Purpose: To practice picking up and returning the ball on the run in the deep.
Description: The coach (c) rolls the ball so the fielder has to run around the boundary, pick up and return the ball. This can be done using any fielding technique (long barrier, two hand pickup, crow hop, etc). The fielder then runs across to the other side. Repeat until all fielders have moved across and back.

Purpose: To practice a match situation running between the wickets and fielding under pressure.

Description: Divide the team into two groups: Batters and fielders. The wicketkeeper rolls the ball out the the first player on the fielding team. The two batters try to complete 2 runs before the ball is picked up and returned to the wicketkeeper. The batsmen can abort the run if they feel they will be run out. Each pair of batters keep score over a set number of balls (6-10). Change after each pair has had a go. The winning team is the one with the most runs.

How would you like a cup of tea that can improve your endurance, boost your mental alertness, burn body fat, lower your stress hormone levels and improve your memory?

These are just a few of the benefits of switching from the traditional Tetley to green tea, especially on match days.

Green tea has been used for generations by the Chinese and is well researched in modern medicine with many more studies ongoing. It's certainly not snake oil. All the claims have backing in modern science.

Discussion was getting a little heated in the bar last night. It often does in our monthly cricket club meetings and tonight the subject had turned to how we play.

I'm interested in what you think the best way to play is.

Currently we play a fairly traditional English format, a sort of 1 inning version of the first class format: 100 overs split between the innings with declarations allowed and the draw possible.

Purpose: Practicing pick up of the bobbling ball and throwing at a stump under pressure.

Description: Players get into 2 pairs with a stump in the middle. The teams take turns to throw the ball at the stump. The first pair to hit the stump 3 times is the winner.

Want some top tips from a professional cricketer and sport psychology guru?

This week England and Leicestershire player Jeremy Snape celebrated the launch of his new member's area at Sporting Edge by talking cricket thinking and the World Twenty20 with me.

What was your experience at the World Twenty20 like and what did you learn?

Injuries are popular. Well, they are if the posts on the simply cricket forum are anything to go by.

Unlike our resident Physical Therapist Liz Ward, I'm no expert on recovery from injury but I do know how to help prevent it in the first place.

That has to be better (No offence Liz).

It's probably the last thing you think of when you are fit, but a bit of planning and some luck could see you through the summer with no niggles. And that means lots of cricket.

It's great finding professional players talking about the importance of fitness to cricket. Ed Smith of Middlesex puts his views in On and Off the Field:

"Physical conditioning is one of the few areas of cricket preparation which qualify as a science. It can help. So listen to the fitness coaches, definitely. But as you listen, always ask yourself this question, 'How will this make me a better cricketer?'"

Purpose: To practice the pick up and return running from the left or right.

Description: The coach (c) rolls the ball out for the fielder to runs across, pick up and return the ball to the keeper. After each fielder has thrown from one side, repeat from the other side.

Variations: You can attempt to throw down the stumps instead without a keeper (using a wall or netting to prevent overthrows).