Block 2: Expanding the shot range (10 Weeks)
This week, players will be learning how to swing the bat with a full, natural motion. The focus is on helping them connect with their instincts—encouraging freedom and power when striking the ball. It's all about getting them comfortable swinging hard and committing fully to their shots.
At this early stage, the most important thing is to build confidence. Avoid overcorrecting or focusing on mistakes. Instead, highlight moments of success and reinforce their efforts to hit the ball with intent. Let them feel what it’s like to hit with power.
Players should aim to complete this activity set twice this week for maximum benefit.
Activity 1: Drop Feeds Check Swing Straight
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Repetitions: 20–30 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, you will face spin drop feeds and aim to hit the ball on the ground between mid off and mid on using a full swing. This encourages clear footwork alignment, a long swing path through the ball, and clean contact along the ground between those straight scoring zones.
This is a valuable drill for practicing timing, body positioning, and learning how to extend through the line against spin bowling.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 2: Underarm Straight Drive
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, the batter will work on hitting underarm throws with a straight drive. The focus is on adjusting stride length and controlling the body movement through the shot.
Rather than taking large steps and holding the position, players will learn to reduce their stride and move back through the ball with a small, late transfer of weight. This promotes balance, rhythm, and efficient movement through the straight channel.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 3: Underarm Throws – Straight Drive Competition (One Zone)
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this competition activity, the batter faces underarm throws and attempts to hit the ball straight through a single target zone positioned directly down the ground. The goal is to encourage consistent straight driving using proper footwork, balance, and swing shape.
The player earns 1 point each time they successfully hit the ball through the target gap.
The coach earns 1 point if the player misses the gap, mistimes the shot, or mis-hits the ball.
Play continues until one side reaches 15 points. This activity is great for reinforcing intent, precision, and competitive focus.
📺 Watch the activity video for complete instructions and a demonstration.
Activity 4: Underarm Throws – Straight Drive Competition (Two Zones)
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, the batter will face underarm throws and attempt to drive the ball straight through one of two zones:
Middle Gap (narrow): worth 3 points
Wider Zone (either side of the middle gap): worth 1 point
The goal is to consistently hit through the target zones with solid straight drives, using proper footwork and balance. If the player misses all zones or mis-hits the ball, the coach earns 2 points.
The first to 15 points wins the competition.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation and demonstration.