Mastering Cricket Field Positions: Tips for New Players

Sports Apr 14, 2025 58 Add to Reading List

When you first start playing cricket, it can feel like there’s a lot to learn. Batting and bowling get most of the attention, but smart fielding can change the game. That’s why learning and mastering cricket field positions is so important for new players.

Whether you play in the backyard, gully, school team, or a proper club, this guide will help you understand where to stand, why it matters, and how to make an impact—even without the ball in hand.

Let’s break it all down in a way that’s simple, clear, and full of practical tips.

Why Knowing Fielding Positions in Cricket is a Game Changer

You might wonder, “Why does it matter where I stand?” It matters because:

Fielding in the right spot can prevent easy runs
You’ll be ready for catches or quick run-outs
Coaches notice good positioning—trust us
It boosts your confidence and team contribution

Even the best bowlers and batters need strong fielders to win matches. Great fielding builds pressure, saves runs, and grabs surprise wickets.

Understanding the Field: Off Side vs Leg Side

To get your basics right, picture the cricket pitch in the center of a circle. The field has two main sides:

Off Side: The side in front of a right-handed batter
Leg Side (On Side): The side behind them

Knowing which is which helps you understand the position names and why they’re used.

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Key Cricket Field Positions Explained (For New Players)

These are the positions you'll hear the most during a match. Let’s keep it simple.

Wicket-Keeper

Where: Directly behind the stumps
Tip: Always stay low, wear proper gloves, and keep your eye on the ball

Slip

Where: Next to the wicket-keeper
Used When: Fast bowlers are in action
Tip: Stay alert—edges come fast!

Point

Where: Square on the off side
Tip: Great spot for quick reflexes and stopping cuts

Cover

Where: Between point and mid-off
Used When: Batsmen play drives
Tip: Be ready to dive and save boundaries

Mid-Off & Mid-On

Where: Straight ahead of the batter
Tip: Key positions to stop straight drives—stay on your toes

Square Leg

Where: Square on the leg side
Tip: Be quick on flicks and leg glances

Fine Leg

Where: Near the boundary, behind the batter
Tip: Good place to field bouncers and edges

Third Man

Where: Behind slip on the off side
Used When: To stop edged boundaries

Long-Off & Long-On

Where: Deep fielders straight down the ground
Tip: Crucial for catching big shots and strong throws

Easy Tips to Remember Fielding Positions

Don’t stress if the names feel tricky. Here are some memory hacks:

“Slip” is close enough to “slip up”—ready for mistakes from the batter
“Point” is pointing out square cuts
“Cover” helps cover the off side drives
“Mid-off” and “mid-on” are straight mid-fielders
“Fine leg” handles fine shots down the leg side

Use these links in your brain to make learning easier.

How to Improve as a Fielder (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

Being in the right spot is just step one. Here’s how to level up your fielding game:

1. Always Stay Low and Ready

Don’t stand stiff. Bend your knees, stay light on your feet, and be ready to move quickly in any direction.

2. Watch the Batter

Learn their habits. Are they always playing square? Are they trying big shots? Adjust your stance and positioning based on their moves.

3. Communicate with Teammates

Shout if you're going for a catch. Call loudly. Good teams talk a lot on the field.

4. Practice Throwing and Catching Daily

Even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Target throws and soft hands help avoid fumbles.

5. Understand the Bowler’s Plan

Are they bowling full and straight? Be ready near the straight boundary. Are they bowling short? Be sharp square of the wicket.

Mistakes to Avoid When Fielding

New players often make these errors. Avoid them early:

Standing flat-footed
Not calling for catches
Throwing without aiming
Backing up throws too late
Ignoring where your teammates are

Fielding is a team effort. Cover each other, back up throws, and stay switched on every ball.

How Fielding Changes Across Formats

T20

More outfielders to stop boundaries
Quick rotation between positions
High pressure for run-outs

ODI

Mix of close and deep fielders
Powerplay rules restrict positions
Greater need for positioning awareness

Test Matches

More slips and close-in fielders
Fielders need high concentration
Patience matters as games are long

Learn Fielding Positions Fast With These Tricks

Want to learn fast? Try these:

Watch live matches and pause to guess each position
Use a printout or app with a fielding chart
Ask your coach to test you during practice
Challenge a friend to name positions while playing

You’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes second nature.

Fun Fact: Did You Know?

In professional matches, players often specialize in certain positions
Jonty Rhodes, one of the best fielders ever, made fielding cool again in the 90s
In a T20, stopping just 10 extra runs can turn the match!

Summary: From Confusion to Confidence

Learning cricket fielding positions doesn’t happen overnight. But the more you play, observe, and ask questions, the better you’ll get.

So next time your captain says, “Go to deep mid-wicket,” don’t panic—just smile and get into position. With practice and focus, you’ll go from guessing spots to owning the field.