Under 15’s

Club Coaching Plan

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Introduction

Warwickshire Cricket Board has produced a 6-week coaching plan for clubs to help them deliver high quality coaching to U15 players across the area. The plan features 6 sessions that challenge players.

The focus of the sessions is to develop technical and tactical play across all skills within the game, using game-based practices predominately, to implement the fundamental basics learned from under 9’s into situations where players need to apply tactical understanding and execution of skills, whilst retaining technical components.

This is particularly important at U15 level due to the amount of senior cricket that players are being exposed to, where the demands are intensified. The tactical components of the plan explores all 3 disciplines of the game and include changing the lengths that are bowled, how to bat in varying game situations, playing spin, power hitting and allowing opportunities for all players to experience captaincy. The sessions are also designed to focus on a specific skill in activity 1, which is then tested within a variable practice in activity 2, followed by activity 3, which is game-bases, implementing the skills learned within a game-based activity.

It is imperative that every player is , , catching and throwing as much possible, in order to develop the fundamental movements and techniques. The plan is set out to achieve continual active engagement in every activity. Progressions within activities are also an essential for both the development of the group, but also as an opportunity to challenge players through fun. There are a wide range of progression ideas for each activity, including competition, increasing or decreasing the difficulty of the task or rewards in games for using skills learned in main activity. Players should be encouraged to attempt the new learning in the game scenarios.

There is not an exhaustive amount of activities or progression options, so your own clubs’ ideas are welcomed. This coaching plan is designed to be there for clubs/coaches as a useful resource. If you need further assistance with planning, please use ‘I coach Cricket’ (http://icoachcricket.ecb.co.uk/) which shows examples and videos of activities and details of how to access the videos are within this document.

If you would like to discuss the plan or need further support, please contact WCB Cricket Development Coach, Andy Turnbull, via email ([email protected]).

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 1

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: Cricket balls Players divided into The feeder will throw all 5 Decrease distance 5-10 Enhanced Cones pairs and each pair balls in quick succession to the between players mins Physical use 5 cricket balls. catcher. The next ball will be to decrease Coordinated thrown once the previous ball reaction time. Random Cones separated 5m has been caught. The catcher Move the cones to Catch Feed apart from feeder to will drop the ball on the floor the side further catcher. in front of him before being apart to increase ready for the next catch. the ‘catching area’ 2 further cones placed and therefore the 2m either side of Feeds are to be varied in pace, difficulty of the catcher. width and height (game throw. Use a specific). tennis racket or cricket bat to feed (realistic).

Activity 1: Ladders Players to work on 4 1) Ladders: Players to hold a 1). Change 20 mins Enhanced Hurdles stations in a circuit ball to the chin, non-bowling direction of the Physical Cones format, looking to side arm and leg to be raised. back foot contact Strong + Balanced. Bowling Cricket Balls work on balance and Players hold balance on back to test balance. Page 1 Circuit Poles strength of the foot as they progress through Clockwise Stability Ladders bowling action at the ladders. 2) Hurdles: Player to rotations. 2). Strong back foot contact be in static position on back Increase number phase of delivery. foot before landing on front of hurdles to 3 Back Foot foot and bowling to a partner. before delivery. Contact Players to spend 5 3) Walk through, over hurdle 3 and 4). Use poles minutes at each bowl at a partner. 4) Jog to ensure body is activity. through, increasing run up aligned. speed as confidence grows. Activity 2: Cricket Balls Players remain in their The ‘bar’ is made up of 2 taller Increase/decrease 15 mins Enhanced Stumps teams, however, there cones and a pole resting height of the pole Practices Cones is now a specific across it. The length target to increase/ Bowling Under the Net facilities/ target, to bowl ‘under area symbolises a ‘good’ decrease difficulty. Page 1 Bar Square the bar’ which is length, an area which is Place a flat spot on Poles positioned on a good difficult to play as a batsman. an exact area to length. It will also highlight the small land the ball. Ask margins for error, if bowling player to do this Cones to encourage too full or short, which makes independently. follow through still in batsman’s decision easier. Introduce the use. 5pts for hitting the target, same targets for 10pts – through target. different areas of the pitch. Activity 3: Stumps This game is taking a Aim is for bowlers to bowl a Provide batters 30-60 Enhanced Cones soft ball practice consistent line and length with ‘goals’ to aim mins Practices Nets (shown on iCoach) utilising the practice from for, to simulate Page 1 Cricket Balls and taking it to a net both prior activities. gaps in the field. ‘Make the situation with a few The video will Batter adaptations. Batters are instructed to play Intervene when help you Play’ their natural game with no the time is right understand the Players are divided direct instructions. and have a scoring system, evenly between the discussion with the however it has amounts of net/hard Batters score a point for a players about been adapted to ball facilities available. run-scoring shot, (determined tactical aspects. incorporate net by coach). Bowlers score a How can bowlers play for U15 point for defensive shot trouble this players. played, or a play and miss. 5 batter? How can points scored for a . batters counteract that?

