Cricket Bat Grip and Stance Guide
Cricket Bat Grip and Stance Guide
The hands control the swing of the bat and deliver the final hit.
1. Take the bat in the right hand with the hand behind the
handle the bat making sure the face of the bat is square on.
2. Back view, right hand grip. The hand behind the handle of the
bat, thumb and fingers giving a firm grip.
3. The left hand placed on the handle of the bat, palm of the hand against the handle, thumb and fingers
gripping. The back of the hand towards the mid-off position. The face of the right towards the bowler.
4. The two hands together show about an inch of the top of the handle
above the left hand and the right hand close up to the left hand.
The little finger of the bottom hand close up to the top hand.
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3. The hands are forward, angling the bat with the left
hand close up to the left leg. The toe of the bat is by the
toe of the back foot and just behind it.
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1. The bat commences the pickup both hands taking the bat
back towards the stumps, both wrists cocking and arms
beginning to bend. The head and shoulders do not move.
The balance of the body is retained.
2. The left arm is only slightly bent. The bent right arm begins
to go past the right side of the body. The right hand is now
slightly open. The cocking of the wrist movement is
beginning to turn the blade of the bat from the square on
position. Both legs slightly bent to hold the balance.
3. The bat has gone up to the normal pick up position, left arm
still slightly bent. Both wrists cocked, the right arm sliding past
the right hand side of the body.
4. The head is steady. The eye line is past the left shoulder looking
for the ball in the air from the bowler’s hand.
[Link] high pick up for the attacking shot when a full swing of the
bat is necessary. The hands have continued to take the bat up.
Both wrists are cocked. Both arms are bent, right arm sliding past
the right side. The face of the bat square on to the off side. Head
steady, eyes looking for the ball in the bowler’s hand.
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1. For any front foot shot, the foot goes forward to the ball pitching in line with
the stumps.
The left foot goes forward and alongside the line of the on coming ball. Come up
on the
toes of the right foot, let the body balance go forward on to the front leg. Both
legs are
slightly bent. The head does not move. The eyes follow the ball in its flight down
the pitch
for as long as possible.
2. From the normal pick up, the eyes watch the ball
coming down. Both wrists and arms are bent.
3. The left foot has gone forward simultaneously, the bat starts its down
swing towards the ball. The left shoulder faces the line of the ball. Both
wrists are fully cocked, the right hand opening slightly but gripped firmly
with fingers and thumb. Up on the toes of the back foot, which assists the
weight to go forward on to the left leg.
5. The ball is played. The left hand has gone well in front of the right.
The trunk learning forward and over the front leg. The right hand is
behind the handle and relaxed. The left leg is slightly bent. The eyes
follow the ball, past the hands.
6. Back view of the same position. The right hand
is
relaxed. A firm grip with the left hand. The angling
of the bat is plainly seen.
7. Now the view from the front. The body weight goes well forward
over the left leg. The left hand in front of the right. Right hand
behind the handle of the bat.
8. The finish of the shot. The ball is pushed away with the bat in the
upright position. The left hand is still in front position. The left hand
is
still in front of the right hand. The head is steady, the eyes
watching
the ball past the hands. The ball goes off the bat, which is following
through after it has played the ball. The follow through will be short,
a
matter of inches, the bat staying upright. The eyes follow the ball
off
the bat.
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When the ball pitches short of a length and is on the wicket, the batsman must walk backwards to give himself more time and room to play the shot. By
walking backwards, say a couple of feet, he makes the ball relatively that much shorter. The aim of the defensive shot is to keep the ball out by bringing the
face of the bat square on to play the ball.
[Link] eyes watch the ball about to pitch. The right foot goes back towards the middle stump, the right let is braced to take
the weight. The left side is towards the ball. Up on the toes of the front foot which is about to come back towards the right
foot.
2. The left foot comes back towards the braced right let, and simultaneously
the bat begins it down swing. The left shoulder is still sideways on. The eyes
watch the ball coming down the pitch. The wrists are still cocked and the arms
bent. The face of the bat is to the off side.
3. The hands bring the bat down to meet the ball with the face in the square on position towards the ball. The right arm
hugs the right side. The right hand is behind the bat handle. The shoulders are beginning to open. The forehead about to
face the ball.
4. The completed shot. Weight on the braced right let. The right arm slides past the right side.
The right hand relaxed behind the handle of the bat. Up on the toes of the front foot. The left
shoulder and left elbow high. The left hand in front of the right, angling the bat to play the ball
down. The ball is played as close to the body and as late in its flight as possible. The head is
steady, the eyes follow the ball for as long as they can towards the face of the bat.
5. Don’t look down at the back of the bat when playing the ball, otherwise the right shoulder will drop and the flight of the ball
towards the bat will be lost.
6. Don’t go back with both feet pointing up the wicket, if the bat is not to come down across
the line of the ball resulting in either an edged shot to the slips or a complete miss.
7. Don’t play back and take the hands away from the body in an attempt to play the ball, otherwise a gap is left between bat and pads
through which the ball can pass to hit the stumps.
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The shot is played to the ball pitching short of a length in the line of the stumps and swing away towards the off side.
1. The first move must be made with the object of getting the face of the bat behind the line of the stumps. The right foot goes back towards
the off stump. The shoulders sideways on. The weight is on the back leg. The bat goes up to the higher pick up position, travelling up to a
line over middle and leg stumps. The eye line goes past the left shoulder, following the on coming ball.
2. Same as No. 1 from the back view. The head is steady. Th4 eyes is past left shoulder. Both
arms are bent. The right arm slides past the right side. Both wrists are cocked. The bat goes over a
line of the middle and leg stumps. Right leg is braced.
3. The ball is about to be played. The left foot has travelled back to the right foot simultaneously with the commencement of the
down swing of the bat. The left foot points towards extra cover position, opening the stance. The hips open slightly, but the left
shoulder stays sideways on. The right arm well in to the right side, both wrists uncocking. The left elbow is bent. Balance of the
body on the right leg. Eyes watch the ball coming up off the pitch past the left elbow.
[Link] ball is played. Hips and shoulders open as the hands take the bat out to meet the ball with
the face of the bat, which is square on to the out swing line of the ball. The right arm hugs the right
side. The lips have opened more than the shoulders, the forward thrust of the right arm close to the
body opens the shoulders, but the left hand leading the bat to keep it angled down stops the
shoulders from opening as much as the hips. The balance of the body is retained on the braced
right leg. Eyes follow the ball as far as possible off the pitch towards the bat.
5. Finish of the shot. The ball goes off the face of the bat towards the off side. The bat goes out as the ball is pushed away. Eyes
follow the ball off the bat.
6. Do not go back with the back foot towards middle and leg stumps. A gap is left between bat an
pads, the bat going well away from the body in an effort to reach the ball. The bat face has not
been brought down behind the line of the ball and the ball hits the outside edge of the bat.
7. Wrong the bat has been brought down from the line well outside the off stump. The left hand and arm cannot lead the bat towards the
ball outside the off stump. The right elbow comes away from the body. The right hand takes control. The ball hits the outside edge of the
bat.
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m
The shot is played to the inswinging ball pitching short of a length and swinging in towards the batsman
1. Adopt the open stance when facing the inswinger, left foot pointing in the direction of extra cover.
2. The open stance. The left foot points to extra cover, while the hips and shoulders
open up.
