6 Cricket Coaching Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Ralph Dellor, former ECB Coaches Association Chairman, and other thought leaders in Cricket Coaching

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if a single book could sharpen your cricket coaching skills and boost your team's performance? Cricket coaching blends art and science, requiring a nuanced understanding of technique, strategy, and player development. Coaching in this sport isn’t just about drills; it’s about inspiring players and managing the complexities of the game.

Ralph Dellor, former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board Coaches Association and an experienced broadcaster, has long emphasized the importance of well-rounded coaching resources. His endorsement of Ian Pont’s Coaching Youth Cricket highlights how practical advice and attention to overlooked aspects—like managing parents—can transform how coaches nurture young talent.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience levels, coaching goals, or focus areas might consider creating a personalized Cricket Coaching book that builds on these insights. Tailored guides can bridge gaps between general principles and your unique coaching challenges.

Best for youth coaching techniques
Ralph Dellor, former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board Coaches Association and respected cricket broadcaster, highlights the broad appeal of Ian Pont’s Coaching Youth Cricket. Dellor appreciates how the book supports coaches across all levels, especially in managing young players’ development and involving parents as active contributors rather than mere bystanders. His endorsement underscores the book’s comprehensive approach, noting, "It also deals with that often-overlooked element in young players’ development: parents. They are more than just unpaid taxi drivers, and it is refreshing to see their vital role acknowledged." Dellor’s perspective as an established authority makes this book a strong recommendation for anyone dedicated to youth cricket coaching.

Recommended by Ralph Dellor

Former ECB Coaches Association Chairman, Broadcaster, Author

There are plenty of books for coaches at the elite level, coaches of adults and coaches of juniors. This book helps all coaches, and it is hard to imagine any who will not benefit from consulting it. It also deals with that often-overlooked element in young players’ development: parents. They are more than just unpaid taxi drivers, and it is refreshing to see their vital role acknowledged. (from Amazon)

Coaching Youth Cricket (Coaching Youth Sports) book cover

by Ian Pont··You?

2010·208 pages·Cricket Coaching, Cricket, Youth Development, Bowling Techniques, Batting Skills

Ian Pont's decades-long experience as a first-class cricketer and specialist bowling coach shapes this guide to youth cricket coaching. You gain practical insights into coaching fundamentals, from batting, bowling, and fielding techniques to managing young players' motivation and safety. The book also addresses often-overlooked aspects such as effective communication with players and the important role of parents in nurturing young talent. Whether you're an experienced coach or new to youth cricket, the clear instructions and illustrative drills in chapters like fielding fundamentals and practice planning provide concrete tools to develop skills and foster a lasting passion for the game.

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Best for specialized wicket keeping skills
James Knott is a renowned cricket coach and author, known for his expertise in wicket keeping. With years of experience coaching players at various levels, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the skills required for top-level performance. His contributions to cricket literature have made him a respected figure in the sports community. This book draws on that expertise to offer clear guidance and practical drills for anyone serious about improving their wicket keeping or coaching methods.
2021·258 pages·Cricket Coaching, Cricket Players, Wicket Keeping, Training Drills, Solo Practice

What started as James Knott's dedication to mastering wicket keeping has evolved into a thorough guide that breaks down the intricate skills of this specialized cricket role. You’ll find detailed explanations of techniques, over 65 practical drills, and unique solo training methods that cater to both players and coaches. The book also benefits from insights by notable figures like Alan Knott and Jack Russell, offering real-world perspectives on refining your game. Whether you’re an aspiring wicket keeper or a coach aiming to elevate your training approach, this book delivers clear, focused instruction without fluff.

