This is Lesson 1 of the Cricstars Under-10 Cricket Starter Plan. The goal is simple: help children feel safe, excited and confident around cricket.
At this age, the first session should not feel like a trial. It should feel like a game. Children under 10 are still building coordination, confidence and trust with the bat and ball. Some will swing naturally. Some will miss everything. Some will be scared of the ball. All of that is normal.
Lesson 1 starts with batting and catching because these are the two moments that usually create the strongest early memories: I hit the ball and I caught it. When a child experiences those small wins early, they are more likely to come back for Lesson 2 with energy.
Where this lesson fits in the 8-part plan
This lesson is the foundation. Before we ask children to bowl properly, field under pressure or play mini matches, we first want them to watch the ball, use the bat with control and catch without fear.
- Lesson 1: Batting and catching basics
- Lesson 2: Bowling to a target
- Lesson 3: Fielding and decisions
- Lesson 4: Gathering and throwing
- Lesson 5: Hitting into space
- Lesson 6: Speed and accuracy
- Lesson 7: Defending targets
- Lesson 8: Mini match and progress check
Session goal
By the end of this lesson, the child should be more comfortable watching the ball, swinging the bat, making contact and catching a soft ball safely.
The child does not need a perfect stance. They do not need a perfect grip. They do not need to hit hard. The win is confidence.
Recommended setup
- Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
- Group size: 4 to 12 children, or parent-child at home
- Equipment: soft balls, tennis balls, plastic or junior bats, cones, tees or large cones
- Space: backyard, school ground, club outfield or indoor hall
Warm-up: Animal movement race
Start with movement before cricket. Ask children to move between two cones like different animals. Kangaroo jumps, frog jumps, bear crawls, side steps and fast feet all work well.
This may look like play, but it builds balance, leg strength, body control and confidence. It also removes early nervousness before the bat and ball come out.
Coach cue: Move your body, stay smiling, and keep trying.
Activity 1: Bat tapping
Give each child a bat and a soft ball. The challenge is to tap the ball up using the bat. Beginners can let the ball bounce once before tapping again. Advanced children can try to keep it in the air for as long as possible.
This drill develops hand-eye coordination, soft hands and bat control. It is also a quick way to see who is confident and who needs more support.
Make it easier
- Use a larger soft ball.
- Allow one bounce.
- Let the child use two hands and a shorter bat.
Make it harder
- Count consecutive taps.
- Use a smaller tennis ball.
- Ask the child to move slowly while tapping.
Activity 2: Tee hit and run
Place a soft ball on a tee or cone. The child hits the ball and runs to a safe zone. Award points for contact, running and returning safely.
This is better than standing in a line waiting for one turn. Children get action, movement and a small sense of game play.
Simple scoring idea:
- 1 point for making contact
- 1 point for running to the safe zone
- 1 bonus point for watching the ball properly
Activity 3: Soft catching circle
Use a soft ball and stand in a circle. Start with underarm throws. The child catches the ball with two hands and gently gives with the hands as the ball arrives.
Do not throw hard. The aim is to remove fear. If a child is nervous, allow the ball to bounce once before catching.
Coach cue: Soft hands. Eyes on the ball. Bring it in.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Over-correcting grip: early sessions should build comfort first.
- Using hard balls too soon: fear slows learning.
- Making children wait too long: keep everyone active.
- Only praising big hits: praise watching, effort and balance too.
Progress markers
By the end of Lesson 1, look for small signs of progress:
- The child watches the ball more often.
- The child swings with better balance.
- The child is less afraid of catching.
- The child runs after hitting without being forced.
- The child asks for another turn.
Home practice
Parents can repeat this session at home in 10 minutes. Use a soft ball, a wall or a cone as a tee. Do not make it feel like homework. Make it a game: Can you hit and run five times? or Can you catch three soft throws?
How this prepares for Lesson 2
Lesson 1 teaches the child to watch and react. That matters for bowling too. In Lesson 2, we move from hitting and catching into bowling to a target. The same confidence carries forward.
Next lesson: Lesson 2: Bowling to a Target
Back to the full Under-10 Cricket Training Plan
Minute-by-minute session plan
If you are running this as a 45-minute session, keep it moving. Young children lose focus when they wait too long, so the session should feel like a sequence of small games rather than one long coaching lecture.
- 05 minutes: welcome, explain the safe area and start animal movement games.
- 512 minutes: bat tapping challenge with soft balls.
- 1225 minutes: tee hit and run game.
- 2535 minutes: soft catching circle.
- 3542 minutes: mini challenge combining hit, run and catch.
- 4245 minutes: praise effort, ask children what they enjoyed, and preview bowling in Lesson 2.
What to say to children
Use words they understand. Instead of saying keep your head still through contact, say watch the ball until it touches the bat. Instead of saying absorb the ball with soft hands, say catch it like you are catching an egg. Simple language creates better learning.
Good phrases for this lesson are: watch the ball, small swing first, soft hands, run after you hit, and try again. These cues are short enough for children to remember while moving.
How to adapt for different children
For nervous children, use bigger balls, slower feeds and allow the ball to bounce before catching. For confident children, make the target smaller, add a running challenge or ask them to hit into a zone. The aim is not to make every child do the same thing. The aim is to keep every child challenged at the right level.
Coach checklist
- Did every child get plenty of turns?
- Did the children smile or ask for another go?
- Did anyone look scared of the ball?
- Did you praise effort, not just good contact?
- Did the session end with energy for the next lesson?
Parent take-home version
At home, keep it to ten minutes. Ask the child to hit five balls from a cone, run to a marker after each hit, then catch five gentle throws. Stop while the child is still enjoying it. Ending early is often better than pushing until they are tired or frustrated.