snilbob

Bat Grip

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9b2XqriBfFjdt8fIBhyphenhyphenKoqjJUGH_VoprjcJUHZhHMya4oOYvVLlJJMc2p9YFvWgTHt_bC-wv9Z5wri7tgDPxo1OX1EJD5a7x6lKZ19ZmzsjeHFEaXU9uYflJcO2QeA-i3L63ONBa_p7i/s1600/batgrip.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9b2XqriBfFjdt8fIBhyphenhyphenKoqjJUGH_VoprjcJUHZhHMya4oOYvVLlJJMc2p9YFvWgTHt_bC-wv9Z5wri7tgDPxo1OX1EJD5a7x6lKZ19ZmzsjeHFEaXU9uYflJcO2QeA-i3L63ONBa_p7i/s1600/batgrip.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>The grip principles are the same for right and left-handers.</b>
<br />
For a <g class="gr_ gr_19 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="19" id="19">right-hander</g> the left hand should be at the top of the handle - vice versa for a <g class="gr_ gr_16 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" data-gr-id="16" id="16">left-hander</g>.<br />
Check both your hands are fairly close together on the bat, towards the top of the handle.<br />
Form a "V" by pointing your thumb and forefinger down between outside edge and <g class="gr_ gr_22 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" data-gr-id="22" id="22">centre</g> of <g class="gr_ gr_20 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="20" id="20">back</g> of <g class="gr_ gr_21 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="21" id="21">bat</g>.<br />
The top hand rests comfortably on the inside of the front thigh (left thigh for a right hander).<br />
And the back of the top hand should face towards extra cover.</div>

Bat Grip

The grip principles are the same for right and left-handers. For a right-hander the left hand should be at the top of the handle - ...

Stance

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6X3jgGyZDdyKBi24F5bhduYC9_uN6hYoJ9MwqwItrxbe3BkdCrwg18DRYDgdVH8f2qCGSzs9WqNeaxj9jjpMhJNC8_UZntaJ37sQhg51LBr9rn6vKFTTnH242VelwKaWkTCYPegCC6OK/s1600/NuaSNhZ7wO9P.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6X3jgGyZDdyKBi24F5bhduYC9_uN6hYoJ9MwqwItrxbe3BkdCrwg18DRYDgdVH8f2qCGSzs9WqNeaxj9jjpMhJNC8_UZntaJ37sQhg51LBr9rn6vKFTTnH242VelwKaWkTCYPegCC6OK/s1600/NuaSNhZ7wO9P.png" /></a></div>
It is the base to play all your shots, so remember to be comfortable and relaxed.
<br />
Points to remember:<br />
<ul>
<li>The feet should be approximately a foot length apart either side or on the popping crease

</li>
<li>The weight of the batsman should be on the balls of their feet, with the knees slightly bent. This means they can transfer quickly to either their front or back foot depending on the length of the ball

</li>
<li>The batsman should be side on when the bowler is about to deliver

</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Some batsmen prefer to open their stance to help them see the ball clearer </span></li>
</ul>
</div>

Stance

It is the base to play all your shots, so remember to be comfortable and relaxed. Points to remember: The feet should be approximate...

Backlift

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHjz-Jq9BCALWvnzNUhiuf_r6NwQU79oNnzPbSQLR29E5m2wLNbIKlFeM68hSgGHIIcy-qxlhFylniYYmHTI3gJ2qhMs4EBl7_aacVZ3VgXMpUlnw55MpGrEpnIy24FtZFw9h5y13pAoL/s1600/backlift.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHjz-Jq9BCALWvnzNUhiuf_r6NwQU79oNnzPbSQLR29E5m2wLNbIKlFeM68hSgGHIIcy-qxlhFylniYYmHTI3gJ2qhMs4EBl7_aacVZ3VgXMpUlnw55MpGrEpnIy24FtZFw9h5y13pAoL/s1600/backlift.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Most batsmen will raise their bat as the bowler approaches.</b>
<br />
Taking the bat back and stepping to the ball sets the batsman up for playing the correct shot properly.<br />
The bat is taken back towards the stumps and at the top of the <g class="gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="18" id="18">backlift</g> the face should open towards second slip.<br />
The front shoulder should roll down as the bat is lifted, with the head kept as still as possible.<br />
Keep the hands close to the back hip, so that toe of the bat is at around shoulder height.<br />
Ensure any movement forward or back is completed before the downswing of the bat begins.</div>

Backlift

Most batsmen will raise their bat as the bowler approaches. Taking the bat back and stepping to the ball sets the batsman up for p...

