The activities in this library describe introductory soft-ball practice. Check the players, equipment, surface, space and supervision before every session. Local governing-body rules, school policies and individual needs take priority over any suggested time or setup here.
Check the area and equipment
Look for holes, slippery surfaces, traffic, fragile objects and other users. Keep bags and bottles outside activity lanes. Check bats, balls and stumps for damage. Mark where active players, waiting players and helpers belong. Use a clear stop signal and practise it before starting.
Separate batting, throwing and collecting
Keep everyone outside a batter’s swing arc and expected ball path. Do not let a feeder drift into the swing area. Pause the station before collecting balls. Keep throwing lanes separate, and release a ball only when the receiver is ready. Stop if a ball enters another station.
Soft-ball practice is not hard-ball clearance
Moving to hard-ball cricket requires appropriate facilities, protective equipment, supervision and current rules. Do not substitute these introductory diagrams for a hard-ball risk assessment. Wicketkeeping and close fielding need particular care. Confirm applicable helmet and protective-equipment requirements with your governing body and club.
Manage bowling workload
Use the current rules for the player’s age, competition and jurisdiction. Count bowling across matches and training, including other teams. A station timer is not a delivery allowance. Build in rest and non-bowling activities. Stop for pain, fatigue or a changed action; seek appropriate qualified advice rather than coaching through pain.
Supervise and safeguard children
Follow your club or school’s safeguarding procedures, staffing requirements and reporting routes. Keep activities observable and involve authorised adults. Check emergency contacts and relevant access or health plans through the organisation’s normal process. Do not collect children’s personal details in the session planner.
Include different needs
Ask what helps the player participate. Offer shorter distances, larger balls, seated or walking versions, visual and spoken cues, and time to understand instructions. Do not force painful positions or use exercise as punishment. Keep the group cooperative and avoid elimination that leaves players inactive.
Respond to conditions
Allow water and rest and adapt to heat, cold or poor air quality. Follow venue and local weather procedures, including lightning policies. Know how to stop the session, summon first aid and contact emergency help. If the space or supervision is inadequate, choose a simpler activity or postpone.
Official guidance to check
These sources provide external guidance; they do not endorse this library. The drills and diagrams are original Cricstars practice suggestions.
- ECB recreational cricket regulations and safety resources
- ECB safeguarding kit bag and coaching resources
- ECB All Stars: an example of introductory soft-ball participation
Sources checked 17 October 2026. ECB guidance relates to its jurisdiction. Coaches elsewhere must check their own governing-body and local requirements.