Cricket Wicket Keeping Drills and Training Equipment Guide (2026)
Why Wicket Keepers Need Specific Training Gear
Wicket keeping is the most physically demanding fielding position in cricket — roughly 400-600 repetitions per day of a Test match: standing up, crouching down, diving laterally, and taking deliveries at speeds up to 90 mph. A keeper's equipment takes more abuse than any batsman's gear. Training for the role requires equipment that can handle thousands of repetitions without breaking down.
The average club keeper in the US trains 6-8 hours per week during season. Over a 5-month season, that's roughly 120-160 hours of repetitive impact on gloves, pads, and training aids. Using match-grade equipment for training accelerates wear and means you're replacing gear every season instead of every 2-3 seasons.
Essential Wicket Keeping Equipment
Keeping Gloves: The Most Critical Piece
Wicket keeping gloves are fundamentally different from batting gloves — they have a webbed design between thumb and forefinger, reinforced palm padding for repeated impact absorption, and a cupped design that helps secure the ball. The SG RP 17 ($99.99) and SG SupaKeep ($89.99) are our top recommendations for serious club keepers. For junior keepers, the SG Super Club ($44.99) and SG Club ($44.99) offer the same protection in youth sizes.
Keeping Pads: Lighter Than Batting Pads
Keeping pads are shorter, lighter, and more flexible than batting pads — they need to allow quick lateral movement and comfortable crouching. The SG Hilite Adult Keeping Pads ($54.99) are the sweet spot for club-level keepers: lightweight with adequate knee protection. For juniors, SG Club Junior Keeping Pads ($34.99) provide the same design in smaller sizes.
Wicket Keeping Training Drills
Drill 1: The Standing-Up Repetition
Equipment needed: Keeping gloves, 6-12 cricket balls, a partner or bowling machine.
Stand up to the stumps (for medium pace) or 15-20 yards back (for fast bowling). Have a partner throw or bowl 50 balls at varying heights — some bouncing normally, some staying low, some bouncing high. Focus on soft hands: catch the ball with "giving" hands that move backwards on impact. This reduces rebound drops and protects your palms. Repeat 3 sets of 50, alternating stance positions.
Drill 2: Lateral Dive Practice
Equipment needed: Keeping gloves, 10 balls, a cone or marker.
Place a cone 4 feet to your right. Have a partner throw balls that force you to dive laterally to the cone side. Focus on leading with the gloves (not the body), keeping your eyes on the ball through the dive, and landing on your hip/shoulder rather than your elbow. 20 dives per side, 2 sets.
Drill 3: Reaction Catches with a Katchet Board
The Omtex Katchet Board is a sloped rebound board that creates unpredictable deflections — ideal for keeper reaction training. Throw a ball at the board from 10 yards, react to the deflection, and catch cleanly. 30-40 throws per session sharpens hand-eye coordination better than standard throwdowns.
Drill 4: Stumping Practice
Equipment needed: Stumps, keeping gloves, balls.
Set up stumps. Stand in your keeping stance. Have a partner throw wide balls (outside off stump) that you must collect and break the stumps in one fluid motion. Time yourself: from ball-in-glove to stumps-broken should be under 0.8 seconds for a competitive keeper. 20 stumpings per side.
Drill 5: Slip Catching for Keepers
Keepers often move to slip for spinners. Practice slip catching from 10-15 yards with a partner hitting edges with a bat. Use your keeping gloves (not slip catching mitts) to build familiarity. Focus on cupping the ball with both hands — keepers who one-hand slip catches develop bad habits for regular keeping.
Recommended Training Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SG RP 17 Wicket Keeping Gloves | Primary keeping gloves — training + match | $99.99 |
| SG SupaKeep Keeping Gloves | Alternative match-grade gloves | $89.99 |
| SG Hilite Keeping Pads | Match + training keeping pads | $54.99 |
| SG Super Club Junior Keeping Gloves | Junior keeper training gloves | $44.99 |
| GN Limited Edition Keeping Gloves | Premium match-grade alternative | $94.99 |
| NB TC 860 Junior Keeping Gloves | Youth-level training gloves | $59.99 |
| Katchet Board | Reaction training aid | Check site |
Training Gloves vs Match Gloves: Why You Need Both
If you're keeping 4+ hours per week in training, invest in a dedicated training pair of gloves. Match-grade gloves worn in training lose their padding density within one season — then you're catching 85 mph deliveries in compressed, worn-out padding. A training pair (even a previous season's model) absorbs the 80% of your catching volume that happens in practice. Rotate to fresh match gloves for game day.
The SG Club Junior Gloves ($44.99) make excellent training gloves for adult keepers on a budget — they're affordable, well-padded, and you won't mind beating them up in 3-hour net sessions.
Why Buy From TopCricketStore?
Our founder played as a wicket keeper and understands the gear demands — from palm padding density to strap placement. We stock SG, Gray-Nicolls (GN), and NB keeping gloves and pads, all physically inspected in our Edison NJ warehouse. Free shipping over $100, 7-day returns, and real keeper-to-keeper advice at 732-250-3598.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do wicket keeping gloves last?
With 2-3 matches and 2 training sessions per week, expect 1-2 seasons from match-grade gloves. The palm padding compresses with repeated impact — when you start feeling sting through the palm on fast deliveries, it's time to replace them.
Can I use batting pads for wicket keeping?
No. Batting pads are too long and stiff — they restrict the crouch position and slow lateral movement. Keeping pads are specifically designed shorter and lighter. Using batting pads for keeping also violates most league equipment regulations.
What's the difference between keeping gloves and batting gloves?
Keeping gloves have webbing between thumb and forefinger (to trap the ball), heavier palm padding (for repeated high-speed impact), and a wider, more cupped design. Batting gloves prioritize finger protection and flexibility for grip — they can't catch a ball cleanly the way keeping gloves can.
Do I need different keeping gloves for spin vs pace?
Not at the club level. At professional levels, some keepers use slightly lighter gloves for spin (less impact, more feel needed). At all levels below first-class, a single quality pair like the SG RP 17 handles both comfortably.
How should I store keeping gloves between sessions?
Open them up (don't store them folded or compressed), let them air-dry away from direct heat, and keep them in a ventilated bag — not sealed in a plastic kit bag compartment where sweat and bacteria build up. Palm rot from moisture is the #1 glove killer, not impact wear.
FAQ
What should I consider first?
Fit and how you play matter more than brand or price. Visit our Edison, NJ showroom or message us on WhatsApp for guidance.
Can beginners use this equipment?
Yes. Start with gear matching your current level and upgrade as your skills improve.
How do I choose the right size?
Check manufacturer sizing charts on product pages. Message us if you need help fitting.