ECB SESSION PLANS

The session plans have been designed to help

to provide guidance on planning and

delivering a range of activities for children who

are being introduced to cricket.

They also provide information on basic

movement skills for players and ideas on

developing tactical awareness.

It is recommended that the plans are in used

in conjunction with the ECB Coaching cards

that will provide further information on

technical areas, games and differentiation.

The session plans have been designed to be

used as an A4 sheet or they can be cut out

and attached to the existing coaching cards

for ease of use.

It is important to note that the range of

activities, timings and key learning points are

provided as general guidance only and the

sessions can be adapted to meet the needs

of the players. For example, a number of the

sessions start with a game - if this is seen to

be beneficial within the earlier sessions

activities can be changed when appropriate.

The following symbols are used throughout the

session plans:

Number of players required

Number of balls required

Number of bats required

Number of stumps required

Number of cones required

Number of markers required

Number of batting T's required

Number of large sponge balls required

Finally the session plans aim to help ensure

that coaches fulfil the ECB philosophy of

'Providing a fun and safe environment in which

people, particularly children and young

people, can enjoy their first experience of

cricket, gain some success and are motivated

to want to go on playing.'

ECB believes that good coaching is about

coaching people not just coaching cricket;

emphasis should be on helping people to

grow and develop holistically, open to all -

equity, respect for the game, opposition,

equipment and facilities.

.Players in 3 lines who have to react as quickly as possible to commands.Commands may include:.Swap - swap places with a team mate in your line.Check - Turn 180 degrees.Various colours to swap lines e.g. line 1 is red, line 2 yellow, line 3 blue.Touch the floor - jump up and clap your hands.Clap hands - touch the floor

SESSION 1

Players move round a coned area passing the ball from hand to hand.Coach calls out a number which links to a command listed below:.1. throw the ball into the air and clap 7 times.2. throw the ball to another person swapping in mid air.3. bounce the ball from left hand to right hand 7 times.4. figure of 8 through legs whilst walking (forwards and backwards).5. throw ball into air and catch behind back

stance bat tapbackswing

& step forward

stance

TRAFFIC LIGHTS.Players to work on ballsof feet, knees flexed, armsflexed, relaxed and slightlyforward of body.When players swap linesconsider including sidesteps, hoping, skipping.Include mobility exercises

EFFECTIVE RECALL.Consider holding up fingers indicating the number of the command.Ask children to inventown trick

CONTINUOUS CRICKET.Batters to consider wherethey are looking to hit theball e.g. into gaps, overfielders.Fielders to consider whatthey can be doing as theball is fed e.g. Walking inand being in a ‘ready position’

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

XCVZVZVBZX xxmins4-88 2 1 2 4 6 8 12

XCVZVZVBZX xxmins4-88 2 1 2 4 6 8 12

.Partner catch.Straight, right, left, vary.Different heights.“Mixed Service”.Game

TRAFFIC LIGHTS 15mins24 6

EFFECTIVE RECALL 15mins24 24 4 CONTINUOUS CRICKET 30

mins24 1 2 1 3

CLOSE CATCHING 15mins24 12 4

NB: Coaching points for closecatching may be includedduring this activity

.Objective: to score goals by throwing small balls at the large ball..A goal is scored when the large ball crosses the opposition goal line..When a goal is scored the ball is replaced in the centre..Balls can be collected from in front of the goal line but not thrown from there.

SESSION 2

CROSS FIRE 15mins24 1 24 4

INTRODUCTION TO THROWING 15mins2 1 4.1. Wrist flick (3 metres to target) flick wrist and fingers, bounce ball

towards target.2. Elbow flick (5 metres to target) flick elbow, wrist and fingers, bounce ball towards target.3. Upper body rotation (10 metres to target) kneeling on throwing knee, high elbow, full follow through

Players in 3 lines who have to react as quickly as possible to commandsCommands may include:.”Swap” - swap places with a team mate in your line.”Check” - Turn 180 degrees.Various colours to swap lines e.g. line 1 is red, line 2 yellow, line 3 blue.”Touch the floor” - jump up and clap your hands.”Clap hands” - touch the floor

TRAFFIC LIGHTS 15mins24 6

NB: Coaching points for standing throw may beincluded during this activity

1 2 3

CONTINUOUS CRICKET 30mins24 1 2 1 3

TRAFFIC LIGHTS.Players to maintain a'ready' position e.g. workingon balls of feet, kneesflexed, arms flexed, relaxedand slightly forward of body.When changing directionquickly, movements shouldstart with turning the headand focussing on a newtarget.include mobility exercises

