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: Sidearms Straight drives
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this drill, players face sidearm throws and focus on executing straight drives back past the bowler. The goal is to develop solid contact, efficient transfer of weight, and precise footwork. Players are encouraged to reduce stride length, allowing for late movement into the ball, and then drive their weight back through the ball toward the target.
A key technical emphasis here is staying balanced and still through contact, ensuring the swing is clean and controlled. This drill helps build repeatable mechanics for hitting through the V with power and consistency.
Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 4: Sidearms Ondrive Challenge
Duration: 10 minutes
Repetitions: Aim to complete 10 quality on-drives
Activity Overview:
This is a timed challenge activity where the batter’s goal is to hit 10 clean on-drives through a defined gap at mid-on in under 10 minutes. The drill emphasizes intent, rhythm, and repeatability under mild pressure.
Players should focus on:
Driving with a strong base
Transferring weight cleanly into the shot
Maintaining balance through contact
Targeting mid-on with full extension of the swing
Use cones or markers to create a clear mid-on gap. You can repeat the challenge to track progress over time.
Optional Competition Format:
Score 1 point for every successful on-drive through the gap.
Repeat the challenge weekly to monitor consistency and growth.