3. The right foot has gone back towards the middle and off stump and the left is taken back as the hands begin to swing the
bat down from outside the off stump. The pick up of the bat at the stance position will have gone over the off stump. The
hands go out as the trunk begins to turn at the commencement of the down swing of the bat.
4. Back view, same stage. The wrists are cocked as the bat begins the down swing. The
right arm is behind the right side in the bent position. The right leg is braced.
5. The ball pitches. The eyes watch the ball over the left arm. The weight is well over the braced right leg. The hands bring the
bat down, the left hand leading. The left elbow is still fully bent. The face of the bat about to come square on to the ball. The bat
held high with bent arms at this stage, in readiness to play the ball bouncing up off the pitch.
6. The ball is played. The weight of the body on the right leg. Up off the heel of the left foot. The bat
held high with left elbow bent. The left hand in front of the right angles the bat to keep the ball down.
The face of the bat has turned towards the on side to meet the ball just in front of the right leg. The
right hand is relaxed. The trunk and shoulders run. The eyes watch the ball for as far as possible,
looking past the hands
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This is played to the ball which is moving in towards the batsman, turning towards the stumps, to which a shot must be played.
[Link] move. The right foot goes back in the line of the off-stump. The foot is placed in this position to begin the
covering up of the stumps with the legs.
[Link] ball has pitched and is turning in towards the stumps. The left leg has come back towards the
batsmsman simultaneously with the commencement of the down swing of the bat. The weight is on the
braced right leg. The weight of the bat is coming towards the square on position. The shoulders are
slightly open. The bat is coming down form the line of the off stump to meet the ball as it turns across the
legs. Both wrists are still cocked. Both arms are bent. The left hand leads the bat’s swing.
[Link] ball is about to be played. The left hand leading the bat and angling it. The face
of the bat is now square on towards the ball. The right wrist is cocked. The left arm is
bent, keeping both hands high ready to play down on the bouncing, turning ball. The right
hand is behind the handled of the bat. The wrists are still cocked. The right elbow hugs the
right side. The weight is one the right leg. The eyes watch the ball turning off the pitch and
look over the hands.
[Link] ball is played. Up on the toes of the left foot, lifting the left side of the body. The bent left arm with
a firm left hand grip goes high, keeping the bat angled. The bat handle is in front of the toe of the bat.
The ball is played down. The right arm still well into the right side. The right hand is relaxed, but a firm
grip maintained with the thumb and fingers. The right hand at this stage I open, the top hand doing the
major part in playing the ball down. The ball is allowed to come up to the batsman and is played at a
point opposite the left leg.
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Played to the ball pitching short of the half volley in line with the stumps and turning towards the off side.
[Link] ball has pitched on the leg stump, the right foot goes back square and points towards
the off side and the middle and off stumps. The weight of the body is one the right leg, which
is braced. Up on the toes of the left foot. The wrists are fully cocked. The eyes watch the ball
turning off the pitch.
[Link] bat commences the down swing simultaneously with the left leg coming back towards the
right leg. The left foot points towards cover point an thehips being to open up.
[Link] ball is about to be played at a point opposite the left leg. The hips open up. The right arm hugs the right side
with the right hand behind the bat, and the left hand takes the bat out towards the ball on the off side.
.
[Link] ball is played. Up on the toes of the left foot to bring the left shoulder high and left arm
and elbow well up. The left hand in front of the right at the moment of playing the ball, angling
the bat to keep the ball down. The right arm comes past the right side. The relaxed right hand
is behind the handle of the bat. The weight of the body is one the braced right leg. The eye
line is over the hands as the eyes watch the ball turn off the pitch and on to the bat.
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The shot is played to the leg spinner pitching just short of the half volley which is not drivable on the half valley.
[Link] front foot goes out alongside the line of the ball and as close to the half volley as possible.
[Link] left foot comes out towards the ball simultaneously with the down swing of the bat. The weight is
coming forward and over the left leg. The trunk is sideways on. The bat is coming from the line of the
middle and leg stump, the turn of the shoulders going with the left foot across to the off-side line. The wrists
are cocked. The right arm well into the side. The bent left arm leads the bat. The bat fare begins to turn
square on towards the ball. The bat face begins to turn square on towards the ball. The eye line is towards
the ball about to pitch.
[Link] ball is about to be played. The weight has gone well over the bent front leg. Up on
the toes of the back foot, assisting the weight forward. Right leg is slightly bent. The bat
coming down from the line of the middle and leg stump. The shoulder points towards the
line of the ball assisting the left (forward) hand to lead the bat towards the ball. The eye
line is over the left elbow at this stage.
[Link] ball is played. The weight well over the bent front leg. The ball has been watched as far
as possible towards the bat. The left arm is unhinging. The left hand in front of the right hand
angles the bat backwards to keep the ball down. Right hand relaxed behind the handle of the
bat. Up on the toes of the back foot, assisting the weight forward.
[Link] finish of the shot. The bat face goes square on towards the off side with
away spin of the ball. The left hand still leads the right hand with the elbow still
bent behind the handle of the bat. The left arm has unhinged. The eyes watch the
ball go off the face of the bat.
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1. The eyes watch the ball coming down the pitch. The weight goes forward. The front foot goes out. The bat
commences the down swing. The front foot goes alongside the line of the ball and as close to the pitch of the ball as
possible.
2. From the back, same stage. The hands go away from the body. The bat face is coming round to
the square on position. The right wrist is clocked. The right elbow into the right side.
3. Upon the toes of the back foot. The bat face swings down past the right side.
4. The left hand leads, angling the bat with the handle forward of the toe of the bat. The right hand,
wrist uuncocking, stays behind the handle. Both arms are bent. The eyes watch the ball pitching over
the left hand.
5. The bat turns to play the ball towards the on side and is square on to meet the ball. The weight well
forward over the left leg, assisting the left arm, left hand still well forward of the right hand, angling the
bat to meet the ball.
6. The finish of the shot. The ball is played away towards the on side. The left hand is still well in front
of the right and the weight over the left leg. The eyes watch the ball over the left hand.
Play this shot to the ball pitching just short of a length and coming about knee-high on or just outside the off stump.
1. First take the bat up high with a full cocking of the wrists, and the right foot back as far as possible towards the middle stump.
The right foot square, pointing to the off side, to keep the left side towards the ball.
[Link] the back, same state. Note the full cocking of the wrists with the right arm sliding past the right side.
[Link] bat commences the down swing at the ball. The left foot comes back towards the right foot, and points towards cover, opening
up the hips. The left shoulder still points towards the ball line, the blade coming down from the line of the leg stump.
4. The hit is about to be made. The weight on the back foot. The wrists uncock as they accelerate the swing
of the bat at the ball. The right arm still hugs the right side. The right hand behind the handle, keeps the face
of the bat towards the ball, and is about to put the hit into the shot.
5. Same stage from the front. The ball is coming up off the pitch. The bat can be seen to have come down
from the line of the leg stump. The left arm is still bent. The left arm is still bent. The eyes watch the ball in its
bounce off the pitch. The left shoulder still points towards the ball.
6. The hit is made. Weight well on the back foot,coming up on the toes of the front foot assist the hands at
waist height, as they punch the ball away. The left hand is firm, controlling the swing towards the direction of
the shot. The right hand administers the hit. The eyes watch tthe ball over the hand but, ofcourse, do not see
the ball hit the bat.
