G’day, cricket fans! If you’re diving into the Big Bash League, you’ve probably noticed that the men and women in the coach’s box are just as important as the players on the field. But if you’re also an Aussie Rules fan, you’ll know that the word “coach” means something a bit different in footy. In this guide, we’re going to break down the key coaching roles and strategies in the BBL, while also clearing up any confusion with terms from Australian rules football. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket tragic or just getting into the game, this glossary will have you talking like a pro in no time.
Head Coach
In the BBL, the head coach is the mastermind behind the team’s game plan, player development, and match-day tactics. They’re the one calling the shots from the dugout, deciding batting orders, bowling changes, and field placements. In Aussie Rules, a head coach does similar work—plotting strategies for each quarter, managing rotations, and motivating the squad—but the big difference is that footy coaches have to deal with on-field stoppages and positional moves across a massive oval, while BBL coaches focus on the fast-paced, short-form cricket action.Batting Coach
A batting coach in the BBL works one-on-one with players to refine their technique, especially for T20 cricket where slogging and power hitting are key. They help with footwork, shot selection, and mental prep. In Aussie Rules, there’s no direct equivalent—footy players have forward coaches who focus on kicking for goal, leading patterns, and marking contests, but it’s not the same as cricket’s specialised batting role.Bowling Coach
The bowling coach in the BBL is all about getting the most out of the quicks and spinners. They work on pace, swing, spin, and variations like yorkers and slower balls. In Aussie Rules, the closest thing is a ruck coach or a specialist skills coach, who might work on kicking or handballing technique, but there’s no direct parallel because footy doesn’t have “bowling” in the cricket sense.Fielding Coach
Fielding coaches in the BBL drill players on catching, ground fielding, and throwing accuracy—crucial in a format where every run saved matters. In Aussie Rules, fielding is a totally different beast. Footy players don’t have a “fielding coach” per se; instead, they have skills coaches who focus on marking (catching the ball in the air), tackling, and ball-handling under pressure. The term “fielding” in footy often refers to the team without the ball, but it’s not a specialist role like in cricket.Strategy
In the BBL, strategy revolves around match-ups—like who bowls to which batsman, when to use powerplays, and how to set fields for different batters. It’s a chess match within 20 overs. In Aussie Rules, strategy is about zone defences, forward presses, and rotations across the ground. The big difference? Cricket strategy is more static, with set plays, while footy strategy is fluid and constantly changing based on where the ball is.Game Plan
A game plan in the BBL is the overall blueprint for a match—like targeting a bowler’s weak spot or setting a death bowling plan. In Aussie Rules, a game plan is about how the team moves the ball, defends, and scores. For example, a footy team might use a “corridor” game plan to move the ball through the middle, while a BBL team might plan to attack the short ball. Both are about execution, but the contexts are worlds apart.Team Selection
Team selection in the BBL is about picking the best XI for the conditions—considering pitch type, opposition, and player form. In Aussie Rules, team selection is about the 22 players on the field (18 on the ground, four on the bench), with a focus on balance between talls, smalls, and specialists. The term is the same, but the numbers and roles are very different.T20 Specialist
A T20 specialist is a player who excels in the shortest format of the game—often a big-hitting batter or a death bowler who might not play Test cricket. In Aussie Rules, there’s no direct equivalent, but you could compare it to a “specialist” like a tagger or a key forward who only plays a specific role. The difference is that T20 specialists are format-specific, while footy specialists are role-specific.Powerplay
In the BBL, the powerplay is the initial phase of the innings where fielding restrictions apply, encouraging aggressive batting. In Aussie Rules, there’s no powerplay at all. The term is borrowed from cricket and other sports, so don’t confuse it with footy’s “time on” or “stoppages.”Death Bowling
Death bowling refers to the final overs of a T20 innings where bowlers try to restrict runs with yorkers, slower balls, and tight lines. In Aussie Rules, there’s no such thing—footy has no “death” phase. The closest might be the final minutes of a close game, but it’s not a defined term.Net Run Rate (NRR)
NRR is a statistical measure used in BBL tournaments to break ties on the ladder. It’s calculated by subtracting the average runs conceded per over from the average runs scored per over. In Aussie Rules, there’s no NRR—instead, footy uses percentage (points for divided by points against, multiplied by 100) for similar purposes. Both are about ranking teams, but the maths is different.Ladder
In the BBL, the ladder is the table showing team rankings based on points, wins, and other tiebreakers. In Aussie Rules, the ladder is exactly the same concept—teams are ranked by points, with percentage as a tiebreaker. The term is universal across Australian sports, so you’re safe using it for both.Finals
Finals in the BBL are the knockout matches at the end of the season to determine the champion. In Aussie Rules, the AFL finals series is a multi-team playoff system with a similar structure. The term is the same, but the formats differ between the two sports.Premiership
In the BBL, the premiership is the title won by the team that wins the final—the ultimate prize. In Aussie Rules, the premiership is the same thing: the grand final winner lifts the cup. The term is used across both sports, but in footy, it’s often called the “flag” or “premiership cup.”Home Ground Advantage
Home ground advantage in the BBL means playing at your own stadium, like the MCG or SCG, where you know the pitch and conditions. In Aussie Rules, it’s similar—teams play better at their home ground because they’re used to the dimensions, crowd, and surface. The concept is identical, but the specifics (like pitch types vs. oval sizes) differ.Rotation Policy
A rotation policy in the BBL is when teams rest key players during the season to manage workload, especially with other series overlapping. In Aussie Rules, rotation policies are about managing player fatigue across a long season, often by resting stars for certain games. The term is the same, but the reasons (cricket’s workload vs. footy’s travel and contact) vary.Match-Ups
Match-ups in the BBL are about pitting bowlers against specific batters based on weaknesses—like a left-arm spinner vs. a left-hander. In Aussie Rules, match-ups are about player-on-player battles, like a key defender vs. a key forward. The term is universal, but the execution is different.Captain
In the BBL, the captain is the on-field leader who makes tactical decisions, like setting fields and bowling changes. In Aussie Rules, the captain does similar work—leading the team, making calls during play, and liaising with umpires. The role is the same in both sports, but in cricket, the captain has more direct control over every ball.Vice-Captain
The vice-captain in the BBL is the backup leader who steps in if the captain is injured or unavailable. In Aussie Rules, it’s the same—the vice-captain supports the captain and takes over if needed. No confusion here—it’s a straightforward term.Coach’s Box
In the BBL, the coach’s box is the area in the stands where the head coach and support staff sit to watch the game and communicate with the players. In Aussie Rules, the coach’s box is the same—an elevated position in the stands where the coaching team monitors the game and sends messages to the bench. The term is identical, but in footy, coaches often have runners to deliver instructions, while in cricket, they use walkie-talkies or signals.Assistant Coach
Assistant coaches in the BBL specialise in areas like batting, bowling, or fielding, and support the head coach. In Aussie Rules, assistant coaches do the same—they might focus on forward lines, defence, or midfield. The role is similar, but footy often has more assistants due to the larger squad and ground.So there you have it—a guide to the key coaching terms in the BBL, with a bit of Aussie Rules flavour to keep things straight. Whether you’re watching the BBL finals or catching a footy game at the MCG, you’ll now know the difference between a head coach’s strategy and a game plan. And if you’re ever confused, just remember: in cricket, it’s about the ball and bat; in footy, it’s about the oval and the pack. Happy watching!
For more on the BBL and its connection to Australian cricket, check out our clubs and competitions hub. If you’re interested in the history of the Ashes, read about the biggest Ashes controversies. And for a deeper dive into leadership, see our guide to Test captains of Australia.
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