Top 7 Fielding Drills to Improve Skills

 

Here below, the author mentions the main fielding drills that will help you enhance the players’ abilities:

Bowling brings the most significant factor that may set the difference between the winning and losing side in the game of cricket. The value of practicing to be a good fielder cannot be overemphasized to those who would wish to ascend higher levels of playing cricket. Here are seven successful fielding drills that can always help in enhancing agility, hand eye coordination, reaction time, and all round fielding. Every pass is designed in a manner that covers all the various aspects of fielding so that every aspect of the skill is developed. 1. Pegged Ball Drill Objective: To enhance the probability of catching as well as find out the reaction time. Equipment: To conduct this drill the player will require a ball, bat and several ground stakes (or pegs) driven into the ground to form a diamond shape with the batter standing at the center of the diamond. Place four balls or any available cone target around each peg such that it will take an equal distance from the batter. How to Execute: One of them begins at one of the corners that is at the opposite side of the batter. - The pitcher or a machine throws the ball toward the batter as the later tries to strike one of the stakes. This player who is referred to a fielder, darts toward the direction where the ball was thrown at or he follows the direction of the ball after it has taken a bounce. Looking at this example, it can be seen that one should rotate the positions for each attempt to make sure all the players have the equal opportunity to succeed. Advantages: This exercise increases the ability to predict situations in a confrontation with the ball, as well as the speed of reactions. It also helps the coordination of eyes with hands and coordination of feet. 2. Overhead Ball Drill Specifically, the following objectives need to be achieved: Among others increase catching under pressure and high balls handling. Procedure: Pour multiple cricket balls, at heights ranging from low, medium, and high on a net or even with the help of the trainer. To avoid any cases of accidents likely to occur due to high catches, ensure that the working conditions are safe. How to Execute: It involves the fielder standing at a certain position set by the instructor and then running to catch balls which are being either thrown or tossed over him or her. Make different speeds and angles of the volleyball balls according to the situation that is being simulated. They should also hone such catching skills as two handed catching and soft hand catching. Benefits: This drill will enhance the flow in catching skills while making attempt to catch the high drive balls as it required in mid-off, mid-on, and long-on positions. 3. Sliding Stop Drill Objective: To optimize the efficiency of stops, work on the technique of sliding. Preparation: Cone or markers should be placed on a straight line or a semi-circle line to the home line or any sort of net. How to Execute: The fielder takes off from a designated point and runs towards the end or the net in a sprint and reach the destination by moving the legs in the slide stop position. This is why both forward and backward sliding stops should be practiced with regard to control as well as stability. - Continue repeating the sequence, and as the players progress, the repetitions should be done at high intensity imitating the match tempo. Benefits: Sliding stops are crucial in halting quickly hit singles, or in preventing the runner from getting an opportunity to reach the next base if the ball was hit to the pitcher or to the outfield in advance. This drill also helps in development of speed and also to practice quick decision making. 4. Throwing Accuracy Drill Remember: It is aimed to work on the technique to make the ball reaches the wicketkeeper or any fielder with accuracy. Precautions Kept: Arrange for two targets such as cones or hula hoops to be place at the distance where wicketkeepers are placed. How to Execute: One of the games involves fielders positioning themselves at a particular distance from the targets and rehearsing by making successive throws towards them. Begin with stationary posture and make an imitation of catching a ball in the field and then practice by throwing it back in accelerated manner. The other technique is to change the angle and the height of the throw to enable the ball to be caught by exercising different muscles. Benefits: This helps in improving the accuracy and the strength of arm, which is useful for making run out and stumping. It also enhances a player capability to become under pressure and also the ability to concentrate. 5. Reaction Ball Drill Objective: Improve reaction time and hand-eye coordination. Equipment needed: Reaction ball, throwing partner or any ball. How to Execute: One of the partners throws the reaction ball at different velocities and directions. The fielder in batting or receiving the ball must act very promptly, either intercepting the ball within the air or after it has fallen on the ground. As such, it is advisable to keep records of catches with the intention of having a record of the progress made within the specified time frame. Advantages: By challenging the reflexes of a player through the reaction ball, players are ready to handle bounded and shot balls during competitions. 6. Fielding Circuit Objective: Enhance overall fielding stamina, agility, and coordination. Procedure: Involve the players in the following exercises: Place the subjects at several stations that include catching, throwing, high-intensity sprinting, and diving. How to Execute: Starting from one station, perform a certain activity (5 balls caught, 10-yards sprint and slide stop). In operation, the movement should progress to the next station once the current task is done to mimic the constant handling of calls. - As a general rule, it is suggested to repeat the circuit multiple times with simply a break between the rounds. Advantages: This exercise increases the stamina and variety of motion in order that players can be prepared for full and lengthy match. It also plays part in the improvement of mental aspect in game by entertaining players all through. 7. Boundary Catching Drill Execution Task: Enhance the flexibility and catching abilities near the boundaries. Preparations: There should be boundaries formed around the playing field with players on the teams ideally positioned next to the boundaries. How to Execute: A batsmen or a coach employed high or dipping shots in the direction of the fielders. Players run to the ball in the hope of making a within the field and stopping the ball from being hit to the boundary. Promote the diving catches and very sharp instincts to get rid of the chances of getting a run. Benefits: This drill is very beneficial for those fielders, who are placed in point, cover, and third man’s positions in the ground, because it will help them to stop boundaries and how to take great catches. Conclusion Fielding like any other activity involves passion, several rehearsals, and some drills that must be conducted in order to perfect. Overall, when using any of the above top seven fielding drills, it becomes possible for players to enhance their skills as well as confidence while at the field. Remember, consistency is key. He said that consistent with practice and additional focus on how one moves around the field, any cricketer will turn into a top class fielder. When training clients for dance or to engage in dancing or any other form of dance they will be in a position to field excellent when they do these drills. Good, practice makes perfect, morale high, and fun!