7. Completion of the shot. The power put into the shot with the right hand has caused the hit to be made
against the right side. The trunk opens up as the right hand goes through in a full swing in the direction of the
shot. The eyes watch the ball on its way.
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To get the face of the bat to the ball, the batsman must turn the shoulders with the forehead towards the line of the ball.
1. Up on the toes of the right foot and show the wicket-keeper the sole of the foot pivoting to turn the body. The left
foot goes out towards the line of the ball. The right wrist fully cocked. The face of the bat square to the ground. The
weight well over the left leg.
[Link] eyes watch the ball about to pitch. The weight remains well over the left leg. The left arm bent, the left
hand leading the swing of the bat.
[Link] ball is played away. The eyes watch the ball over the left hand. The left hand still leads the bat. The right hand behind
the handle. The weight well over the left leg.
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1. The bat goes up to the high pickup and the shoulders remain side-ways on to the bowler.
[Link] left foot goes out towards the line of the on-coming ball, the bat having started the down
swings simultaneously. The left knee bends, taking the weight of the body, both arms bent. The
right wrist fully cocked. The face of the bat has come round square on to the ground.
3. The ball is about to pitch. The left leg has gone towards the line o the ball. The left shoulder is still pointing towards the
line o the ball. The left hand leads the bat, angling it backward.
4. The weight of the body comes over the left leg. The face of the bat is towards the off side.
The eyes watch the ball as it pitches. The right hand behind the handle of the bat. Well up on
the toes of the back foot.
[Link] ball is about to be played. The left foot, having gone across the original line of the ball,
the bat can be taken to the ball when it deviates from its line well up on the toes of the back
foot. The body weight well forward. The eyes follow the ball as far as possible over the left hand
[Link] ball is played away. The face of the bat goes through towards the off side in the upright
position. The left hand is in front of the bat, maintaining the bat’s upright position as the right
hand behind the handle pushes the ball away. The eyes watch the ball go off the bat. The trunk
opens up. The right elbow stays close to the side.
This action can be used against the slower bowler when the flight of the ball is high enough to give sufficient time to go out of the crease and get to
the pitch of the ball. It should not be attempted against the ball pitching wide of the stumps, but only to he ball coming down in a line towards the
stumps.
[Link] move. The bat is raised to the higher position, ready for an attacking shot. The first stride is made up the wicket. The trunk
is sideways on. Watch for the ball as it leaves the bowler’s hand. The batsman will notice the movement to the hand when
imparting spin. If he fails to do this he might miss the ’googly’.
[Link] stage. The weight is on the left leg. The right foot comes up behind the left foot.
[Link] stage. The left foot goes forward. The bat starts swinging at the ball. The trunk is still sideways on. The wrists are
fully cocked, accelerating the swing of the bat. The eye watches the ball about to pitch.
[Link] finish of the shot. This being a full attacking shot, a full swing of the bat and high follow
through should be the aim
Play the off drive to the ball pitched well up that is a half that is a half volley, on or outside the off stump.
The aim of the shot is to get the face of the bat well behind the ball at the moment of hitting, and keeping
it square on in the direction of the shot.
[Link] the left foot up to and alongside the line of the ball. The weight goes forward over the left leg.
[Link] to the high pick up and, simultaneously with the left foot going out, the bat commences the
down swing. Point the left shoulder towards the line of the on-coming ball; this will take the bat over
the leg stump. The head is steady. Watch the ball in its flight down the wicket.
[Link] bat commences its down swing coming form the lien of the leg stump towards
the ball outside the off stump. Keep the wrist cocked. At this stage the left hand has
the major part in swinging the bat towards the ball and the left shoulder is still pointed
towards the line of the ball. The eye line will be over the left elbow.
[Link] the wrist cocked and the bat swinging with the left arm. The weight is going forward
over the left leg. The left arm is beginning to unhinge. The right elbow brushes the right side
with the right hand behind the handle of the bat. The bat face is now square on to the ball.
[Link] hit is about to be made. The left hand still swinging the bat. The right hand grip is firmer
at this stage. It is the right hand that will put the power into the shot. The eye line is now over
the left hand, following the ball as far as possible towards the bat.
[Link] view of he hit being made. The face of the bat is square on in the direction of the shot,
towards the off side. Both hands are working together. The bat has been accelerated with the
unlocking of the wrist in its down swing towards the ball. The left arm is almost fully unhinged.
The left hand grip is firm. The right hand is behind the handle and still slightly cocked, putting
the power into the shot. The ball has been followed as far as possible on to the face of the bat.
The bat is slightly angled to keep the ball down. The left hand is in front of the right hand.
7a &b. The first stage of the follow through. The left arm is fully unhinged, the bat
traveling on in the upright position.
8. The complete follow through. Up on the toes of the right foot. The bat has swung out and away;
following through in the direction of the shot and he wrists have turned over in a natural
movement, following the punch through with the right hand when the hit was made. The shoulders
and hips open up as the right hand comes through. The bat finishes over the left shoulder.
The stroke is played to the ball pitching just short of the half volley, just on or
outside the off stump
1. The bat goes up. The eyes see the ball in the air.
[Link] bat goes on to the higher pick up ready for the attacking shot. The weight of the body is beginning
to come forward. The eyes watch the ball, as it is about to pitch.
[Link] bat and left leg to towards the ball simultaneously. The left hand leads the swing
of the bat, the right hand behind the handle. The right elbow hugs the right side. The eyes
follow the ball about to pitch.
[Link] hit is madam the right hand swinging past the left, angling the bat to hit the ball into the air.
The thrust of the right hand and the acceleration of the bat to the ball put the power into the shot.
The right arm is almost straight. The left leg bends at the knee and the weight of the body is rocking
back with the upward hit.
[Link] complete follow through. The right arm is straight, carrying on in the direction of the hit. The
weight goes back on to the right leg. The eyes look past the right arm at the flight of the hit. The hips
turn and the trunk opens up with the full follow through of the bat.
A defensive shot played to the ball pitching short of a half volley as it comes up off the pitch.
1. The weight has gone well forward, balanced on the left leg. Up on the toes of the back foot, pushing the body weight
forward. Both arm bent the right arm coming past the right side, the
left hand well in front angling the bat to keep the ball down. The right hand is relaxed behind the handle of he bat. The eyes
watch the ball bouncing off the pitch.
[Link] view from the bowler’s end. The ball has bounced up off the pitch. The left hand leads in
taking the bat out to meet the ball, which is played when it is either just opposite the left leg or, a little
earlier, in front of the batsman. The trunk opens up at the hips as the right arm comes out past the
right side. The left hand having a longer distance to travel than the bottom hand, reaches forward at
the ball. The left arm unhinges to an almost straight position. The forehead is towards the ball. The
eyes watch the ball go off the face of the bat. The face of the bat is square on towards the off side
when the ball is played.
Played to the ball pitching on the half volley length, on or just outside the leg stump.
1. The left foot goes out alongside the line of the ball and up to the half volley. Simultaneously,
the bat is brought down from a line outside the off stump. Head in the upright position, forehead
square to the line of the ball.
2. The weight is over the left leg. Both wrists are cocked. Both elbows bent and the left hand
leads the swing of the bat. The eyes watch the ball as for as possible to the pitch. The right knee
is bent inwards, turning the right hip round.