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Best for custom coaching plans
This AI-created book on cricket coaching is tailored to your specific coaching experience and goals. You share what aspects of team performance and player development matter most to you, and the book focuses exactly on those areas. This personalized approach helps you navigate complex coaching concepts in a way that fits your style and your team’s unique needs, making your learning efficient and directly applicable.
2025·50-300 pages·Cricket Coaching, Team Performance, Player Development, Practice Planning, Tactical Management

This tailored AI-created book explores personalized coaching methods designed to elevate your cricket team's performance by focusing on your unique coaching background, team dynamics, and specific goals. It covers essential topics from player skill development and tactical game management to motivational techniques and practice session design, all carefully matched to your interests and experience level. The book reveals how to combine expert cricket coaching principles with your own coaching style, creating a roadmap that addresses the nuances of your team’s needs. By integrating these tailored insights, you can enhance training effectiveness and foster a winning culture that resonates with your players.

AI-Tailored Guide
Team Performance Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for coaching organization and planning
Periever Publishing specializes in creating practical resources for coaches and sports enthusiasts, focusing on effective planning and organization. This expertise shines through in the Cricket Coach Planner 2020, a tool crafted to help you manage every aspect of coaching—from practice sessions and meetings to match score tracking and tactical planning. The planner’s thoughtful layout and detailed sections are designed specifically to support cricket coaches in maintaining focus and clarity throughout the season.
2019·139 pages·Cricket Coaching, Cricket Teams, Cricket, Practice Planning, Game Strategy

Periever Publishing specializes in practical resources tailored for sports coaches, and this planner reflects that expertise by offering a structured approach to managing cricket teams. You’ll find the planner invaluable for organizing practice sessions, tracking match scores, and strategizing game tactics through dedicated sections like the monthly calendar and detailed field position pages. It’s designed to streamline the administrative side of coaching, allowing you to focus more on player development and match preparation. If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities as a cricket coach, this diary offers a straightforward system to keep everything visible and manageable.

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Best for structured training journals
Sport Squad Books specializes in creating practical resources for athletes and coaches, focusing on enhancing training and performance. Their expertise shines through in this Cricket Coaching Playbook, designed specifically to support both cricketers and coaches in planning and recording training sessions. The book’s concise format and inclusion of cricket field diagrams make it a handy companion for improving practice efficiency and tracking progress on the field.
2021·120 pages·Cricket Coaching, Training Planning, Skill Development, Practice Tracking, Drill Design

This isn't another generic cricket coaching book promising quick fixes; Sport Squad Books crafted a focused training diary that serves both players and coaches looking to organize and optimize their practice sessions. You get a compact 6" x 9" journal with space to record goals, warm-ups, drills, and post-session reflections, plus handy cricket field diagrams to map out plays. Whether you're a beginner tracking your skill development or a coach designing drills to accelerate your team's progress, this book helps you maintain clarity on strengths and weaknesses. It’s a straightforward tool that encourages consistent review and improvement, especially useful for those serious about structured training rather than theoretical concepts.

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Best for foundational cricket techniques
The Cricket Coaching Manual offers a focused approach to foundational cricket skills, making it a valuable tool for those invested in the sport's coaching side. Frank Tyson’s work condenses essential coaching elements into a straightforward guide, emphasizing technique and strategy. This manual is particularly helpful if you want to build a solid understanding of cricket coaching basics or improve your ability to train players effectively. It addresses common challenges in skill development and provides a framework that benefits coaches and players aiming for technical excellence.
1986·1 pages·Cricket Coaching, Bowling Techniques, Batting Skills, Fielding Strategies, Player Development

What started as a desire to codify effective cricket techniques became a classic reference in the sport. Frank Tyson, a former fast bowler known for his precision and insight, distills core coaching principles into a concise manual that focuses on fundamental skills like bowling mechanics, batting stance, and field placement. You’ll find clear explanations tailored for coaches and players seeking to deepen their technical understanding without unnecessary complexity. This manual suits those serious about refining traditional cricket coaching methods rather than casual enthusiasts.

