Coaches Guide
Every junior cricket team needs a nominated coach to help guide players, coordinate game-day requirements and provide a safe and positive environment throughout the season.
Cricket clubs rely heavily on volunteers, and our teams cannot take the field without the support of parents and carers. While the coach leads the team, one person cannot do everything alone. We ask families to share game-day responsibilities, including:
- Umpiring
- Live scoring
- Setting up and packing away the field
- Assisting with equipment
- Supporting player supervision and safety
You do not need to be a cricket expert to help. Sharing these responsibilities allows the coach to focus on the players and helps ensure game days run smoothly for everyone.
The following guide outlines the key tasks coaches and team volunteers should complete before, during and after each game. It also includes simple training drills that can be adapted to suit different ages and skill levels.
Match Day Responsibilities
Before Play
- Confirm the fixture, venue, start time and team availability.
- Check that match balls, scorebook, stumps, bails, cones, first-aid kit and spare equipment are available.
- Complete the team list and confirm who will be responsible for live scoring.
- Inspect the playing area and raise any safety concerns before play begins.
During Play
- Promote positive behaviour, fair play and respect.
- Monitor player welfare and ensure junior players are appropriately supervised.
- Keep live scoring current and check the score at innings breaks.
- Record any injuries, incidents, equipment issues or ground concerns.
After Play
- Confirm the final score and submit the result.
- Collect equipment and leave the playing and surrounding areas clean.
- Report any injuries, incidents, complaints, damaged equipment or scoring issues to the club.
Training Drills
Training Drills
Distraction Catching
Players work in pairs and race to complete 20 catches. Coaches can vary the height or distance of the throws or introduce a time limit.
Gather and Throw
Roll the ball through a cone gate. The player gathers the ball, sets their feet and throws at one stump.
Team Run-Out
Players relay the ball around a square and finish the drill by attempting to hit the stumps.
Basic Helpful Drill Videos
Fielding Drills - Part 1 | Cricket
Fielding Drills - Part 2 | Cricket
Bowling Drills
Rock and Bowl
Players start side-on and rock through the bowling action, focusing on maintaining a straight bowling arm.
Line and Length Zones
Create a target area using cones. Players score points by landing the ball in the target area, with additional points for hitting the stumps.
Run-Up Channel
Use two lines of cones to create a channel where players can practise a balanced and straight run-up.
Basic Helpful Drill Videos
How to Bowl in Cricket - Part 1 | Cricket
Batting Drills
Hit the Gap
Set up two cone gates. Players score points by controlling the ball through either gate.
Tee Target
Players hit the ball from a tee towards a straight target, focusing on balance, control and completing a full swing.
Yes, No, Wait
Players work in pairs to practise clear calling and completing safe runs after controlled shots.
Basic Helpful Drill Videos
Kids Cricket Batting Drill: Leading with the Head, Part 1
Cricket Lessons for Kids - Basic Drills
