcher rolls the ball back along the ground to the feeder.
4. Rotate positions every six catches so everyone fields at first, second and third slip.

Coaching points

• Ready position: feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of the feet, knees bent, hands relaxed in front of the knees.
• Watch the cradle (the edge of the bat), not the feeder's hand.
• Below the chest: fingers point down. Above the chest: fingers point up.
• Give with the hands as the ball arrives; hard hands drop catches.
• Stay down until the ball has gone past; slips who stand up early can't react to low edges.

Common mistakes

• Rising as the ball is thrown, so low catches go under the hands.
• Snatching at the ball with stiff fingers.
• Two fielders going for the same ball without calling.
• Standing too close together, or too far apart, so catches fall in the gaps.