Hardball Performance Squads (Year 5 – Year 12)
Master Technical Precision, Tactical Intelligence & League Performance.
Transitioning to hardball cricket is a major milestone. Led by former professional county bowlers and ECB Level 4 master coaches, our Hardball Academy combines rigorous technical net sessions, video analysis, athletic conditioning, and competitive entry into the Hertfordshire Junior Cricket League.
Elite Coaching & Transparent Selection
Hardball cricket demands genuine technical foundation and safety-first preparation. Unlike clubs relying solely on volunteer parent coaches, our hardball squads are directed by ECB Level 4 Master Coach Jamie Hewitt (Ex-Middlesex & Kent CCC) alongside professional county pathway coaches.
We believe competitive spirit and fair player development go hand in hand. Squad selection for Hertfordshire League fixtures is transparent, merit-based, and structured so that every squad player gets meaningful matchplay throughout the summer.
Advanced Batting & Power
Driving against pace, spin mechanics, sweep variations, power hitting, and building long innings.
Seam & Spin Artistry
Seam position, swing dynamics, spin variations (wrist & finger spin), and tactical overs execution.
Match Tactics & Captaincy
Setting field maps, analyzing match situations, reading pitch conditions, and on-field leadership.
Athletic Conditioning
Speed off the mark, throwing mechanics, injury prevention, and mental toughness.
Inside a Typical Session
A focused 2-hour high-performance structure mirroring professional county squad training, with dedicated time for fitness, fielding, and technical net execution:
Elite Athletic Fielding (30 Mins)
Setting the standard early. High-intensity fielding circuits focusing on diving mechanics, high-ball catching under pressure, direct-hit throwing precision, and match-scenario ground fielding.
Technical Nets & Scenario Execution (60 Mins)
High-volume, intense lane work. Batters face sidearm throwdowns, bowling machines, and live bowlers with video analysis. Bowlers focus on target grids, seam position, spin variations, and executing death-bowling scenarios.
Cricket-Specific Strength & Conditioning (30 Mins)
Crucial for injury prevention and power generation. Led by fitness specialists, players work on core stability, sprint mechanics, rotational power for batting, and fast-bowling load management.
World-Class Facilities & County Links
Year-Round Winter Base
36-week program featuring full winter indoor net sessions at Haberdashers' Boys' School in Elstree, utilizing professional bowling machines, indoor turf lanes, and video playback.
Summer Venues
Matchplay and grass net training at Haberdashers' School campus and Croxdale Road.
Full Protective Gear Required
Players require full hardball equipment (helmet, pads, gloves, thigh guard, box, and hardball bat). Equipment guidance is provided by our coaches.
Hertfordshire League Competition
Regular midweek evening and Sunday morning fixtures across all age groups (Year 5 to Year 12).
County Pathway Support
We actively nominate and prepare high-performing players for Hertfordshire County CAG (County Age Group) trials, while maintaining clear alignment for Middlesex pathway eligibility.
Transparent Termly Pricing
No large upfront annual fee — just three clear termly installments. Everything below is included in your membership.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
Limited hardball squad places available for the 2026/27 season across Y5–Y12 year groups.
Membership Perks & Discounts
Sibling Discount
A £30 membership credit is automatically applied for each additional sibling enrolled in our academy programs.
Exclusive Pro Equipment Discounts
Academy members receive exclusive member-only discount codes on all bats, equipment, and protective gear from world-leading cricket brands Millichamp & Hall and Gray-Nicolls.
Inclusive Cricket Access Grant
Old Haberdashers CC is committed to ensuring cricket is accessible to all children regardless of financial circumstances. Confidential support and fee bursaries are available upon request to the Junior Committee.
Ready to Join Our Hardball Squads?
Pro-level coaching, elite facilities, and a clear pathway to county cricket.