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Best for daily coaching progress
This personalized AI book about cricket coaching is created based on your experience, goals, and the coaching areas you want to improve most. Using AI, it crafts a 30-day plan focused on step-by-step enhancements designed for quick, practical results. This approach works well for cricket coaching because it breaks down complex techniques into manageable daily steps tailored to your unique needs, helping you grow efficiently without being overwhelmed.
2025·50-300 pages·Cricket Coaching, Player Development, Batting Techniques, Bowling Skills, Fielding Drills

This tailored cricket coaching book offers a focused 30-day pathway designed to enhance your coaching abilities through daily, step-by-step guidance. By concentrating on quick, practical improvements, it explores essential coaching techniques, player development, and game preparation tailored specifically to your background and goals. The book emphasizes personalized progression, allowing you to engage deeply with critical aspects of cricket coaching that align with your interests and skill level. Through this tailored approach, it reveals a clear, manageable coaching journey that builds confidence and competence efficiently, making complex coaching knowledge accessible and directly relevant to your unique coaching challenges.

Tailored Manual
Skill Acceleration
3,000+ Books Created
Best for traditional coaching principles
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), renowned as cricket's global custodian based at Lord's Cricket Ground, brings unmatched authority to this coaching manual. MCC's role as guardian of the Laws of the game shapes the book’s comprehensive coverage, making it a cornerstone for coaches seeking to instill traditional values alongside technical expertise. Their worldwide promotion of cricket lends this work a timeless quality, ensuring it remains relevant for anyone committed to mastering the sport.
Cricket Coaching Book book cover

by Marylebone Cricket Club··You?

1987·175 pages·Cricket, Cricket Coaching, Skill Development, Game Strategy, Player Conduct

The methods Marylebone Cricket Club developed as the guardian of cricket's Laws provide a definitive framework for coaches and players alike. This book unpacks the technical, tactical, and ethical dimensions of cricket coaching, offering detailed guidance on skill development, game strategy, and player conduct. You’ll find chapters explaining batting techniques, bowling variations, and field placements grounded in MCC’s authoritative standards. While primarily aimed at coaches, any cricketer serious about improving their game will appreciate its focus on disciplined practice and understanding the sport's traditions. Its approach is direct and rooted in cricket’s core principles rather than fleeting trends.

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Conclusion

Across these six books, a clear pattern emerges: effective cricket coaching demands a balance of technical mastery, structured planning, and understanding the human side of sport. Books like Coaching Youth Cricket and Wicket Keeping drill down into skill development, while Cricket Coach Planner 2020 and Cricket Coaching Playbook address organization and tracking progress.

If you’re grappling with managing a youth team, start with Ian Pont’s approach to communication and motivation. For coaches focusing on precision skills like wicket keeping, James Knott’s guide is invaluable. To streamline your season, pair planning tools with technical manuals for a well-rounded strategy.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Cricket Coaching book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These resources can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently elevate your coaching impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Coaching Youth Cricket by Ian Pont if you work with young players, as it covers fundamentals and motivation. If you need to organize your sessions, try the Cricket Coach Planner 2020 for structure and clarity.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cricket Coaching?

No, these books range from beginner-friendly to advanced. Coaching Youth Cricket and Cricket Coaching Manual offer clear, accessible guidance suitable for new coaches building foundational skills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like Coaching Youth Cricket or Cricket Coaching Manual, then move to specialized skills in Wicket Keeping. Use Cricket Coach Planner 2020 and Cricket Coaching Playbook throughout to organize and track progress.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your coaching focus. For example, specialize with Wicket Keeping if that’s your priority, or choose Coaching Youth Cricket for broader youth development. Combining a planning book adds value if managing multiple tasks.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Cricket Coaching changes?

While some titles like Cricket Coaching Manual date back decades, their focus on core techniques and principles remains relevant. Newer books offer up-to-date drills and planning tools, balancing tradition with modern coaching.

How can personalized Cricket Coaching books complement these expert guides?

Personalized books tailor expert insights to your coaching style, goals, and experience. They bridge gaps between general advice and your unique needs, helping you apply principles effectively. Learn more about creating your custom Cricket Coaching book.

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