3. The ball is about to be hit. The bat continues its line from outside the off stump towards the on
side ball. The trunk is almost square on towards the ball. The right elbow brushes the right side.
The right hand begins to uncock, ready to put the hit into the shot.
4. The front-on position, the same stage. The bat face is coming square on to the ball. The left
arm is unhinging. Right arm straightening as the right hand uncocks to put the power into the
shot. The balance of the body well over the front leg. The right heel off the ground. Helping the
body balance to go forward. The eyes watch the ball as far as possible on to the bat.
5. The follow through. Well up on the toes of the back foot, the weight going forward over the
front leg. The shoulders turn with the follow through of thee power right hand. The head is
steady. The eyes watch the ball on its way. The right shoulder dips slightly with the hit and follow
through of the right hand.
Played to the ball pitching on the half volley length, on or just outside the leg stump.
[Link] front foot goes forward simultaneously with the commencement of the down
swing of the bat.
2. The eyes watch the ball, as it is about to pitch. The weight is over the front leg. The initial height is
almost maintained. The arms go away from the body. The left foot is alongside the lien and short of
the pitch of the ball.
3. The ball is about to be hit as it bounces up form the half volley. The weight of the body is swaying
back, because the right arm is extending as the right hand goes past the left to put the power into the
shot. The right side has turned from the hips when the bat goes past the left foot to meet the ball.
The hands speed the swing of the bat.
4. Close-up of the hands and bat position when the ball is being hit. The right hand firm behind the
handle of the bat puts the power into the shot. The bat is angled back to hit the ball upwards. The left
arm freely swings on with a firm left hand grip. The body weight goes back on to the right leg. The
trunk leans backwards as the right hand goes out with an extended right arm to hit the ball.
5. The finish of the shot. The right arm is extended. The bat blade faces upwards. The head and right
shoulder dip. The trunk leans backwards from the hips.
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Played to the ball pitching short, well outside the off stump.
1. The right foot, back and across the batting crease, points square to the off
side. Go up on the toes on the left foot, helping the body pivot, with the left
shoulder pointing up the wicket and balance the body on he right leg. The
bat goes back ready to swing down on to the ball. The eyes watch the on
coming ball past the left shoulder.
[Link]
Played to the ball pitching at half-volley length wide of the off stump, too wide for the orthodox off
drive to be attempted.
[Link] left foot goes out and up the wicket. The left shoulder points towards the line of the ball. The
wrist is still cocked in the down swing of the bat.
The stroke is played to the short of a length ball when it is going pas the
batsman’s right leg in the direction of the direction of third man. It should
never be played to the inswinger or the off spinner.
1. The right foot has gone back and outside the off stump. Up on the toes
of the foot, giving a full pivot with the left shoulder pointing up the wicket.
The eyes watch the ball bouncing of the pitch.
2. Back view, same position. The
wrists are cocked. The right wrist is
flexible. The right hand is above the
left. The right elbow has gone back
round the right side enabling the
hands to bring the bat back over the
shoulder. The balance of the body’s
on the right leg.
[Link] hit is made. The right hand rolls the face of the bat over to keep the ball down
and send it away. The eyes watch the ball on to the bat.
[Link] up of the wrist action rolling the bat at the hit. The right hand rolls
over the left.
[Link] after the hit, the right hand goes on turning the face of the bat
completely over.
[Link] eyes watch the ball on its way. The right hand, still over the left, takes
the bat on to complete the follow through. The swing of the bat has started
from the right shoulder and continues going down acceleration in its whipping
movement across the body. The shoulders turn with the complete follow
through. The head remains steady.
Played to the short of a length ball pitching outside the off stump, which is not wide enough
to permit a full swing of the bat. It should not be played to the deliver coming in towards
the stumps, i.e. an off spinner or inswinger.
1. The right foot goes back, on or outside the off stump, depending on the width of the ball.
The weight of the body is over the bent right leg. The left arm is unhinging. The right arm is
bent. The right wrist is cocked.
[Link] eyes follow the ball on to the bat.
[Link] of the shot. The ball is patted down. The wrists uncock. Both
arm unhinge. The right wrist does not roll over. The bat face is square
on to the ball, pushing it away.
An attacking shot played to the ball pitched up form the off stump line towards the leg side, specially
good against the off spinner or inswinger and hit on the turn or swing. It can be used against the
straight delivery but is not advisable against the leg spinner or away swinger.
[Link] left foot goes up the wicket in line with, or just outside, the off
stump, depending on the line of the oncoming ball. The left foot points
squarish towards cover point because the eventual hit will be against the
left side.
3. The bat comes down in line from outside the off stump. The left side
is towards the line of the ball. The wrists are fully cocked. Both arms are
bent.
[Link] up of the hands in stage 4. The wrists fully cocked, left arm
slightly bent. The Right knee turning in. the left side braced ready to
take the hit.
6. Close up of the hands in stage 4. The wrists fully cocked, left arm
slightly bent. The Right knee turning in. the left side braced ready to take
the hit.
[Link] up of the hands and arms in the follow through. The left wrist and
forearm straighten. The right hand goes on with the impetus of the shot.
8. The high follow through. The height from the start position has been
maintained. The left side is braced. The right knee turns into the left leg,
as the right hand brings the right side round with the follow through of the
right hand. The head is still steady. The eyes watch the result of the shot.
[Link] bat goes high with the wrist dropping back and the right foot well
across to take the head and upper part of the body away from the line of the
oncoming ball.
[Link] stroke has commenced. The left foot comes off the ground, helping the
pivot of the shoulders sideways on. The right elbow close to the side. The
right wrist fully cocked.
[Link] left heel comes down. The left leg is braced the bat has commenced
its cross bat swing at the ball. The balance is still on the right leg keeping the
trunk out of the line of the fire. The hands and arms accelerate the swing of
the bat.
[Link] hit is about to be made. The left arm is high. The right wrist is cocked.
The right elbow bent. The right hand is about to turn the face of the bat over
to meet the ball.
[Link] hit is made. The hands are high. The head and shoulders are still out
of the line of fire. The right hand puts the power in the shot. The left arm still
bent and high. The eyes follow the ball onto the bat.
6. The finish of the shot. The bat has followed through after the hit has been
made and the body turns with the follow through of the bat. The left elbow is
bent and coming in towards the left side. The head has not yet moved.
7. The complete finish. The bat follows through in a complete arc around the
left side. The right elbow has come up as the right hand turned over when it
put the power into the shot. The body balance rocks back with the bat’s
follow through. The head is steady, the eyes watching the result of the shot.
Played to the short of a length ball pitching in line round the off stump.
1. The first move. The right foot goes back well outside the off stump. The bat is taken to the high pick-up position.
The left shoulder faces towards the oncoming ball. The right foot points in the direction of extra cover. The balance of
the body is on the right leg.
2. Front view. The eyes watch the ball over the left shoulder. The left arm is
bent.
3. The hands are accelerating the swing of the bat at the ball. The wrists are still cocked, right arm into the right
side; left shoulder still pointing towards the ball, head steady.
[Link] up of the wrist at state 3. They are fully cocked. The face of the bat is
towards the off side.
5. The hit is about to be made. The arms go away from he body. The right wrist is still
cocked. The shoulders come square on with the swing of the bat. The right foot points
up the wicket with the shoulder movement. The eyes watch the ball over the hands.
