Here we discuss:

  The Chief Principles
   Ways to Practics

1.  The striker is responsible for calling when the ball is struck in front of the wicket, whilst the non-striker call for all strokes played behind the wicket. However, that must be regarded as a generalisation only. Either batsman must have the right to deny his partner's call if he considers it too dangerous. A call, if refused, must be refused at once with a decisive NO. Once batsmen have started for a run they must go straight through with it at all costs.

2.  Under all circumstances, initial calling, whether by the striker or non-striker, should be restricted to one of three calls YES, NO or WAIT. If a call of WAIT has been made this must be immediately followed by a call of YES of NO.

3.  A batsman must get into the habit of reinforcing his first call when passing his partner with a comment such as 'probably two' or 'look for three' or some such guiding remark. This situation will certainly occur when the ball has been struck through the field when one of the batsmen should be able to form a clear judgement as to whether the stroke will yield more than one run.

4.  A call for a second run should be the prerogative of the batsman returning to the wicket most likely to be endangered by the fielder's throw.

5.  The non-striker should always back up. This means moving a yard or so down the pitch immediately the ball has been delivered, from a position wide of the return crease on the opposite side of the stumps from the bowler.

6.  When running between the wickets, a batsman must, when necessary, be prepared to change his bat from one hand to the other to enable him to watch the ball without having to look over his shoulder before turning.

7.  The striker should always try to run down the side of the pitch from where the bowler has delivered the ball. But if he has moved down the pitch to play an on-drive he may then find it easier and more convenient to continue running down the on-side of the pitch. In all circumstances the non-striker's job is to give himself ample room.

8.  Each batsman should ground his bat well short of the popping crease and run it in along the ground. This is particularly important when attempting to avoid a run-out or when making a quick turn for another run.

9.  It is essential to run the first run as quickly as possible. This must of course be interpreted with common sense. Many strokes are played where it is highly improbable for more than a single to be scored, but even in this situation, by running and turning quickly, the batsman may put the fielder under pressure with the result possibly being a miss-field.

There are several games to improve this important aspect of cricket.

Game 1:
Choose two boys to act as batsmen. Divide others in half to watch for fault s at each end of the wicket. Coach bowls imaginary ball to striker, first nominating where ball will go and how many runs he wants them to take. Even if he says, 'three run', boys must call for each run separately, ending the third run with a no from the correct caller. This can be repeated to change the direction of the ball and the onus of calling.

Game 2:
This is good game for a small area on a wet day, and groups are quick to pick up basic faults in calling, turning and sliding bats over crease, etc. Reduce pitch to 10m.

Divide boys into two teams, one for fielding, the other for running between wickets. Fielding side stand 40-50 m away from coach who rolls ball to first boy in team. Fielder runs in and returns ball to wicketkeeper who is stood close to coach. Creases are drawn at right angles to fielders. One batsman at a time is used. As coach rolls ball, batsman sets off with bat in hand for the other crease. He has to get there and back before the fielder can run him out. Immediately coach gets ball from wicketkeeper, he rolls it to next fielder. Batsman, if successful first time, runs again. If out first time, next batsman carries on. One run is scored each time batsman gets there and back safely.

Coach needs to experiment with speed and direction of roll to make it touch and go each time according to speeds of fielder and batsmen. This game can be played in a large gym, but if done outside with a hard ball, the wicketkeeper should be fully padded with gloves and protector. If fielders are close, it can be done using underarm throw.

Game 3:
Centre pitch. Two batsmen fully padded and gloved, two fieldsmen on boundary each side of field. Coach rolls ball to fielder, both batsmen attempt to complete two runs before ball is returned to stumps. Use a wicketkeeper at each end to give fielder choice of ends for throw to effect run out. Each pair takes four turns. This activity is excellent for running between wickets and one of the best to achieve physical fitness.