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 2

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: Stumps Players divide into 3 Coach start with the ball Variation of coach feed 10 mins Enhanced Cricket Balls groups and have a and feed a skim catch to at the start of each Practices Catching Mit station each as a Group 1, one bounce rotation (high, close Fielding 2 Ends Cones starting point. throw to group 2, throw catches for variation). Fielding Fielding Bat at stumps, group 3 return to keeper. Increase/decrease distance between Players to follow their stations. throw and continue to move around the How many catches? fielding circuit. Stump Hits? In a timed period.

Activity 1: Stumps Players divide into Each batter faces 10 Feeder can add spin to 10-15 Enhanced Cricket Balls groups of 4. Each balls before players the ball. mins Technical Cones groups sets up with a rotate positions. Batting Using Feet batsman, feeder and 2 Begin to talk about the Page 2 Against Nets (ideal – fielders. There are 4 Emphasis is on quick, type of spin on the ball. ‘Leaving crease’ Spin but tennis balls coned ‘goals’ set up as decisive movements Question batsmen in All Videos. on outfield can targets for the towards the ball, terms of ‘playing with be used). batsman to play the ensuring that batters the spin’. (Front Foot) ball through. Extra remain still at contact Focus is on cover, Mid Off, Mid point and are Smaller ‘goals’. moving feet to On, Mid-Wicket. committing the shot play spin they are playing, wither bowling on the Feeder underarms the defensive or attacking. 1 front foot. ball (no spin to start point for every goal with). scored.

Activity 2: Bats 2 pitches, 4 teams. Batters have 6 balls Ensure players 15 mins Basic Tennis balls Stumps set up at each per turn to score understand why these 4 Practices Cones opposite ends of the as many runs through fielding positions are Batting Lords Game Stumps pitch. Coned ‘pavilion’ the gaps as possible. 10 important for hitting Hitting the space Against set up for the awaiting points for each score. straight and which type Spin batters. ‘Gaps’ Fielders are not allowed of ball, based on line marked as cones 2-3m to block the gaps, should be hit towards a (Front Foot) apart at mid-off, mid- however they can move particular goal. on, extra cover and once the ball has been Smaller/larger goals. mid-wicket. struck. More variable feeds. Fielders can block the gaps. Activity 3: Cones Pairs game format set Each batting pair has 4 ‘Inner ring set up to 30-60 Enhanced Cricket Balls up, with a boundary overs batting time signify that 2 runs must mins Tactical Stumps and stumps 22 yards (simulating middle overs be attempted if the ball apart to match league of a game) in which they passes that area. Scoring Full batting kit. regulations. Players use tactics to play Against are placed into pairs against spin. Runs are Increase number of Spin and the remaining scored as normal rules, ‘goals’ in play to expand players act as fielders however a ‘goal’ is player’s tactics. and bowlers. Bowlers positioned for a sweep bowl within their shot and a bonus 5 runs Elect a captain within pairs, 2 balls in play to are scored for each fielders for each pair. speed the game up ‘goal’ plus runs scored. (alternate balls). Start on 200, lose 5 runs Adapt game for last 4 Wicket keeper in play. for a wicket. overs of an innings, Game designed to test boundary scoring tactical awareness in Use questioning to options for batsmen. all aspects of the understand thought game. All bowlers processes. must bowl spin.

