Wicketkeeping Basic

Develop the skills, technique and confidence to become a better wicket keeper.

The Cricket Pad’s 10-Week Wicket Keeping Course is designed specifically for young cricketers aged 7–15 who want to learn wicket keeping or take their existing skills to the next level.

Led by ECB Coach Leon Brenman, the programme starts with the essential foundations of wicket keeping before progressively introducing more advanced techniques and realistic game situations.

Throughout the 10 weeks, players will work on their stance and ready position, learning how to stay balanced and react quickly to different deliveries. Sessions will develop fast hands and efficient footwork, together with catching technique for balls at different heights and to either side of the keeper.

Players will also practise picking up and stopping the ball, accurate throwing and stumpings, helping them become more effective when standing both back and up to the stumps.

As the course progresses, the youngsters will learn how to handle the different challenges presented by pace bowling, spin and short-pitched deliveries, while developing the concentration and decision-making needed by a wicket keeper.

Wicket keeping isn’t just about catching the ball, so the programme also focuses on the keeper’s wider role within the team. Players will work on communication, awareness and decision-making, before putting their skills into practice through game situations and match-based exercises.

The aim is to give every youngster plenty of practical coaching in an enjoyable environment, helping them build skills, gain confidence and develop a greater understanding of wicket keeping.

Course details: The programme runs at Lukeys Blackburn, BB2 3PZ, from 6:00–7:00pm on Tuesday evenings, starting 6 October 2026 and concluding 15 December 2026. The total cost is £160 for the complete 10-week course.