Continuous Cricket
A fast-moving cricket game where the batter must run around a cone every time they hit, and the bowler bowls again as soon as they get the ball back, whether the batter is home or not. Students practice quick hitting, reaction, and accurate bowling at the wicket.
How to play
- Set up two fields: a wicket, a bowling spot 25 ft in front of it, and a cone 20 ft to the batter's side; two teams of 6–7 play on each field (2 min).
- The bowler bowls the soft ball underhand with one bounce toward the wicket; the batter tries to hit it to protect the wicket.
- Every time the batter hits the ball, they must run around the cone and back to their wicket: each trip is 1 run.
- Fielders get the ball back to the bowler as fast as possible, and the bowler can bowl as soon as they have it, even if the batter is still running.
- The batter is out if the ball hits the wicket or a hit is caught in the air; the next batter on their team steps in right away without stopping play.
- Switch roles once everyone has batted; play 2 rounds per team (16 min).
Rules
- Safety: the batter runs holding the bat and sets it down at the wicket, never throws it.
- The batting line waits behind a line 15 ft from the wicket, off to one side.
- The bowler may only bowl from the marked spot and with a bounce.
Variations
Easier
Move the cone in to 12 ft, and the bowler waits until the batter touches the wicket with the bat.
Standard
Cone at 20 ft and bowling as soon as the bowler has the ball.
Harder
The ball must go through two fielders before reaching the bowler, but the cone moves out to 25 ft.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: put the cone at 6 ft, or have a buddy run while they bat seated.
- Autism or shyness: post the batting order and explain the switch signal before starting.
- Skill level: students who struggle can use a wider bat and a bigger ball.
Learning goals
- Hit with a flat bat to protect a target.
- React quickly after the hit to run and get back.
- Bowl accurately at the wicket.
Equipment for a class of 25
- plastic cricket bats: 2
- plastic cricket stumps (wickets): 2
- soft balls: 4
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
The pace is very fast, so keep the batting line well out of the way and have the next batter step in from behind the wicket. If a bowler keeps missing, move their bowling spot in about 3 ft.
PatioLab has "Continuous Cricket" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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