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 3

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: 4 stumps 2 pitches, 4 Teams are attacking opposite 5 catches before a throw 5 mins Basic Tennis Balls teams. ends of the pitch. Players at goal. Physical Cones must move the ball round Page 1 Hand Bibs Pitch 20m long their team by throwing and Cannot throw the ball Hockey approximately. catching. At any point, back to the same person players can throw at the who threw it to you. Coned area target to score a point for around the their team. If the ball touches One handed only. (weak stumps. the floor, possession is given hand only – extension). to the opposing team. Ball rolled along the floor for fielding based game Activity 1: Cones Players work in Close: Take close catches for If there are Katchet 15 mins Enhanced Katchet Boards pairs and have a a quick warm up, to ensure boards available, use Technical Cricket Bats cone each, technique is consistent and them to throw the ball Fielding Close and Cricket Balls opposite each the ball is caught. Aim to onto and create variable D’ment 1,2,3 Skim other progress this activity quickly stimuli for the catcher to Page 1 Catching approximately to more challenging practices. deal with. Can also use a 5m apart. Each Skim: Players to overarm cricket bat and ball to pair has a cricket throw the ball to chest height throw the ball onto the ball. and a skim catch is taken. bat to vary the throw Ensure players understand further. Competitions the change of technique. with partner. Increase Additional cones to the side pace of throw to of the central cone, throw to replicate match vary between any of the 3 situation. areas, so player has to adjust and react as well as moving into catching position.

. Activity 2: Cones 4 catching 1) Slip catching game. 1) Drop catch = gully Enhanced Cricket Balls stations to test 2) Diving catching. ‘champion = first slip. Technical Fielding Bats the players’ use 3) Tennis racket skim (pace). 2) Crash mat, both sides Fielding Catching Tennis Racket of core principles 4) Reaction catching. diving, competitions. D’ment 1,2,3 Circuit Tennis Balls in variety of 3) Test of reactions from Page 1 Crash mat situations. a ball at pace. *Not all drills (if available) 4) Start facing back to are available ball/on floor and catch. but very useful and stretch the players. Activity 3: Cricket Balls 2 teams play on a Batters provide a batting Introducing coned ‘goals’ 30-60 Enhanced Cones decreased sized order and score runs as per too add to tactical play. mins Practices Stumps pitch, with normal cricket rules with the These goals must be Hardball kit smaller exception of boundaries, unguarded and act as a General Games boundaries, but where runs are halved due to gap for batters to score Danger pitch length the small size of the pitch. through. Additional 2 Page 1 remains the Each team nominates a runs scored. Man same as standard danger man, this player has (21 yards). the power to complete the Reduce the punishment following: of the close of an innings Coned ‘pavilion’ Batting Danger man = double if a wicket from the for remaining runs. Fielding Danger man danger man is taken. A batters, who will wicket/run out/catch = run deduction plus the score the match. batting innings over. fall of a wicket provides opportunity for all The team with the most runs batters to play. after 8 overs per side will win. Game can be repeated with new danger men.

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 4

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: Fielding Bat The group are divided The drill works as a circuit. Coach One hand only to pick the 10 mins Enhanced Stumps into 4 stations, in a feeds the ball to the back right ball up. Practices Cones square area. Each cone, who throws the ball at a Fielding Low and Cricket Balls corner of the square set of stumps in the centre of the Provide the team with a Page 1 Throw Catching Mit represents a station for area; the ball is backed up by target. How many a group of fielders to front left who returns to the successful stump hits? start. The coach has a coach. How many throws into fielding bat, a selection the mit? of cricket balls and a Coach then hits the ball to back mit and is positioned by left and the same process is Variety of feed: introduce a set of stumps at the completed on the opposite side. high and flat catches. top end of the square, Every player follows their throw. between 2 groups. Game is fast paced.

Safety: Ensure Players travel around the outside of the square when moving groups. Activity 1: Cricket Balls Players to work in small Bowlers start in a static position This can be progressed by 15 Enhanced Stumps teams (3-4) and each in back foot contact phase. There allowing for more of a run mins Technical Cones have a bowling lane to will be a line of cones between up in progressive stages, Bowling Net facilities/ use. back foot and where front foot from a couple of paces, Swing Bowling Bowling – Square will land. A trail of cones also through to full run up, D’ment 1,2,3 ‘Energy Poles Focus of this activity is placed in a tunnel through to ensuring that the focus of Page 1 to improve the energy target. the drill isn’t lost. The towards the created towards the Aim for bowler is to land and same drill and core target’ target, particularly the follow through by driving back principles can be applied follow through. leg forward and allowing bowling for spin bowlers. arm to travel to alternate side of Targets: off stump foam, body. coned area on ‘good’ length. Poles can be used for a target line.

