The transition from indoor - with the ball coming on to the bat, being able to hit on the up - to outdoor surfaces with slower decks, seam and variable bounce is a tricky one for any batter.

Here is an indoor drill (elements can also be used outdoors) to help batsmen build skill and a precise mental approach.

It really works.

You'll need the following equipment: an indoor mat (or 2, one on top of the other to slow the surface down), an (optional) whiteboard and a feed (bowling machine, throwdowns or bowling).

Each batter bats in sets of 10 balls.

The round ends when 10 balls are reached, the batter loses a point or the batter is dismissed. Each batter starts with two points. If a point is lost then that round is finished and a new round starts from ball one. If the batter loses all of their points then they have to take off their batting equipment, reflect for five minutes and then return to the game (starting with two points again).

Positive points

• One point if the batter survives or thrives in their 10 ball set without losing a point.
• One point if the batter hits two consecutive half volleys with excellent contacts and within the rules of the game. Those half volleys could be 4 balls apart if the in between balls are not drivable.

Negative points

• Lose two points when a player is dismissed (caught, LBW, bowled or stumped).
• Lose one point: when the ball fails to hit the ground before the ball passes the bowler or the bowling machine. You will note on the session board from below that I added a "player specific" rule. I added this in after three sets of 10 balls.

The session on the board was for a County Academy 2nd XI player facing an 84mph left arm over bowling machine capable of swinging the ball back into the stumps and running one across towards the slips; a decent challenge. The format was four day cricket and the simulated score at outset was 120-4. You will note on the session board from below that I added a "player specific" rule. I added this in after 3 sets of 10 balls: Lose one point: If the player leaves a drive ball.

The results:

• The player was not dismissed in a very testing session.
• The player finished on 10 points.
• He reached one point once in the session. Then built a commanding total.
• He lost 3 points in total over the course of the 45 minute session and gained 11 points.
• The 3 lost points were all for balls hitting the side net no more than 2 inches from the floor.

The player had a technical emphasis to play the ball as late as possible throughout and to play as late and as straight as possible against the swinging ball.. The player had earnt the right to pick up points in sets 4 onwards because he played himself in, limiting his scoring areas initially and expanded his options as he adjust to bowler and the pace of the pitch. The player identified that he was rushing in between balls in the early sets. He then took his time, only faced the ball when he was ready to do so and ultimately, made better decisions as a consequence.

This session can be a pairs, group or as in this case, a 1:1 session. It's brilliant. Give it a go. Does it help your batters focus on outdoor skills even when indoors?