The Back Foot Leg Glance

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7P5Y7HCM4ZE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7P5Y7HCM4ZE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br clear="all" />   </span><div class="mxb">
    <div class="sh">
     The back foot leg glance     </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">                   <br />
<div>
    <img alt="Find out how to play the back foot leg glance" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715732_bf_leglance_anim.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   
<b>Most international players are very strong when the ball is pitched on or around leg stump.</b>
<br />
If you can play this shot well, you'll definitely pick up runs square and behind the wicket on the leg side.<br />
The timing and control of the shot comes from the wrists. A little flick at the moment of impact will close the face of the bat, helping the ball to the boundary.<br />
You'll need good balance when playing the shot, with your head over the ball. It's a great shot to play against opening bowlers because it relies on the ball coming onto the bat.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP ONE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Keep your head forward and in line with the ball" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715736_bf_leglance_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Move both feet back towards the stumps, opening your body out towards the ball, but make sure that you keep your leg stump covered.<br />
Keep your head forward and in line with the ball.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Make contact with the ball in front of the body" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715738_bf_leglance_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Bring the bat through in as straight a line as possible turning the bat face slightly towards the leg side.<br />
You make contact with the ball in front of the body.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Control the shot with the top hand" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715740_bf_leglance_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Control the shot with the top hand, glancing the ball away.</span></div>

The Back Foot Leg Glance

The back foot leg glance Most international players are very strong when the b...

Square Cut

<b>If bowlers give most batsmen a short and wide delivery outside off 
stump, chances are they'll be hit for four square of the wicket.</b>
<br />

The square cut allows batsmen to free their arms and hit the ball with a
 cross bat, enabling them to get plenty of power on the shot.
<br />

<br />

But be careful, although a square cut can bag you plenty of runs, it can also lead to your downfall if you get too confident.
<br />

The back foot moves back towards the stumps and across towards the line of the ball. 
<br />

The front shoulder should turn to the off side as the bat is taken back.

<br />

The bat is brought down and across, making contact with the ball at full arm extension. 
<br />

Keep the head still and roll the wrists forwards to keep the ball down.
<br />

<br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40707000/gif/_40707624_square_cut_5.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />
    
   </div>
<br clear="all" />

</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Follow through with the shot, leaving the weight on the back foot and 
the bat finishing over the front shoulder and behind the head.
  
                     </span>
  
 
 
</div>

Square Cut

The square cut If bowlers give most batsmen a short and wide delivery out...

Backfoot Drive

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mPu1RsKstpo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mPu1RsKstpo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="mxb">
    <div class="sh">
     Driving off the back foot
    </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">

<b>This is one of the best looking cricket shots you can play.</b>
<br />

It enables you to score runs in the area between mid-on and cover to a delivery just short of a length.
<br />

As with all other back foot shots, you'll need good balance and quick feet movement.
<br />

But unlike the hook or square cut, the back foot drive relies more on timing and placement rather than power. 
<br />

Play the shot with a straight bat, which means you'll need to be in full control of the shot at all times.
<br />

To prevent the ball spooning to cover when you make contact, ensure your head is over the ball.
<br />

This means your weight will be forward, which will keep the ball on the ground when you play the shot.
<br />

The top hand should control the stroke with the bottom hand punching through the ball to provide the power. 
<br />

<br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Make sure the bat and hands follow through on the line of the shot" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715912_back_drive_5.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />
    
   </div>
<br clear="all" />

Make sure the bat and hands follow through on the line of the shot, finishing in a high position. 
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">

</span>
  
 
 
<br /></div>

Backfoot Drive

Driving off the back foot This is one of the best looking cricke...

