Backyard cricket
Backyard cricket is a traditional game for many families. Get the kids and the whole family involved in a game of backyard cricket and test the kids out. Learn to throw, catch and most of all, be a good sport!
Number of players:
2+
What you need:
- at least 1 cricket bat
- a few tennis balls (some might go missing)
- 2 sets of stumps (rubbish bins or upside buckets can be used).
Activity:
Set the stumps up about 10 metres apart for older kids, or about 6 metres for littlies.
The batters stump is best put against a fence if in a backyard.
If just two players, choose your batter and a bowler.
If more, your bowlers, two batters, and scatter the rest of the kids around to field the ball.
To avoid squabbles, make sure everyone gets a chance to both bat and bowl.
Backyard cricket is played just like normal cricket - but there are a few different rules to make it fair.
Extra rules:
- Can't go out first ball - whoever's batting, they can't go out on the first ball (making it fairer for little ones).
- 'Tippity-run' - if the ball is hit even a little, the batters have to run.
- 'One hand - one bounce' - a fielder can catch the batter out with one hand, even after the tennis ball has bounced off a fence or wall.
- Any wicket out - the batter can be knocked out if either stump is hit.
- 'Six and out' - if the ball is hit over the fence/ house they are awarded six runs - but are also out (this is where the extra balls come in handy).
- No LBW's (Leg Before Wicket) - it's too tricky and starts arguments - unless Dad wants to umpire.
- Automatic runs - pick certain spots in the backyard (like the side of a shed or a fence) and award a certain number of automatic runs to anyone who can hit them.
- Last one out - the very last batter can keep on going by themselves until caught out.