6. The hit is made, the right wrist turning the face of the bat over to
hit the ball down. The right hand hits the ball. The left arm maintains
the swing of the bat. The eyes watch the ball on to the bat. The
trunk is square on.
7. Finishing the shot. The right hand having fetched the ball from the off side towards
the on side continues swinging on around the body. There is a full pivot as the eyes
watch the result of the shot.
Played to the ball pitching on or just outside the off stump, hitting the ball towards the on side.
Not to be played against the ball moving away, i.e. leg spin or away swing.
[Link] front foot goes out behind the line of the ball, just outside the off stump. The body balance
goes forward towards the line of the ball. The hands start the swing of the bat towards the ball,
going out and away from the body. The weight is over the left leg. The eyes watch the ball about to pitch.
2. Back view, same position. The right wrist is fully cocked. The hands can be seen away from
the body. The left shoulder is still towards the line of the ball.
[Link] hand continues to swing the hat out from the body as they accelerate the swing of the bat
towards the ball. The right arm is still bent. The left arm is unhinging.
4. The accelerating the bat continues its swing. The right hand, behind the handle,
begins to uncock, ready to hit the ball.
[Link] hit is about o be made. The left hand swings the bat across and out to meet the ball. The right hand
puts the hit into the shot. With the right hand now playing the major part, the balance of the body begins to
rock back. The left arm straightens, the right hand going past the left as the bat blade meets the ball.
6. The complete follow through. The body weight has rocked back. The bat completes its swing
in its line from outside the off stump out to the ball and across the front leg. The trunk turns with
the swing of the bat from the off side. The eyes watch the ball on its way. The front foot has not
moved since going forward towards the ball.
Played to the ball pitching short of the half volley or outside the leg stump. It can be
used against either the off spinner, hitting with the turn towards the on side, or the
leg spinner, hitting against the turn.
1. The bat starts the down swing. At the same time, the left foot goes out inside the line of the ball,
keeping it on the left-hand side. At this stage the shoulders are sideways on to the on-coming ball.
2. Both knees are bent, allowing the balance to occur over the haunches. The shoulders begin to
open slightly. Both wrists are fully cocked. The hands are dropping the bat in order to flatten the
arc of the cross swing at the ball. The eyes watch the ball about to pitch.
[Link] stage from the back. The right arm bent. The right arm bent. The face of the bat is
towards the off side.
4. The arc of the bat has been flattened. The wrists still bent. The left hand is firm. The left arm
controls the swing of the bat. Both arms slightly bent.
[Link] hit is about to be made. The sitting-down position is helping the flat arc of the swing of the
bat. The left hand leads the swing. The right hand is about to hit the ball. The shoulders and trunk
swivel on the hips. The right side comes round as the right wrist uncocks. The eyes watch the ball
on to the bat.
6. The hit is made. The right hand punches the ball away. The balance is maintained. The head is
steady, the body pivot at the hips.
7. The ball goes off the bat. Both arms now swing on in the follow through. The trunk continues
the pivot. The eyes watch the ball off the bat.
8. The complete follow through. The trunk has completed almost a full turn, but the body balance
is still constant on the haunches. The left arm bends, allowing the swing of the right hand and arm
to finish it impetus. The eyes follow the direction of the shot.
The shot is played o the ball pitched further up than the length required for the
sweep shot. It would be difficult to hit this length ball with a cross bat. The shot
should not be attempted against the ball turning or swinging towards the off side.
1. The left foot goes up the wicket just inside the line of the ball. The hands go out and away
form the body, with the wrists still cocked. The eyes follow the ball ass far as possible. Up on
the toes of the back foot. The trunk begins to turn from the hips
2. The hand brings the bat down. The right hand is turning the face of the bat towards the on
side. The left arm is almost straight. The right shoulder is dipped so that the right hand can
get at the ball. The balance of the body is over the front leg. Well up on the toes of the back
foot. The head is steady. The eyes follow the ball on to the bat.
[Link] shot is made. Well up on the toes of the back foot, pushing the weight forward. The
right knee turns into the front leg. He chin is down. The head turns with the trunk pivot,
watching the ball go off the bat. The right hand goes past the left, to take the bat through the
pitch of the ball, which has gone in the direction of backward.
4. The completed shot. The right foot turns. The trunk pivots round in the follow through of
the right hand. The body weight still forward, head turning to watch the ball go on its way.
1. The first move is right foot back towards the middle and off stumps. This foot movement is made to
keep the ball on the batsman’s left-hand side.
2. The left foot comes back towards the right foot, pointing towards extra cover, opening the trunk and
hips. The hands bring the bat down and are high. The left elbow is up. The left hand is in front of the
right, angling the bat. The eyes watch the ball about to pitch.
[Link] before contact with the ball. The right elbow is bent, right arm into the side, the trunk turning
4. The ball is about to be played. The left elbow is high and bent. The right hand is behind the handle
blade of the bat, turning towards the ball. Balance of the body on the braced left leg, eyes watching the
ball past the hands.
5. The ball meets the bat. The left elbow and shoulders are high to maintain the angling of the bat and
to bring it up to the required height of the bounce. The right arm slides past the right side. The right
hand is behind the handle. Both hands turn the blade of the bat.
6. The bat blade completes its turn and the ball slides off the bat face towards fine leg.
Played to the ball coming down on or just outside the line of the leg stump and pitching
either on a length or closer to the batsman.
[Link], he left foot goes out inside the line of the ball, which will arrive on the left-hand side of
the batsman. The bat blade comes down from a line just outside the off stump. The forehand
faces square on to the line of he ball.
2. Half way toward the ball in the down swing, the bat is kept in its line and the right arm with wrist
cocked hugs the right side. The heel of the back foot is coming off the ground and the body is
beginning to turn to face the ball.
3. The ball is about to pitch. The weight of the body is on the left leg. The left arm is slightly bent.
4. The ball is about to be played. The left hand leads, angling the bat to keep the ball down. The
right hand is behind the handle, and doing the major part in turning the blade of the bat.
5. The bat blade continues its turn just before meeting the ball.
6. Immediately prior to the ball meeting the bat blade. The hands continue to turn. The head with
weight well over the left leg, is forward, following the ball almost on to the bat blade.
8. The follow through. This is a reflex action, the hands going on with the turn of the bat as the
trunk tunes when the eyes follow the ball behind the wicket.
The shot is played to the good length ball, or one jus short of a length, coming down in a line towards the middle and leg stumps
[Link] bat has gone high and he hands are going away from the body. The weight of the body has
gone onto the back foot. The eyes watch the ball which is about to pitch. The wrists are fully cocked
[Link] the back, same stage. The wrists are fully cocked. The bend elbow of the right arm has moved
away form the body. The right foot had moved across to cover the middle and off stumps
3. The hands are accelerating the bat down towards the ball, ready to make the hit towards the on
side. The right wrist is still fully cocked.
[Link] hit is made. The left arm high elbow bent. The right hand goes past the left hand in the
execution of the shot. The eyes watch the ball on to the bat.
[Link] of the hit. The balance of the body is maintained on the back leg. The trunk turns as the right
hand follows though in the direction of the hit. The eyes follow the ball
Played to the ball, which is beyond the half volley length and pitching very close to the feet
and in line with the stumps
1. The hands go out and away form the body as soon as the shot is decided upon the weight is on the
back foot.