Activity 2: Cricket Balls 3 lanes of bowlers, all The game works as a mental Delay the information 20 Enhanced Cones with 3 differing target challenge as the delivery that is even further, challenging mins Practices Stumps areas (marked with a to be bowled is only known to the bowlers ability to Bowling Bouncer, box of cones). Bouncer the bowler just before the jump react to stimuli faced in a Page 1 Length, (short) Length (good) and bound. It is the job of the game. Introduction of and Yorker. previous bowler to let the next slower ball, call. Advance Slower, player know what type of ball is to slower ball Yorker and Yorker Players take it in turns to be bowled. bouncer. Bonus 5 points within their lane to for hitting stumps with score as many points as Each successful area hit, is 5 good or Yorker length. possible. points. Smaller target areas.

Introduce a batsman, game specific contest. (ensure cones etc are moved).

Activity 2: Cones Pair’s game format set The game is tactical based. The Coach using intervene 45 Enhanced Cricket Balls up, with a boundary scenario is playing within the first tool to understand the mins Tactical Stumps and stumps 21 yards 10 overs of a longer form game. decisions being made by Page 1 apart to match league Each batting pair will bat for 4 batters, bowlers, captain Opening Full batting regulations. overs, with runs scored as and fielders. kit. normal. Up Players are placed into Role of captain provided ‘First 10 pairs and the remaining Pairs start on score of 0 and aim to a new player in each overs’ players act as fielders to score 15 runs and lose no and bowlers. Bowlers . Contest is batting pair vs contest. bowl within their pairs, fielding pair. 2 balls in play to speed Encourage a formulated the game up (alternate plan by asking questions balls). Wicket keeper in mid game to individuals. play.

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 5

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: Cones Players are in pairs. Each pair must complete as ‘Ball change’. Where 5 mins Basic Cricket Balls many close catches as possible. you must swap balls Physical Pairs are 5m apart with any other pair Warm Up All and there are 2 lines When the coach calls ‘inside as quickly as you Catching Relay. Around of partners along change’, the 2 players on the can. ‘Team change’. Catching the playing area, inside of the catching area, The outside players Use ‘catching with the central must swap partners and must find a new relay’ video for players ‘back to continue catching. ‘Outside partner to work understanding, back’ change’ is where the 2 players with. Continue to this game is a on the outside of the area mix up the progression. Each pair has a swap. commands. 2 balls tennis ball. per pair. Work at pace. Activity 2: Incredi-balls Players work in Batsmen to wear gloves and face Start in batting 10 mins There are no Cones groups of 4 and each 10 balls each, starting in a ‘ready’ stance. videos on Stumps are provided with a position to strike the ball with iCoach that set of stumps to the front leg open to leave a Competition within replicate the T20 create small wicket. clear bat path to the ball. Feeds groups, 5 runs for a drill; however, will be half volleys and at a ‘strike’ saved looking at the Batting – The feeder will be 10 decent speed to simulate game between goal and 10 front foot Power yards from the bat, play. for a finding the gap, videos will Hitting and 2 fielders will either in the air or on translate the guard a goals placed The aim is for the batters to find the floor. 5 runs to key basics. between mid-off and the gap between the fielders as the catcher if taken. Power hitting mid-wicket. many times as possible. requires a Complete the same strong base, still Players switch roles after 10 process for power head and balls. Feeder changes to batter hitting on the off contact under and batter moves to fielding. side. the eyes. Remaining fielder becomes the feeder. Activity 1: Cones Players in groups of 3. Players attempt 3 reverse sweep Scoring points for 10 mins Enhanced Bats shots with feeds coming at waist success of shot. 10 Technical Tennis balls. Each group has a height without a bounce. points through your Batting station, with one set goal, 5 points for Page 3 Reverse Batting Gloves of stumps, a bat and After 3 attempts, the feeder either side or 2 points Sweep Shot a cone to signify becomes the batter, batter if the ball is in the air. Dev’ment Sweep where the feeder becomes the fielder and the 0 points for anything practices. should stand. 3rd fielder becomes the feeder. else. Link to Shot player acts as the conventional sweep, Technique fielder. Aim is for the batter to cleanly decision now to be strike the ball through the off made. Adjust feed Ensure all groups are side, square, or behind square. ‘spin’ so batters can hitting in the same learn to play with direction for safety. Introduce fundamental technical spin. Net scenario. points to help players improve. Activity 3: Cones Pair’s game format The game is tactical based. The Coach using 45 mins Enhanced Cricket Balls set up, with a scenario is playing within the last intervene tool to Tactical Stumps boundary and stumps 4 overs of a T20 game. Each understand the Page 1 21 yards apart to batting pair will bat for 4 overs, decisions being ‘Opening Up’ Full batting kit. match league with runs scored as normal. made by batters, T20 regulations. bowlers, captain Pairs start on score of 0 and aim and fielders. Role of Scenario Players are placed to score 40 runs and lose no captain provided to Batting into pairs and the more than 2 wickets. Contest is remaining players act batting pair vs fielding pair. a new player in each as fielders and contest. Encourage bowlers. Bowlers Batters encouraged to be very a formulated plan bowl within their positive and attacking, using by asking questions. pairs, 2 balls in play shots that have been practiced to speed the game up throughout the sessions to Encourage use of (alternate balls). expand tactical and technical power hitting and Wicket keeper in play. reverse sweep as play. practiced.

