Short, focused drills build skill faster than long, unstructured nets. These five work with any school squad.

  1. Throwdowns — a coach feeds from 15 yards to groove technique. Needs: balls, stumps.
  2. Target bowling — mark a good-length zone and score each delivery that lands in it. Needs: cones, balls.
  3. Relay catching — teams race to complete catches in a line. Needs: tennis or soft balls.
  4. Run-out ladder — pick up and throw at one stump from widening distances. Needs: stumps, balls.
  5. Running between wickets — timed pairs, calling clearly on every run. Needs: bats, stumps.

Protective gear — pads, gloves and helmets — should be standard for every batting drill with a leather ball.