CROSS FIRE.Fielders to consider whatis important when fieldingthe ball e.g. maintain a largecatching area with handsand watch the ball

CONTINUOUS CRICKET .Batters to consider howthey can score more runse.g. hit the ball into gaps,over fielders, run and turnquickly.Fielders to decide as agroup where they shouldstand.Fielders to consider whatthey can be doing if the balldoesn't come to them e.g.backing up other fielders

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

.Players number themselves 1 to 5.1 to 3 stand behind the red cone.4 to 5 stand behind the other cone.Number 1’s fetch a ball & rejoin group.Underarm throw to the person opposite.Once you have thrown the ball walk to the back of the other line

.Players number themselves 1 to 6.Number 1 bats .Number 2 serves/replaces ball on batting tee.Number 3, 4, 5 and 6 field .Four or five goes each then rotate

SESSION 3

CATCHING RELAY 15mins5 1 2

HITTING OFF FRONT FOOT 30mins6 1 1 2

GRIP, STANCE, BACKSWING AND STEP

GRIP.Fingers and thumbs wrapped around the bat handle.’V’ in line between splice and edge.Hands close together.Top hand against inside front thighSTANCE.Feet parallel and a foot length apart.Weight evenly distributed and knees flexed.Side-on position, relaxed.Eyes level over toesSTANCE & BAT TAP.Wrists and arms only.Top hand control.Bat handle close to body,

in line with & under shouldersBACKSWING & STEP.Co-ordinated movement.Comfortable stride.Smooth movement of head

toward line of the ball

!

stance bat tapbackswing

& step forward

stance

.See ECB Coaching Cards for detailed guidance

NB: Coaching points forgrip, stance, backswing & step may be includedduring this activity

LORD’S GAME 30mins1 1 1 216

CATCHING RELAY.Players to be in the readyposition when catching theball..Opportunity to reinforcekey coaching points forcatching.Consider feed e.g. ballmay be rolled or bounced.Consider how playersmove to back of line oncethey have thrown the balle.g. side steps, skipping,working through cones,change speed.Consider runningtechnique e.g. head up,pumping of arms, working onballs of feet, eyes forward

HITTING OFF FRONT FOOT.Challenge fielders to stopthe ball crossing the fieldingline

LORD’S GAME.The running batter toground their bat over the lineand turn with a low bodyposition.Opportunity to reinforcethrowing technique

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

.Players bounce ball on the bat or part of the bat e.g. edge, back, toe.Find partner and follow - change round .Stand on one leg .Bounce ball on bat then go onto knees, lie down, back up again .One low tap, 1 high, 4 low, 1 high etc .Let ball bounce on floor and kick ball back onto bat - can you use both feet .Catch ball on bat after high hit .Add distractions e.g. move in zoned area avoiding cones on the floor .Opposite a partner - bat tennis

SESSION 4

BAT TAP 10mins1 1 1

HIGH CATCHING 10mins2 1.Continuous catching.Different heights.Service to draw catcher forwards.Catcher stands closer and service to

send catcher backwards."Mixed Service" organisation picture

HITTING OFF FRONT FOOT 20mins6 1 1 2

CRICKET ROUNDERS 30mins24 7 1 1.1 run is scored each

time a batter reaches 4th base. Batters then join the back of the line.Batters can be caught, bowled or run out. If batters are out they can join the back of line..Timed innings.Multiple outs are possible

BAT TAPS.Ensure players have bothhands on bat handle.Consider giving othersignals for commands otherthan verbal e.g. holding redcone in air means balance on one leg7 point challenge - name 7points on the bat that playershave to bounce the ball on .Opportunity for youngstersto make up their own trick(individually or as a smallgroup)

HITTING OFF FRONT FOOT.Reinforce the importanceof quality fielding and stoppingthe ball crossing the line

CATCHING TENNIS.Players to maintain abalanced position andanticipate where the ball will go

CRICKET ROUNDERS.When running look for anexplosive start and feetspending as little time aspossible on the ground.Players to consider whichbase they are throwing to(decision making skills)

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

CATCHING TENNIS 15mins2 1.Players in one zone have to throw a soft ball under arm over waist height

into the other zone and try to make the ball bounce.If they succeedthey score a point.Players in theother zone tryand do the same

.Players stand near a cone to form a circle and face inward.One player stands in the middle of the circle.Player with the ball aims to underarm throw the sponge ball to hit the middle player below the knees.Player in the middle aims to avoid the ball but if hit they are replaced

