Great little game from Robin Maslin.
I really like how it rewards bowling skills in a tangible way, so that the fielding team are not “just” stopping the batters from scoring runs.
I shall certainly be trying this out with one of our Colts squads when we move outdoors in a couple of weeks.
One slight (philosophical) concern. Is there any risk that, by giving points for bowling straight, we might develop bowlers who _expect_ to be rewarded for “doing their job”? Who, if they don’t get their reward, might be dis-incentivised from carrying on?
“Cricket Penalties” is a game I have invented to promote the following skills in young players:
- BOWLING TO A TARGET – eg/ not necessarily at the stumps. This game emphasizes that a) sometimes it is better to aim outside the stumps, and b) wherever you bowl, aiming and driving to that target is essential
- DEFENDING – the concept of “stopping a penalty” can encourage batter to be watchful, and make sure the ball comes right to their bat
- BODY MOVEMENT – proving how important it is to move into line with a ball, and avoid dangling the bat away from your body
- SHOT SELECTION – picking which balls can be attacked and which have to be defended
HOW IT WORKS
- 2 TEAMS (1 BATTING, 1 BOWLING)
- EACH BATTER FACES 2 BALLS (IN A ROW), EACH BOWLER BOWLS 2 BALLS (1 BALL EACH)
- SET UP A CRICKET PITCH, BUT PLACE A…
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The Teesra 