2. The bat has started its down swing from outside the off stump and the hands are away from the
body. The wrists are still cocked. The weight of the body is still on the right foot. The eyes watch the
ball about to pitch
3 .The bat continues it’s down swing with the hands beginning to drop; the ball being well over –
pitched will have to be dug out. The left foot has been brought back, allowing the batsman to open up
the hips. The weight of the body still on the back. Foot. The right wrist is still cocked. Both arms are
bent.
4. The hit is about to be made. The right hand takes the major part in the shot. The right shoulder
drops as the right hand hurries the bat towards the ball. The balance of the body is still on the right
foot. The eyes watch the ball as it hits the pitch.
5. Finish of the shot. The right hand having delivered the punch, takes the bat through in the direction
of the hit. The body has turned, the right side coming into the shot when the right hand swung the bat
through the pitch of the ball. The left foot goes back as the body completes its turn, with the swinging
follow through. The eyes watch the ball go off in the direction of the hit.
[Link] ball is being played for the normal bounce in the orthodox back foot defensive way.
2. The ball kicks up and the bat is brought up to protect the body, left elbow and shoulder high. The right hand is relaxed, to get
the effect of a dead bat shot. The head is steady. The eyes watch the ball past the right hand.
The slower the bowler the easier it is to hit the short-pitched ball
1. The right foot goes back and across outside the off stump. The bat goes to the high pick up.
The wrists are fully cocked. The right elbow is bent. The weight on the braced right leg. The eyes
watch the ball about to pitch. The right foot goes back and across outside the off stump. The bat
goes to the high pick up. The wrists are fully cocked. The right elbow is bent. The weight on the
braced right leg. The eyes watch the ball about to pitch.
2. The bat is swing towards the ball. The left arm is unhinging. The right wrist is fully cocked. The
right elbow fully bent. The left foot comes back square, and parallel with the right foot, bringing the
trunk and head round to face the ball.
3. The hit is about to be made. The left hand leads the swing of the bat in a flat arc.
The right hand is behind the handle, about to administer the hit. The trunk and head
come round to face the ball, with the swing of the bat across the body.
4 .The follow through. The trunk and head do a complete turn. The right heel is off the ground
with the right knee turned inwards. The right hand has turned the bat over to keep the ball
down. The extended right arm in the follow through brings the right side round
The shot is played to the ball pitching short of the half volley, usually to the medium pace or
quicker bowler when the ball is coming quickly off the pitch towards the batsman and arriving
about shin high.
1. The bat has gone up to the high pick up and the left leg and bat are moving out together. The wrists
are fully cocked. The left shoulder points towards the oncoming ball. The eyes watch the ball, which is
about to pitch.
2. The left shoulder is still towards the ball, the bat coming down with the wrists still cocked. The right arm
close to the side. The both elbows bent. The right leg is turning in and towards the line of the ball
3. The ball is about to be struck. The trunk is turning form the hips and opening up.
The right arm still close to the right side. The firm left hand leads the swing of the bat,
the eyes watching the ball bounce off the pitch.
4. Just before the actual hit. The hips have opened up to allow the right
hand behind the handle of the bat to put the power into the shot. Both arms
still slightly bent. The hands are accelerating the swing of the bat.
5. The finish of the shot. The ball is going off the blade of the bat. The right
hand has put the hit into the stroke. The right knee turns in with the turning
of the hips, as the right hand begins to follow through. In the follow through,
which is short, the bat is kept in the upright position.
[Link] follow through. Immediately after the hi, the left elbow bends and
both hands go higher. The ball is played away and [Link] eyes watch
the ball go off the blade of the bat in the direction of the shot.
If the hook short cannot be mastered, take evasive action and duck, but never take the eyes off the ball.
The ball is hit behind the half volley and just as it is bouncing off the pitch. There must be a high pick up and complete follow through..
1. The bat goes o the high pick up. The left shoulder points to the line of the oncoming ball.
2. The bat face is still towards the off side. The wrists still fully cocked as the bat starts the down swing towards the
ball. The left shoulder is still towards the ball. The right arm slides past the right side, right knee slightly bent.
3 .The bit is about to be made. The right hand, well in front of the left, ensures a lofted hit. Both arms
are swinging the bat. The weight is rocking back onto the right leg. The eyes watch the ball as far as
possible on to the bat.
4. The complete follow through. The bat has gone a ninety-degree arc from the initial pick up. It is swung with both arms.
The hit with the right hand takes the bat through. The shoulder dips when the weight rocks back onto the right leg.
This shot is played when the medium pace bowler pitches short and the ball bounces towards the batsman about waist high.
1. The hands have taken the bat high with the wrists cocked. The right foot goes back and across just outside the off stump. Up on the toes
of the left foot, pivoting to assist the turn of the body, the left shoulder coming round to point towards the bowler. The eyes watch the ball on
to the pitch.
2. The left heel goes down as the trunk unwinds to face the bowler. At the same time the hands, with wrists still
cocked, have dropped down to allow the bat to be swung in a flat are at the ball.
3. Just before the hit was made the left foot was taken back in a parallel line with the right foot. This has allowed the
right side of the body to come into the shot, as the hands swing the cross bat at the ball. The right hand rolls over
the left hand, turning the bat face over as it strikes the ball, sending it down and away. The eyes follow the ball off
the bat.
<<Back>>
4. The front foot is going forward. The hands hang down n relaxed
position. The head is steady. The eyes look forward.
5. The right hand swings high. The initial swing of the right
arm to this position starts before the initial swing of the left arm.
As the right arm swings up, the right foot has gone forward.
6. The left foot comes forward past the right. The left arm
carries on with this upward swing. The right arm commences
the downward swing. The left arm carries on with the upward
swing. The balance of the body is on the back leg. The trunk
is turning towards the sideways-on position. The eyes look
down the wicket over the left elbow.
7. The left arm has gone to a higher position. The trunk has
turned sideways on. The head is steady. The eyes look over
the left shoulder. The right arm stays close to the body in
its downward swing.
<<Next>>
8. Back view, same stage. The weight is back on the right leg,
which is braced. The right foot points to the off side, assisting
the sideways on position at the crease. The back is arched.
10. The right arm has swung forward and back. He trunk is
still sideways on. The eyes look down the wicket over the
left shoulder.
11. Same stage as 10. The side frontal view. The right wrist
is
arched and the palm of the hand is facing upwards. The right
arm is
straight. The left arm is straightening and being swung in a
line
towards the stumps at the other end. The trunk remains
sideways on.
12. The right arm swings up just before the moment of release.
The trunk is still sideways on. The back is arched. The left arm
continues swing forward. The head is steady.
13. Just before releasing the ball the hips turn. The right
heel is off he ground, with the right knee bent.
17. The ball has been released and the chest is almost square on
to the batsman. The left arm swings past the left side. The bent right
leg is coming forward. The hips continue to rotate. From the start of
the action on the bowler’s arrival at the crease, the shoulders have
done a lateral twist.
18. The complete follow through. The right leg goes past
and moves over the front foot. The left arm swings on
past the left side. The right arm completes the full follow
through. The head is steady, with the forehead towards
the batsman.
To bowl fast the right ( bowling) arm must swing as quickly as possible. To assist the accelerated swing of the bowling arm, the trunk must do a very
rapid twist and turn. The run up to the wicket will be much longer and quicker than that of the medium pace bowler. The run up should be accelerating
so that the quickest point will be at the take off jumps towards the bowling crease.