Hook Shot

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N6u4kzPn_qQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N6u4kzPn_qQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="mxb">
    <div class="sh">
     The hook shot     </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">                   <br />
<div>
    <img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716170_hook_side_anim.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   
<b>There are a few differences between the pull and hook shot.</b>
<br />
Where the pull is played to a ball around waist height, the hook is played to a short delivery between chest and head height.<br />
A word of warning, the hook is the riskiest - and potentially the most dangerous - shot to play in cricket.<br />
It's played to a short pitched delivery around your chest and head and so is the most difficult shot to control.<br />
It's very difficult to roll your wrists playing the hook, so it's likely to be in the air for a few seconds.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP ONE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Quick footwork is crucial to get into the correct position" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716174_hook_side_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   As the backswing begins, the head, shoulders and back foot move back and across.<br />
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. If you don't, the ball is likely to hit you on the head or chest.<br />
Wearing a helmet is advisable for this shot.<br />
Quick footwork is essential to get into the correct position to play the stroke.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="Keep your hands high for the shot" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716176_hook_side_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The front leg is moved back and towards the leg side, forming the base for the shot with the head slightly forward.<br />
Keep the hands high and judge by the bounce and line of the ball whether or not to attempt the shot.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="The arms should swing through and be fully extended when hitting the ball" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716178_hook_side_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   If you take on the shot then the arms should swing through and be fully extended when hitting the ball.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP FOUR</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="You must always keep your eyes on the ball" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716180_hook_side_5.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The follow through will either see both feet move round and point towards the path of the shot.<br />
Or your front leg will be raised off the ground, with your weight pivoting on the back foot.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">     </span>       </div>

Hook Shot

The hook shot There are a few differences between the pull and hook shot. Where...

Upper Cut

Upper Cut

Switch Hit

Switch Hit

Scoop Shot

Scoop Shot

The Front Foot Leg Glance

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jOlK_BOAnsA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOlK_BOAnsA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="mxb">
<div class="sh">
Playing the front foot leg glance     </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">                    </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716540_leg_lance_anim.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<br clear="all" />   The front foot glance is more a deflection rather than a stroke because it relies on pace already on the ball.<br />
The placement comes from a flick of the wrists at the moment of impact, so the bat face is angled rather than straight.<br />
Make sure your head is over the ball, with your weight on your front foot.<br />
This will keep the ball on the ground, rather than flying dangerously in the air.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP ONE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716542_leg_lance_1.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Lean towards the line of the ball with head and front shoulder, placing the weight on the bent front leg.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716548_leg_lance_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Bring the bat through on as straight a path as possible, turning the bat face slightly towards the leg side and making contact with the ball in front of the front pad.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716550_leg_lance_5.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Control the shot with the top hand, glancing the ball away. </span></div>

The Front Foot Leg Glance

Playing the front foot leg glance The front foot glance is more a deflection rather than a st...

Sweep Shot

<br />
It is a cross-batted shot played to a delivery on or around leg stump behind square on the leg side.<br />
There's an element of risk when you play the shot, so read on to make sure you don't give your wicket away needlessly.<br />
 <br />
</span><br />
<div class="ch1">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>STEP ONE</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716204_sweep_side_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Lead towards the line of the ball with head and front shoulder.<br />
Place the front pad into the line of the ball and then bending the front leg and collapsing the back leg.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716206_sweep_side_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   With your head over the front knee, bring the bat down and across from a high backswing.<br />
Strike the ball in front of the pad with the arms outstretched and both shoulders facing directly down the pitch.<br />
Roll the wrists on contact to keep the ball down.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40716000/gif/_40716208_sweep_side_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Follow through so that the bat finishes in a high position with the hands close to the front shoulder. </span></div>

Sweep Shot

Learn the sweep shot The sweep has become the favoured shot against spinners, especially by ...

