Wicketkeepers can make an easy feed difficult by grabbing at it. A feeder sends gentle soft-ball deliveries from a comfortable distance while the keeper concentrates on watching the ball and receiving it with relaxed hands. If the ball bounces away from stiff hands, return to a slower feed and ask the keeper to receive rather than strike at it. Look for the ball settling securely before introducing a small change of direction. Allow about 8 minutes for the station, including explanation, turns and rest.
Set up the drill
A feeder faces a keeper over a short comfortable distance. Leave open space behind the keeper and mark a separate waiting area.
Equipment: Soft ball, cones.
How to run it
- Find a balanced ready position.
- Feed gently towards the keeper’s hands.
- Watch the ball all the way in.
- Allow the hands to give slightly with the catch.
- Reset after each feed.
Receive the ball rather than grabbing at it.
A common mistake—and the fix
Rigid hands can push the ball away. Use slower feeds and focus on a quiet catch.
Allow one bounce or use a larger foam ball.
Vary the feed slightly left or right while staying within comfortable reach.
What to measure
Count clean receptions out of five gentle feeds.
Use the first round as the player’s starting point. Keep distance, ball and target size the same when comparing another round. These counts are practice observations, not selection standards or promises of improvement.
Before you start
No bat or hard ball is used. Match feed speed to confidence and stop any head-high feed.
Use a soft ball for the version described here. Explain the stop signal, check the surface and keep waiting players clear. Adapt or stop if a player feels pain, distress or fatigue. Read the full safety and supervision guide.
Questions about this drill
What does soft-hands receiving help players practise?
The keeper practises receiving the ball without jabbing stiff hands towards it. Gentle feeds let players notice their hand position and keep the ball under control.
How can I adapt this drill for a less confident player?
Use a large soft ball and a predictable feed, with a bounce if needed. Avoid increasing pace simply because one catch goes well.
What should I look for before increasing the challenge?
Watch for relaxed hands that receive rather than snatch at the ball. Keep feeds soft and predictable.
