Week 1
Session Outline
This session focuses on improving decision making and shot selection when playing the cover drive. Players will work through both underarm and sidearm progressions to learn how to recognise line early and choose the correct swing type based on ball placement.
The aim is to build confidence in reading the ball and executing the right option — using a controlled punch drive for balls just outside the eyeline, and a full swing release for wider deliveries.
By the end of the session, players should feel more decisive, more balanced through contact, and more in control of their swing choices under both slower and realistic-paced feeds.
Activity 1
Activity 1: Underarms Footwork Patterns
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
This is a simple but highly effective activity that develops footwork patterns and swing control across three hitting zones. Using underarm feeds from half-pitch distance, the batter works on adjusting their movement and swing based on ball placement:
Cover: Play with a full swing, driving through the line while staying balanced.
Extra Cover: Use a check swing, focusing on rhythm, balance, and control.
Straight: Hit and follow the ball, allowing the hips to open naturally through the shot.
The focus is on recognising line early, moving efficiently, and maintaining balance in each swing variation. It’s essential the batter watches the demonstration video to clearly understand each pattern and movement sequence before completing the activity.
Activity 2
Activity 2: Sidearms Straight Drives
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
This activity develops a strong, balanced straight drive using sidearm feeds delivered from the full length of the pitch. The batter focuses on alignment, rhythm, and driving the ball directly back past the bowler with intent. The emphasis is on committed weight transfer, clean contact, and maintaining balance through the shot. The added pace from the sidearm feed challenges the player to stay connected and controlled while generating power through the line of the ball.
Activity 3
Activity 3: Sidearms Cover Drives Swing Decision making
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
This activity develops decision making and swing control under realistic pace using sidearm feeds delivered from the full length of the pitch. The batter reads the line of the ball and responds with the correct swing type — playing a controlled punch drive for balls just outside the eyeline, and releasing the hands with a full swing for wider deliveries. The focus is on early line recognition, clear intent, and executing the right option while maintaining balance and flow through the shot.
Activity 4
Sidearms Swing Decision making
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
This activity builds on the underarm version by introducing sidearm feeds from the full length of the pitch to challenge decision making, rhythm, and balance under realistic pace. The drill includes three hitting zones, each with a specific swing pattern and intent:
Cover: Play with a full swing, driving through the line while staying balanced.
Extra Cover: Use a check swing, focusing on rhythm, control, and maintaining shape.
Straight: Hit and follow the ball, allowing the hips to open naturally through the shot.
The focus is on early line recognition, efficient movement into position, and maintaining balance and control across all three swing patterns. Players should watch the demonstration video before training to clearly understand each movement pattern and how it links to different ball lines.