Straight Drive

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5GIPHBFAdPw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5GIPHBFAdPw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="mxb">
<div class="sh">
Master the straight drive     </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">                   <br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715968_straight_drive_anim.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<br clear="all" />   
<b>The straight drive is one of the most classical shots in a batsman's repertoire.</b>
<br />
It is usually played to a full length delivery on or outside off stump.<br />
 <br />
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 208px;">
 <tbody>
<tr>
            <td width="5"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" vspace="0" width="5" /></td>
            <td class="sibtbg"><br /></td>
        </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Most of the work is done by the top hand, with the bottom hand lending support, to keep the ball along the ground.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP ONE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715972_straight_drive_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   With your eyes fixed on the ball, lean in with the front shoulder.<br />
The front foot and a bent front knee form the base for the shot.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715974_straight_drive_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The head should at least be level or ahead of the front knee, with the back foot raised up to the toes.<br />
The bat accelerates vertically and contact is made with the eyes directly under the ball.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715976_straight_drive_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The bat accelerates through a straight path, with the wrists relaxing and the face of the bat pointing to the sky.</span></div>

Straight Drive

Master the straight drive The straight drive is one of the most classical shots in a batsman...

The Backfoot Defence Shot

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LQjEuIBnIGI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LQjEuIBnIGI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="mxb">
<div class="sh">
The back foot defence     </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">                    <br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Learn how to play the back foot defensive shot" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715584_back_def_anim.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<br clear="all" />    <b>It's not the most glamorous shot, but it's a hugely important one, especially when facing fast bowling on a bouncy wicket.</b>
If the ball is pitched on the stumps - but short of a good length - it needs to be played safely.<br />
Going forward to a delivery like this is dangerous and you'll also increase the chance of getting out.<br />
Going back on your crease and meeting the ball at the top of its bounce will help you to be in full control of the shot.<br />
Also, try to meet the ball with soft hands.<br />
This means relaxing your hands on the bat handle, which helps to take the pace off the ball and reduces the chances of getting caught near the wicket.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP ONE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="The back foot should move back towards the stumps" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715588_back_def_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The back foot should move back towards the stumps, but stay inside the line of the ball.<br />
The weight should be on the ball of the back foot, but the head should remain forward.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="Move the front foot towards the back leg" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715590_back_def_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Move the front foot towards the back leg, but remain side-on to the bowler.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<img alt="The bat should make contact with the ball directly beneath the eyes" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715592_back_def_4.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   Swing the bat down, keeping the front elbow in a high position and with the full face of the bat directed straight down the wicket.<br />
The bat, angled slightly towards the ground, should make contact with the ball directly beneath the eyes.</span></div>

The Backfoot Defence Shot

The back foot defence It's not the most glamorous shot, but it's a hugely important...

The Forward Defensive Shot

<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP TWO</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715414_for_defence_2.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The bat should swing down and make contact with the ball beneath the eyes, with the face of the bat angled towards the ground.<br />
 <br />
<div class="ch1">
<b>STEP THREE</b></div>
<br />
<div>
    <img alt="" border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40715000/gif/_40715416_for_defence_3.gif" vspace="0" width="298" />         </div>
<br clear="all" />   The bat should be slightly forward of the front leg and close to the pad.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Raise the heel of your back foot and hold your finishing position rather than following through. </span></div>

The Forward Defensive Shot

The forward defensive shot A straight ball on a good length has to be treated with...

Bat Grip

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5rIH0XnTIoSm2qBzE9bVPStTKiOp9zLoNyGegOUj_zFRV-kcLwZTuPP7ZBvwe3o3JuwaBSYP8FLCIGDMAepwi1Kt8d3cqUun-8XgL1RSp26VSrwPxP0kfiv7WB3PSA9RWBGv13bYCuV_/s1600/batgrip.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5rIH0XnTIoSm2qBzE9bVPStTKiOp9zLoNyGegOUj_zFRV-kcLwZTuPP7ZBvwe3o3JuwaBSYP8FLCIGDMAepwi1Kt8d3cqUun-8XgL1RSp26VSrwPxP0kfiv7WB3PSA9RWBGv13bYCuV_/s1600/batgrip.gif" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The grip principles are the same for right and left-handers.</b>
<br />
For a right-hander the left hand should be at the top of the handle - vice versa for a left-hander.<br />
Check both your hands are fairly close together on the bat, towards the top of the handle.<br />
Form a "V" by pointing your thumb and forefinger down between outside edge and centre of back of bat.<br />
The top hand rests comfortably on the inside of the front thigh (left thigh for a right hander).<br />
And the back of the top hand should face towards extra cover.</div>

Bat Grip

The grip principles are the same for right and left-handers. For a right-hander the left hand should be at the top of the handle - ...