Soft-Stix Cricket Set

Instead of hard balls and intimidating wooden bats, this cricket set for kids features softer, gentler materials. Students can focus on learning the game and getting acclimated with the skills needed to play it, instead of worrying about protecting themselves or developing a fear of the game. Everything you need is included to play the game indoors or out.

Safe Equipment

This non-intimidating cricket set emphasizes safety as players learn the game. Soft, polyurethane bats are lightweight and easy to handle. This minimizes the power and velocity that players can put into hitting the Cricket ball, yet still gives them a true reaction during hits. Bats also feature a grip that allows for optimal handling at all times.

Everything You Need

Set includes 2 bats (30"L), 4 balls, 2 wickets, 2 bails, a DuraBag storage bag, and activity instructions. Easily transport and store all equipment in the DuraBag, which features a nylon bottom and a mesh top for bag ventilation. The bag also features shoulder and hand carry straps, along with a zipper closure.

Included comprehensive instructions explain how to set up cricket games and related activities. Instructions also familiarize students and teachers with different positions, terminology, scoring, game variations, and more. Diagrams and images are available to ensure everyone understand the concepts of the game they're about to play.

How to Play

Each team plays an inning with a pre-determined limit of "overs". The fielding team positions themselves around the field with the goal of getting the batter out or preventing runs from being scored. One member from the fielding team, the bowler, takes the ball and stands behind one of the wickets. Another member from the fielding team, the wicket-keeper, squats behind the opposite wicket.

One batter, the non-striker, stands near a wicket behind each crease. The other batter, the striker, stands farthest from the bowler in a batting stance. The batter holds the bat down in front of the wicket and hits the ball after it is bowled from the other end of the pitch. The non-striker stands behind the other crease and waits to run. The bowler runs up from behind the non-striker's wicket, passes to one side of the wicket, and then bowls the ball toward the striker after reaching the non-striker's crease.

The striker attempts to hit the ball with the bat. If he/she misses it, the wicket-keeper will catch the ball. If he/she hits the ball, the two batters attempt to score runs. To score a run, the batter runs between the creases and crosses over midway between them. When both batters reach the opposite crease, 1 run is scored. The batter can immediately return for another run. If the batter thinks it is not safe to run, they can choose not to run.

The fielding team attempts to run out one of the batters by breaking that batter's wicket with the ball while the batter is out of the crease. When 10 batters are out, the inning is complete, and the teams switch roles. When the teams complete the previously agreed upon number of overs, the team that scores the most runs wins!

15 Dynamic PE Activities Using the Gopher Soft-Stix Cricket Set

The Gopher Soft-Stix Cricket Set offers a fun and safer way to introduce students to cricket and striking games. With soft foam cricket bats and balls, plus sturdy, lightweight wickets, this set is ideal for younger learners and indoor or outdoor use. Its oversized components and soft construction help build confidence while teaching striking, aiming, teamwork, and basic cricket rules. Below are 15 engaging and imaginative physical education activity ideas using this set to help students practice fundamental movement skills (FMS) in both individual and team contexts.

1. Basic Cricket Blast: Introduce students to simplified cricket—batters strike and run between two cones while fielders retrieve. Builds striking, running, and teamwork.

2. Wicket Hit Challenge: Students take turns trying to knock down the wicket from a distance using the Soft-Stix ball. Teaches throwing accuracy.

3. Bowl & Go: Students bowl the foam ball, then immediately sprint to touch a cone and back before the ball hits the wicket. Combines bowling with sprinting.

4. Bat and Dash: Hit the ball, then run to a “safe zone” and back before it’s returned. Encourages agility and decision-making.

5. Wicket Dodge Tag: Use wickets as safe zones while students try to avoid being tagged by a ball. Promotes dodging and spatial awareness.

6. Partner Pop Fly: Partner throws the ball high; student bats it mid-air. Builds timing and hand-eye coordination.

7. Color Zone Cricket: Divide the field into colored zones using TopSpot Vinyl Spots. Students earn points by batting into specific zones. Encourages placement control.

8. Bat Flip Relay: Students flip the bat in the air and catch it before running a relay. Adds manipulation and team coordination.

9. Cricket Bowling Gauntlet: Set wickets in a line and have students bowl through them in sequence. Builds accuracy and rolling control.

10. Cricket Balloon Batting: Use a balloon instead of a ball for beginner-friendly striking. Teaches striking timing and confidence-building.

11. Batting Rotations Circuit: Rotate through multiple striking challenges—tee-ball, off-the-bounce, target batting. Improves adaptability.

12. Silent Cricket Challenge: Teams play a mini-match in complete silence, communicating non-verbally. Builds teamwork and spatial awareness.

13. Catch the Batter: Fielders must retrieve the ball and hit the wicket before the batter returns to base. Sharpens throwing speed and chasing.

14. Cricket Cleanup Relay: Scatter balls across the field. Teams use bats to roll them into a central bucket. Reinforces object control.

15. Cricket Toss & Twirl: Toss the bat gently in the air, spin once, and catch it before hitting the ball. Combines coordination and body awareness.