Here's a net game that ramps up the tactical, decision making and feeling of playing cricket. Also, it's named after a 90s computer game. Win-win!
The game requires a little bit of planning, but can work with four-six players in each net lane.
First, pick teams. You don't need even numbers (and people can even arrive late and still join in). Then decide on the duration of each innings and who is batting first.
Devise a scoring system. We used a variation on PGS zones with these points:
- 1pt - Hit bowler defined zone with attacking shot (attempt rewarded more than outcome).
- 4pt - Hit different bowler defined zone with attacking shot (attempt rewarded more than outcome).
- -1pt - Play and miss on off side.
- -5pt - Out bowled, stumped, caught behind, skyed or caught and bowled.
Then play out the match!
As you can see, we kept score on the whiteboard.
The response was brilliant. Everyone was highly engaged with the session. The bowlers and batsmen were arguing over the finer points of the rules, the result really mattered! It also got players to think tactically with their batting and bowling, and forced batsmen to play shots they didn't think they could play in order to try and win.
It was creative, messy, fun and developmental. I was delighted!
Give it a go and see how the players you coach get on with it. Be prepared for some great challenging discussions to be had.