Working from the basics to team tactics, this guide for coaches focuses specifically on cricket, and how to teach the sport to children between the ages of six and 14. It includes 21 drills to improve players' skills.

Cricket is a global game played in 97 countries across six continents. The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) -- the national governing body and a leading cricket authority -- is promoting further growth of the sport. In Australia alone, the 1999 ACB Cricket Census revealed that just under 500,000 people are playing organized cricket in the club and school structure, and cricket continues to be one of the most popular sports in Australia, providing it with an excellent foundation to build on. Coaching Youth Cricket gives new and inexperienced coaches all over the world everything they need to be successful. Beginning with the basics, the book addresses the primary responsibilities and essential qualities of a good coach. The remaining chapters focus specifically on cricket and how to teach the sport to children between the ages of 6 and 14. Following an overview of the sport, the book features indispensable advice on teaching basic cricket skills -- from throwing to wicketkeeping -- along with more than 50 drills to improve players' skills. Last but not least, Coaching Youth Cricket presents team tactics and practice games that promote leadership and team spirit.

• Who, me...a coach? what tools do I need as a coach? how should I communicate with my players? how do I get my team ready to play? what about safety? what is cricket all about? what cricket skills and drills should I teach? how do I get my players to play as a team?