Teaching young cricketers to call clearly

Why clear calls save runs – and friendships

There is a moment in every junior match that makes coaches wince. Two young batters, eyes fixed on the ball, set off for the same run. Neither has called. The fielder swoops, throws, and the bails are off. A run-out that had nothing to do with technique and everything to do with communication. In local cricket, where every run matters and confidence is fragile, teaching juniors to call clearly is one of the most valuable things you can do. It costs nothing, takes minutes to practise, and prevents the kind of confusion that turns a promising partnership into a quiet walk back to the pavilion.

The three magic words: Yes, No, Wait

Keep the language simple. Young cricketers do not need a complex code. They need three clear calls: Yes, No, and Wait. Each one has a job.

• Yes means “run now, without hesitation.” The caller should be loud, early, and confident. If the call is “Yes,” the non-striker’s only job is to sprint.
• No means “stay in your crease.” It should be said firmly, not as a question. A half-hearted “no?” creates doubt. A clear “NO!” stops the run before it starts.
• Wait means “hold your ground and watch the fielder.” It is the most underused call in junior cricket. It buys a second of thinking time. If the fielder fumbles, the call can become “Yes.” If they pick up cleanly, it becomes “No.”

Teach your juniors that the call belongs to the batter who can see the ball best. Usually that is the striker, but if the ball is hit behind square, the non-striker often has the clearer view. Agree on this before the innings. One voice, one decision.

Drills to build the habit (before you add a ball)

Communication is a skill, and like any skill it needs isolating. Start without a bat or ball. This removes the fear of failure and lets players focus purely on calling.

• Call and freeze: Pair up your juniors. One is the striker, one is the non-striker. You shout a scenario: “Ball hit to mid-off!” The striker must call “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait.” Both players freeze in the correct position. Repeat ten times, then swap roles. Praise volume and speed.
• Cone chaos: Set up four cones as a mini-crease. Two players stand at opposite ends. You roll a ball into different areas. The player with the clearer view calls, and both move accordingly. If the call is “Wait,” they hold until you shout “Now!” or “Stay!” This drill teaches patience.
• The yes/no relay: Line up pairs. On your whistle, the first pair runs a single, calling “Yes” as they cross. The next pair must call “No” and stay. Mix the commands. The aim is to make the correct call automatic.

Keep these drills short – five to ten minutes – and make them fun. Juniors learn faster when they are laughing and moving.

Adding the ball: progressive drills for juniors

Once the calls are loud and confident without a ball, introduce a soft ball or tennis ball. Then progress to a hard ball in the nets.

• The gate drill: Place two sets of stumps three metres apart, like a gate. A feeder rolls or throws the ball into the gate. The striker calls, and the non-striker must run through the gate or stay. The feeder then tries to run them out. This adds a fielder and a consequence, but keeps the distance short and safe.
• Two-run pressure: In the nets, have a coach hit the ball into the gap. The batters must decide if there is a second run. The call for the second run is always “Yes” or “No” – never “Maybe.” Encourage the non-striker to turn blind and trust the call. If they hesitate, stop the drill and reset.
• Scenario cards: Write simple scenarios on cards: “Ball hit straight to cover,” “Ball hit behind square,” “Ball hit to deep mid-wicket.” Batters pick a card, then play it out. The caller must use the correct call within two seconds. This builds decision-making under mild pressure.

Making it stick in matches

Drills are brilliant, but juniors need to see calling work in a real game. Here is how to bridge the gap.

• Praise the call, not just the run: When a junior calls loudly and clearly, shout “Great call!” from the boundary. Even if they are run out, the process was right. This reinforces the behaviour.
• Appoint a call captain: In practice matches, give one player the job of listening for calls. At the end of the over, they report back: “Three clear yeses, one late no.” Keep it positive.
• Use a simple consequence: If a run-out happens because nobody called, the batting pair owes the team ten press-ups – but only if they agree it was a communication error. This keeps it light-hearted. Never punish a genuine misjudgement.
• Talk about it at drinks: A quick “What did we call well?” during a break keeps the focus on communication without over-coaching.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

Even with practice, junior cricketers slip into old habits. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

• Whispering: The call is too quiet. Fix: make them call from ten metres away. If you cannot hear it, it is not a call.
• Late calls: The batter calls after they have already started running. Fix: use the word “early” as a trigger. Count out loud: “One, two – call!”
• Both calling: Two voices create chaos. Fix: remind them that only one person calls. The striker calls unless the ball goes behind square.
• Neither calling: Both assume the other will do it. Fix: in practice, make the non-striker call every run for one over. This builds responsibility.
• “Wait” turning into “No”: A player waits, then panics and runs. Fix: practise the wait drill until it feels normal to stand still for two seconds.

Clear calling is not just about avoiding run-outs. It builds trust, teamwork, and confidence. When a young cricketer knows their partner will call loudly and early, they can focus on their own game. That is a gift that lasts far beyond the junior section. So next time you are at nets, put down the bat for five minutes and just practise the calls. Your future run-outs will thank you.