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!

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).

Number of players:
2+

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.

Image from Shutterstock