1. The final stride to the crease: the mid air position just before landing on the right foot
at the [Link] right leg is going past the left and is about to land with the foot pointing
square to the off side. The trunk is turning towards the sideways –on position. The left arm
is reaching as high as possible. The eyes look over the left shoulder. The head is steady.
2. The right leg is braced. The right arm has gone forward and down and is about to commence the upward
swing towards the moment of releasing the ball. The left leg is high and bent, ready to go forward with the
forward swing of the left arm.
4. The turning movements of the trunk and hips of the fast bowler, being made so quickly, means a
more complete follow through over the left leg. The left leg has taken the shock of the body when it
landed and the late accelerating turn took place. The swing of the left arm has gone past and close to
the left leg. The right arm is following the left arm round the body. The hips do a complete turn. The
trunk goes low in the follow through. The forehead is towards the batsman. The eyes look towards
the pitch of the ball, and follow it on its way.
[Link] outswinger is the ball which swings from right to left on its flight down the
wicket and follows that path after pitching.
[Link] the right hand in the upright position with the thumb underneath and on
the seam and the first two fingers across the seam.
2a. From the back First two fingers across the seam, third and fourth fingers in support.
[Link] outswinger is the ball which swings from right to left on its flight down the
wicket and follows that path after pitching.
[Link] the right hand in the upright position with the thumb underneath and on
the seam and the first two fingers across the seam.
2a. From the back First two fingers across the seam, third and fourth fingers in support.
[Link] position of the seam to across the first two fingers..
[Link] position of the hand prior to deliver with the wrist cocked backwards,
shown also in close up.
2e. From the back, the same stage. Arm upright, wrist cocked backwards. The hand behind the
ball.
3. The position of the hands and the arms on arriving at the crease. The right wrist cocked backwards.
<<Back | Next >>
[Link]
[Link] position, side view. The right hand at this stage is pointing downwards.
[Link] right hand has now turned palm upwards. The trunk is still sideways on as the left arm swings
forward and down.
7. Just before the moment of release. The trunk is coming round. The right foot comes off
the ground. The right leg is about to swing past the left side and close to the body.
.
[Link] before releasing the ball. The hand stays upright. The movement of the trunk turning towards
the batsman brings the ball round so that the seam is pointing towards first slip
[Link] complete follow through. The left arm has swung past the left side. The right side has
come through with the right leg about to step over the left. The hand keeps its position form
the movement of release, when the bowling arm swings forward and down and across the
body to chase the left arm around the left side.
[Link] inswinger is the ball which swings in from left to right in its flight down the
wicket and follows that path after pitching.
[Link] the ball in the right hand in the upright position, with the first two fingers across the seam.
[Link] thumb supports and grips the ball underneath, while the third and fourth
fingers provide further support.
[Link] position of the hand just before the ball is released, wrist cocked
back, hand behind the ball.
[Link] hand has come to the upright position and turned inwards ready to ‘push’
the ball at the moment of release.
[Link] to release or ’push’ the ball. The wrist is still cocked backwards.
[Link] hand turns, still keeping the seam towards leg slip position
but upright, ready to push the ball as the arm swings on to deliver it.
[Link] the back, about to deliver the ball. The right foot comes off
the [Link] weight is over the left leg. The chest is well open.
[Link] complete finish. The right hand has stayed in the position
at the moment of release and the right arm swings past the right
side. Head steady, eyes follow the ball down the wicket.
<<Back | Next>>
1. The off-spinner is the ball which is spun from the bowler’s hand and spins from left to right in the flight down the wicket and
turns from off side towards leg side when it pitches.
2. The position of the feet in relation to the crease. The left foot is towards the on side.
3. The grip. Put the ball into the right hand, palm downwards, and spread two fingers over the seam.
5. Curl the fourth finger from the inside against the seam.
6. Seen from the back. The fingers are spread, with the first finger against the seam.
7. From the front. The fingers are spread the fourth finger curled and ready to impart spin.
8. Arriving at the crease, weight on the back foot. There is a full shoulder turn, with the left shoulder pointing in the
direction first leg slip. The front foot is across, in the direction of first leg slip. The bowler imparts left to right spin by
bowling against the left side of the body. Head steady, eyes looking up the wicket.
9. The bowling arm is about to come up to deliver the ball, trunk still fully turned.
10. The bowling arm has commenced the upward swing. The right hand is turning to come palm upwards. The back is
arched. The left arm starts swings towards he batsman. The trunk starts to turn.
11. Just before the moment of release. The left arm has gone forward and down an the trunk
starts to open the right side turns from the hips. The hand is cocked backwards, and the
palm is towards the batsman.
12. The position of the hand just before the moment of release. The first finger is about to
impart left to right spin.
13. The deliver is made. The trunk and arm have jerked from the point in No. 11 to deliver
the ball. This jerk of hips and shoulders is necessary because of the late turn of the body
from the sideways on position. The hand is turning from right to left. The weight is up on the
braced left leg. The height is kept at the moment of release
14. The complete follow through. The weight is on and over the front leg, but with very little
loss of height. The right knee is well forward. The hip has completed its quick turn. The hand
stays in position after imparting the spin, and the arm has come across the body. The eyes
watch the ball in the air going down the wicket.
<<Back | Next>>
The off cutter is the ball which turns in from off to leg when pitching and is usually bowled at medium pace.
1. Place the ball in the right hand with the first and second fingers close together and
across the seam, with the inside of the second finger resting against the third finger.
The spin is imparted by cutting the first and second fingers down and across the seam
from left to right.
2. The right arm is coming up ready to deliver the ball, still sideways on with the left arm swinging towards the leg stump.
The back is arched with the palm of the bowling hand facing upwards.
[Link] before the moment of delivery shoulders beginning to open. The right wrist is
cocked backwards, head steady, eyes looking down the wicket.
4. About to deliver the ball. The first two fingers on the right hand are in position to
cut across the seam from left to right.
5. The hand has cut across the seam from left to right and is about to deliver the ball.
6. Same position seen from the back. The trunk has turned with the swing of the bowling arm and the hand
cutting across the seam. Weight of the body on the front leg.
7. Just after the moment of release. Head steady, left arm swinging past the left side.
8. The beginning of the follow through with the hand turning after cutting across the ball
from left to right the trunk carrying on in its turn. The right arm swings in front of the right
side of the body.
[Link] complete follow through. The right foot comes off the ground to go past the left leg.
The right arm going past the right side.
The leg cutter is the ball which is cut with the first two fingers across the
seam from right to left, producing a turn of the ball from right to left the pitch.
1a. Place the ball in the right hand with the first and
second fingers apart and the inside of the second finger against the seam.
1b. To produce the cut, pull the second finger against the seam and push down the side of the ball with the first
finger.
1c. Turn the wrist to this position.
2. For the leg cutter, land at the crease with the weight well back and
the trunk turned sideways on.
3. The right arm swings forward and down, going behind the body. The right
hand is beginning to turn. The left arm begins to go forward.
5. The left arm continues its forward swing. The right hand is coming into
position, ready to deliver the ball and cut across the seam.
5. The moment before the release of the ball. The trunk begins to turn back to the square-on position. The wrist is
cocked backwards. The weight is on the left leg.