To avoid possible injury it isimportant that the shouldersand hips are pointing in thesame direction when bowling

SESSION 5

DODGE BALL 10mins6 1 4

THE BOWLING ACTION 20mins2 1 2

TARGET BOWLING 15mins6 2 1 4

.First player bowls overarm at the ground target .The ball is collected by a player who from behind the wicket runs to the opposite end.The bowler runs beyond the wicket to become one of the wicket keepers.Points (individual and / or group) can be given for accuracy: e.g. landing in the target = 1 point, hitting the wicket = 1 point, doing both = 3 points

NB: Coaching points for bowlingfrom the base position may beincluded during this activity

.Bowling in pairs (tennis ball with chalked seam or soft ball with seam).Distance depends on age.Target areas.Game.Be flexiible - adapt to each individual(side on, front on, midway)

PAIRS CRICKET 30mins10 2 2 1 2

DODGE BALL.Players to maintain abalanced position and stayon balls of feet.Player in the middle touse a range movements e.g.backwards, forwards, sidesteps, jumps, turns, twists.Fielders on the outside ofthe circle to anticipate wherethe ball is going

BOWLING.Bowlers to have all bodyparts moving towards thetarget

TARGET BOWLING.Opportunity to reinforcewicket keeping work fromlast session

PAIRS CRICKET.Bowlers to consider whatline and length they arelooking to bowl e.g. offstump, on a good length.Consider introducingcalling to the batters e.g.yes, no or wait.Fielders to anticipatewhere the ball is going to go

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

.A tennis ball is passed in order between team mates numbered 1 to 6. .Once completed start again at number 1..Once the ball has been thrown players must move somewhere else in the coned area.Refer to coaching cards for ideas on progression

SESSION 6

CATCHING BY NUMBERS 10mins6 3 4

LORDS GAME: PULL SHOT 20mins24 1 1 1 2

PULL SHOT 20mins4-66 1 1 3 1 4

.Batter to hit ball from batting tee / cricket stump.4/5 goes each and then rotate.Left-handed batters No.6, 5, etc.Depending on the ability of the group, an overarm bounce throw service to hip height of batter may be appropriate

CRICKET ROUNDERS 25mins24 7 1 1

.1 run is scored each time a batter reaches 4th base. Batters then join the back of the line.Batters can be caught, bowled or run out. If batters are out they can join the back of line. .Timed innings.Multiple outs are possible

WARM UP.Players to move on ballsof feet with the ability toreact quickly. .Players to use a range ofmovements e.g. forwards,backwards, side steps,hopping, jumping.Players to use peoples’names, call for catch (teamwork)

CRICKET ROUNDERS.Consider giving fieldingteam responsibility fordeciding where to stand(problem solving) .Players to anticipatewhere the ball is going to behit

LORDS GAME.Batters to consider whatwill help them to decidewhen to run e.g. if the ball ishit into the gap betweenfielders, over fielders oridentify the weakest fielders.Fielders to beresponsible for their area orzone

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

Indoor Outdoor

.Players are divided into two teams. .Players pass the ball to team members. .Once 5 consecutive passes have been made one point is scored. .Combine with mobility exercises.

SESSION 7

KEEP BALL 10mins12 1 4

DIAMOND CRICKET 25mins24 4 4 1

.5 goes each.Straight take.Off side take.Leg side take."Mixed service"

WICKET KEEPING 20mins2 1 4

NB: Coaching points for wicketkeeping may be included duringthis activity

PULL SHOT WITH SERVE 20mins4-66 2 1 1 4

.An overarm bounce throw service to hip height of batter.Batter to say “ready”.4/5 goes each and then rotate.Left-handed batters No.6, 5, etc.Wicket keeper at least 3 metres behind batter

Indoor

KEEP BALL.Players to consider ofhow move into space e.g.change direction, work onballs of feet, explosivemovements

PULL SHOT .Consider, if necessary,alternative feed options e.g.batting tee, underarm serve.Opportunity to reinforcewhen we play this shot e.g.short ball, usually passingoutside leg stump.Opportunity to reinforceto fielders the importance ofquality fielding andpreventing the ball crossingthe fielding line.Fielders to be in athletic'ready' position

WICKETKEEPING.Consider feeders bowlingthe ball

DIAMOND CRICKET.Fielders to be supportiveof each other and work as ateam e.g. praise effort,backing up.Batters to consider shotselection e.g. when it isappropriate to play forwardor back

