Changing Formats, Improving Experiences
they use, who was
involved and what was
the impact?
The work at
Loughborough began in
2014 with a particular
focus on appropriate
pitch lengths for junior
cricket.
Several junior leagues
and County Cricket
Boards have run
successful modified
programmes.
Charley Cricket has
become one of the
better known, spreading
around the south and
beyond.
Having less players per
side means more regular
involvement, as well as
more gaps in the field for
batters to find –
especially with two of
the players sharing an
over, meaning less
fielders, one of whom
has to be stationed at
slip.
The extra space in the
field means more reward
for good shots, and
more running between
the wickets – also more
rotation of the strike.
Cricket Australia’s research into the
introduction of formats found the following:
13% 43% 66%
more balls
were hit more runs off
the bat more
boundaries
35% 53%
fewer Wides
and No balls more balls bowled
on a “good” length
for under-8s and -9s and
17 for under-10s -12s,
which has made
arguably the greatest
impact.
The need for positive
cricket is accentuated by
the loss of a wicket, or a
life, for playing out a
maiden – on the other
hand rewarding bowlers
for accuracy. David Graveney, the
former England selector
and National
Performance Manager
who is championing the
new junior formats said:
But it is the reduction in
pitch length, to 15 yards “Whereas many younger
children struggle to bowl
on a 20 or 21-yard pitch,
the shorter pitch leads
to a more engaging
game. More accurate
bowling, increased
running between the
wickets and shots
played on the off side
leads to a more active
and enjoyable game for
boys and girls”.
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