Backyard Cricket: Rules, Gear and Tips for the Perfect Game
by The team at Western Sports Centre, Derrimut on Apr 25, 2023For great backyard cricket, use a tennis ball or soft ball, a plastic or tennis-ball bat, and a set of plastic stumps (or the wheelie bin). Agree on the house rules before you start, like "one hand, one bounce" and "over the fence is out". Keep the hard leather balls for the nets. Backyard cricket is all about everyone getting a bat and a bowl, from little kids to grandparents.
What you need
| Gear | What to use |
|---|---|
| Bat | A plastic bat for little kids, like the Gray-Nicolls Plastic Cricket Bat, or a tennis-ball bat for older players, like the Gray-Nicolls Tennis Cricket Bat or Composite Cricket Bat. |
| Ball | A tennis ball, like the Hitman tennis ball, or a red Gray-Nicolls cricket tennis ball. For little kids, a soft ball like the Kookaburra Softaball. |
| Stumps | Plastic stumps, a wheelie bin, a box or a chair. |
| All-in-one | The Gray-Nicolls Plastic Cricket Set or SS Mini Cricket Set. |
Don't use a hard leather cricket ball in the backyard. It's dangerous without helmets and pads, and it'll break windows.
Classic backyard cricket rules
Every family has its own rules. Agree on yours before the first ball. Here are the classics:
- One hand, one bounce: you can catch the ball one-handed after one bounce and the batter is out.
- Over the fence is out: hit it into the neighbour's yard and you're out (and you go get it).
- Can't get out first ball: everyone gets at least one chance.
- Tippity-run (tip and run): if you hit the ball, you have to run.
- Auto wickie: if the batter edges it and it hits the wall, fence or bin behind them, they're out.
- No LBW: nobody can agree on them anyway.
- Retire at 20 or 30: so everyone gets a bat.
- Little kids bowl from closer: and get a few extra chances.
Set up your ground
- Find the flattest strip of lawn for the pitch. Shorten it for younger players.
- Bat facing away from the house windows, if you can.
- Decide where the boundaries are: the fence might be four, the garden bed six.
- Move anything breakable and keep the barbecue out of the line of fire.
Tips to make it more fun
- Mix up the teams so kids and adults play together.
- Try a tape ball: wrap electrical tape around half a tennis ball to make it swing.
- Play a "Test series": keep a running score over the summer holidays.
- Add fielding challenges: bonus points for a direct hit on the stumps.
- Take it to the beach: plastic sets are light and easy to carry.
Keep it safe
- Slip, slop, slap: sunscreen, hats and water breaks, especially in summer.
- Watch out for little ones near the batter.
- Use soft balls with young children.
- Wear shoes if the grass has prickles.
Want to practise on your own?
A ball feeder lets you practise batting without a bowler. Try the Hitman45 Practice Partner Cricket Training Bundle, which comes with a net and tennis balls.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best ball for backyard cricket?
A tennis ball. It bounces well, is safe without pads and helmets, and won't damage windows (usually).
What bat should I use for backyard cricket?
A plastic bat for little kids, or a tennis-ball bat for older kids and adults.
What does "one hand, one bounce" mean?
A fielder can catch the ball with one hand after it bounces once, and the batter is out.
Get your backyard kit
Pick up a backyard set, tennis balls or a junior bat at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut. Ready for club cricket? Read our cricket bat buying guide.
