PlayTactiq publishes weekly cricket coaching session plans covering every stage of youth grassroots cricket in England — from ECB All Stars (U5–U8) and Dynamos (U8–U11) through to junior club cricket at U11, U13, U15, and U17 level.
Each session plan is written specifically for its age group and format. An All Stars session for 6-year-olds looks completely different from a U15 session focused on playing spin bowling — the drills, the coaching language, the pitch dimensions, and the objectives are all tailored to where players are in their development.
The sessions listed below cover batting, bowling, fielding, and match skills across all formats. Click through any session to see the coaching objective, first practice, and a preview of what members get in full.
What’s included in each session
Every PlayTactiq cricket session includes: warm-up activity, two age-appropriate practices with coaching points, a game or match simulation, and a printable session card. Animated diagrams show pitch setup and player positions.
Sessions by age group
U12
Driving Forward: Front Foot and Cover Drives
Front Foot Drives and Cover Drives
Line and Length: Bowling Basics
Line and Length: Bowling Basics
Running Between the Wickets
Running Between the Wickets
Safe Hands: Catching with Confidence
Catching: Safe Hands and Positioning
Standing Firm: Defensive Batting Under Pressure
Defensive Batting Under Pressure
U14
Glove Work & Quick Feet: Keeping It Clean
Wicketkeeping: Glove Work and Footwork
Pressure Fielding: Stop the Run
Pressure Fielding: Stop the Run
Reading Short Balls and Playing the Pull Shot
Playing the Pull Shot Safely
Reading Spin: Bat with Confidence
Playing Spin Bowling Confidently
Spinning It Right: Off-Spin Bowling Grip & Flight
Off-Spin Bowling Fundamentals
Swing and Seam: Make the Ball Dance
Swing and Seam Bowling
U16
Coaching principles for U10–U16
Bat-ball contact at every age
The single most important thing in youth cricket coaching — especially at All Stars and Dynamos level — is keeping bat-ball contact high. Every player should be hitting, catching, or throwing for the majority of the session. Long queues for one bat on one pitch is the enemy of development.
Bowling load management from U11
From U11 upwards, ECB guidance restricts bowling loads for young players to protect developing shoulders and elbows. Coaches should be aware of these limits and use fielding or batting practices to keep players active when they've hit their bowling ceiling for the session.
Match scenarios accelerate learning
At U13 and above, match simulations (last over needing 12 to win, defending 8 off the last 2 overs) teach decision-making under pressure far more effectively than isolated skill drills. Include at least one match scenario in every session from U13 upwards.
Fielding is the great equaliser
A squad with excellent fielding wins more games regardless of batting or bowling depth. Fielding practices are easy to run with large groups and don't require specialist equipment. Flat throws, catching lines, and ground fielding stations should feature in every session.
Get a new session plan every Monday
Every session comes with the setup, animated diagrams of the movement, the coaching points to use, progressions when it clicks, and adaptations for your player numbers. Full access for £3/month.
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