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U15’s Summer Coaching: Session 6

Equipment Set Up Rules Progressions Time iCoach Video Warm Up: Cones Players divided into 10pts – two handed catch Include bonus 15 mins Enhanced Stumps 2 teams and 50pts – one handed catch points (discretional) Practices Cricket Balls compete to score as 75pts – catch on knees for hitting a set of Fielding many points as 100pts – catch on one leg stumps with a direct Page 1 Extreme possible by taking a 100pts – press up + catch hit throw. Catching variety of catches 200pts – sit on floor + catch (close, skim, high) 200pts – team catch (2 people relay) Include a boundary with more reward so that the catches for higher difficulty Coach feeds using a fielding bat are close to the catches. and a throw returns the ball to rope and players the mit. have to think about special awareness. Activity 1: Stumps Players divide into Feeder rolls out the ball to the Linking to point 5). 10-15 mins Enhanced Pop up Nets even groups of 4. thrower, who attacks and picks This can be Techincal Cricket Balls Game is set up with 2 up the ball. They then attempt a introduced Fielding sets of stumps. One throw. Stumps are called keeper throughout the Page 2 Fielding to the left of the (left) and bowler (right). 5 points activity, to vary the Start of stage. thrower, one to the for each hit in a completion angle of the pick-up Challenge right. The 2 at the between players. and approach to the This is a very side have a pop up ball. basic example of net next to them. Sessions can develop as follows: the drill outlined The pace and in the text, Players take turns to 1) Bowlers end. direction of the continued be the thrower. Every 2) Keepers End. throw can be varied. progress. player has 1 throw in 3) Feeder calls. relay. 9 throws 4) Feeder calls late. Add a diving stop and before change. 5) Angle of start point throw. varies. Activity 3: Indoor Nets Net sessions, Batters score points for scoring Increase/decrease 35 mins Enhanced Cricket Balls players split into the ‘goals’ through the zones. 10 size of the ‘goals’. Practices Cones nets so that there points for blue ‘goals’ and 20 Page 1 Stumps are 4/5 players per points for yellow ‘goals’. 5 bonus runs for Hit the lane. well executed cut Gaps Bowlers can also score points. and pull shots. (Nets) Coned ‘goals’ set up 10 points for play and miss. in various fielding 10 points for hitting the pad. Adjust position of positions around 20 points for a wicket. ‘goals’ – therefore the net. Straight, adjustments in shot covers, point, mid- Combined total will formed played will also be a wicket and square and winner will reflect factor. leg. Cover and performance in both straight marked disciplines. yellow and remainder, blue. Activity 3: Cones Pair’s game format There is an ‘inner ring’ which is Introduce points for 30 mins Basic Cricket Balls set up, with a 20-25 yards from the pitch, all bowlers and Practices Stumps boundary. around the playing area. fielders. 5 runs for Page 1 both a wicket, Pairs Full batting kit. Players are placed When the ball passes the inner catch, or run out, into pairs and the ring, batters must attempt 2 which is added to Cricket – remaining players act runs, however, when the ball their team score. Hit and as fielders and doesn’t pass the inner ring, 1 Run bowlers. Bowlers bowl within their run must be attempted. Add scoring zones pairs, 2 balls in play for batters, 2 runs to speed the game up Pairs start on 200, runs scored plus runs scored for (alternate balls). as normal with loss of 5 runs each zone. Wicket keeper in for a wicket. Each pair lasts 4 play. overs. ‘Pressure over’ – Need 15 off next 6 balls. Coach can call this at any time.

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