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate

Outdoor

.Divide the players into groups of 8 and then into 2 teams of 4.One team running between the wickets, and other fielding & returning ball to a wicket keeper.Wicket keeper rolls ball into fielding area (6 to 12 m). As soon as ball is rolled, batter tries to reach the far crease & back (2 runs).Fielder runs and tries to hit the wicket with the ball or return the ball to wicket keeper to break the wicket before the batter has completed 2 runs.Single runs do not count so no runs are scored when a batter is out

SESSION 8

RUN THEM OUT GAME 20mins8 4 4 1 2

ONE HANDED INTERCEPT & THROW 20mins2 1 2.No.1 rolls the ball to halfway point.No.2 attacks the ball.Underarm to partner (no bounce).5 goes each and change

.Balanced and low.Watch the ball, pick up outside throwing foot. Stay low.Throwing hand arm and body follow through towards target

DIAMOND CRICKET 25mins24 4 4 1

.A tennis ball is passed in order between team mates numbered 1 to 6. .Once completed start again at number 1..Once the ball has been thrown players must move somewhere else in the coned area.Refer to coaching cards for ideas on progression

CATCHING BY NUMBERS 10mins6 3 4

CATCHING BY NUMBERS.Consider asking players,once 12 catches have beencompleted, to touch all 4cones or complete a lap ofthe zoned area in onedirection

RUN THEM OUT GAME.Batters, when turning toreach out with bat and turnwith the body in a lowposition. The movementshould start with a turning ofthe head and focus on anew target. .Fielders to approach theball with short strides, low,balanced and maintainmomentum towards target

DIAMOND CRICKET.Fielders to be supportiveof each other and work as ateam e.g. praise effort,backing up.Batters to consider shotselection e.g. when it isappropriate to play forwardor back

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

.High catching.Bat taps.Distraction catching

SESSION 9

CIRCUIT 20mins12-118 8-112 4-66 6

.Players are divided into two teams. .Players pass the ball to team members. .Once 5 consecutive passes have been made one point is scored. .Combine with mobility exercises.

KEEP BALL 10mins12 1 4

TARGET BOWLING 15mins6 2 1 4.First player bowls overarm at the ground target .The ball is collected by a player who from behind the wicket runs to the

opposite end.The bowler runs beyond the wicket to become one of the wicket keepers.Points (individual and / or group) can be given for accuracy:- one point for landing in the target - one point for hitting the wicket- three points for doing both

PAIRS CRICKET 30mins10 2 2 1 2

CRICKET CIRCUIT.Consider adding acompetitive element e.g.keeping individual scores,team scores.Consider adapting orproviding alternativeactivities e.g. from Wings toFly DVD to encourage thedevelopment of agility,balance, coordination,speed

TARGET BOWLING.Consider using differenttypes of ball e.g. swingballs, seamed tennis balls

PAIRS CRICKET.Batters to hit the ballthrough the gaps, look forquick singles, run quickly,call for runs e.g. yes, no orwait.Bowlers to pitch the ballon a good length, on offstump to make it difficult forthe batter to score.Non striking batter towalk towards the striker asthe ball is bowled to help thestriker score runs

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

CATCHING TENNIS 15mins2 1.Players in one

zone have tothrow a soft ball under arm over waist height intothe other zoneand try to makethe ball bounce.If they succeedthey score a point.Players in theother zone tryand do the same

SESSION 10

PAIRS CRICKET 30mins10 2 2 1 2

.Players number themselves 1 to 5.1 to 3 stand behind the red cone.4 to 5 stand behind the other cone.Number 1’s fetch a ball & rejoin group.Underarm throw to the person opposite.Once you have thrown the ball walk to the back of the other line

CATCHING RELAY 10mins5 1 2

CATCHING TENNIS.Players to maintainathletic 'ready' position.Players to decideamongst themselves whereto stand within coned area

WICKETKEEPING.Consider introducingtaped or swing balls.Depending on pace ofball keepers to stand up orstand back.Consider feeders bowlingthe ball

PAIRS CRICKET.Opportunity to introduceor recap on fielding positionnames.Consider rewarding goodfielding with bonus runs e.g. diving stops, team worksuch as backing up

REMEMBER:To run a cool down .Slower paced activity.Static stretches.Reflect on session.Players to re-hydrate.Provide ideas for practice

.5 goes each.Straight take.Off side take.Leg side take."Mixed service"

WICKET KEEPING 20mins2 1 4

NB: Coaching points for wicketkeeping may be included duringthis activity