6a & 6b. Front view and back view. This will be the movement of the hand when the cut is made.
8. The complete follow through. The weight is over the left leg. The bent right leg steps over the front foot. The right hand
continues the turn from right left. The head is steady. The eves follow the ball on to the pitch.
[Link] leg spinner is the ball that spins from right to left in its flight down the wicket and will
turn towards the off side when it pitches.
2. The grip. The right hand is out, palm upwards. Put the ball in the hand with the seam sideways on. Grip
with the first three fingers.
3. The grip with the hand in the upright position. The thumb is supporting, the first
three fingers are gripping.
[Link] hand in the upright position forms the back. The fingers are spread with the third finger bent
and the inside against the seam, ready to impart the spin.
[Link] position of the hand just prior to the moment of release, with the third finger ready to impart
the spin.
[Link] at the crease. The right arm has swung forward and down. The right wrist is in a
flexible (floppy), cocked position. The weight is on the back leg.
7a. The right arm is ready to swing upwards to the delivery point. The left arm is beginning to
swing forwards, still sideways on. The palm of the hand faces upwards, with the fingers pointing
away from the body.
[Link]-up of the bowling hand at this stage. The wrist cocked. The palm is upwards.
The fingers are spread.
8. The left arm continues to swing forward. The right arm begins its upward swing. The right hand begins to
turn.
[Link] before the moment of release. The arm is about to come up to the upright position.
The hand has now turned and is facing down. The left arm continues its forward swing.
The trunk is still sideways on.
10. Side view immediately prior to the moment of release. The wrist is still floppy, pointing down.
The trunk has opened up with the left shoulder down.
11. The ball is about to leave the hand. The left shoulder is down, trunk opening up. The hand
comes over with the third finger imparting the spin. Because the right hand is turning from right
to left, the shoulder and trunk open up to assist this movement.
12 The complete follow through. The right arm comes across the body with the right to left
movement of the bowling hand, the body balance going forward over the braced left leg.
[Link]
The googly is an off spinner bowled with a leg-bread action. But the wrist turns
over earlier than for the leg break delivery. This means that the back of the hand
is facing the batsman at the moment of release. The ball comes out over the top
of the third and little fingers. It is ‘flipped’ out at the moment of delivery.
1. About to swing the right bowling arm up to deliver the ball. The wrist is cocked and the
hand faces palm upwards. The ball is held in the fingers of the hand, similarly to the leg break grip.
2. Just before the bowling arm reaches the upright position prior to the moment of release. The right hand
has reversed itself with the palm of the hand now towards the ground.
3. The ball is about to be released. The hand continues to roll over. The back of the hand
now faces the batsman.
[Link] same position from the batsman’s view. The left shoulder has dripped. The shoulders come round
to bring the chest square on to the batsman. The balance of the body has gone on to the braced front
leg. The head steady. The eyes look up the wicket towards the intended line of flight of the delivery.
5. The ball is being released. The hand turns over in a rolling movement. The fingers impart left to right
spin on the ball. The left side is down.
6. The ball leaves the hand. The left shoulder is well down. The chest almost square on to the batsmen.
The dipping left shoulder assists the inside out turn of the bowling hand. The inside of the forearm bow
faces the batsman. The right hand begins to straighten. The weight goes on to the braced front leg.
7. The follow through. The hand turns completely inside out. The inside of the forearm is still towards the
batsman. The bowling arm is swinging past the right side. The chest is square on. The left shoulder goes
up as the body weight goes over the front leg. In the follow through. The right leg is bent at the knee as
the hips complete a full turn.
This is the ball which swings from right to left on its flight down the wicket an
maintains
that path off the pitch towards the slip. It is bowled from over the wicket. The
stumps
are on the bowler’s left side.
[Link] at the wicket with the left arm upright and cock the left wrist backwards.
The first and
second fingers alongside the seam; the thumb underneath, and the third and fourth
finger
supporting. The seam points towards first slip.
[Link] position just prior to releasing the ball. The shoulders open
up. The weight on the right leg. The hand behind the ball ready to
push the ball at the moment of release. The hand has turned from
the previous position with the turn of the shoulders.
[Link] hand at the moment of release turns towards first slip position and the ball is
release
with the hand upright.
[Link] at the wicket. Place the left hand in the upright position; first and second fingers alongside the seam with the seam
pointing towards first leg slip; thumb underneath, second and third fingers supporting
[Link] back will be well arched on arriving at the bowling crease. The right shoulder points towards first
slip
[Link] bowling arm is about to come up ready to deliver the ball. The back still well arched. The trunk beginning to turn
back. The hand with the back towards the leg side keeps the seam in position.
4. Just before the moment of release. The hand
is still turning back. The right arm beginning to
go around the right side. The weight on the right
leg.
Orthodox left arm spin will turn the ball from right to left off the pitch, the ball spinning from right to left in its flight down
the wicket.
1. Place the ball in the left hand, the first, second and third fingers apart, the thumb underneath, the first and second finger
across the seam.
[Link] ball is spun with the first finger at the moment of release.
[Link] at the wicket, with the weight on the back foot, the right foot points in the direction of the first slip with the right
side also point in that direction.
[Link] the moment of release. Still sideways on. The right arm goes forward. The weight on the
right leg.
[Link] just before moment of release. The weight is over the right leg, trunk opening up.
The hand in position, wrist cocked back the sho8ulders opening up. The head steady.
The chinaman is the off break bowled by a left hander with a leg-break action spinning the ball from left to right in its flight
down the wicket and, on pitching, turns towards the leg side.
3. The position of the hand just before the upward swing of the bowling arm to deliver the ball. The ball is held in a similar
fashion to the right hand leg bread and the spin will be imparted with the third finger. The hand faces upwards.
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1. Run towards the ball and stop with both hands. Bend the
legs so that the hands can be brought down to the ball. The
trunk bends over. The eyes watch the ball into the hands.
2. The ball has been stopped. The right hand is palm forward, the left hand closing to ensure a
firm grasp of the ball. The balance of the body rocks back preparatory to coming up for a right
arm throw.
5. The throw has been made. The left arm is thrown towards the target.
The right (throwing) arm follows through in the direction of the throw. The
balance goes forward over the front leg as the throwing arm swings
towards the target.
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1 Always keep the eyes on the ball. The eyes follow the ball as far ass possible. the body is balanced on slightly bent
legs. One leg is just in front of the other, helping the balance of the body. Both arms are bent. The hands are open with
the palms uppermost.
2 The catch has been made. The hands come back with the flight of the dropping ball
and bring it close to the body.
1. The legs bend. The trunk comes down over the left leg. The left leg is forward.
The right hand takes the ball, arm forward. The head is steady. The eyes
watch the ball into the hand.
2 .Both legs have straightened. The trunk is turned sideways on in the direction of the
intended throw.
5. About to release the ball. Upon the toes of the right foot. Balance of the body goes forward on
to the left leg. The left arm swings towards the wicket-keeper. The trunk turns with the swinging of
the right arm. The head is steady. The eyes look towards the direction of the throw.
6. The throw is made. There is a full follow through both with the throwing arm in
the direction of the wicket-keeper’s hand, just above stump level, and over the left leg.
The left arm swings past the left side. The right leg comes off the ground as the right
side turns with the swing of the throwing arm.
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[Link]
LEG SPINNER
1. Bowler
2. Wicket-Keeper
3. First slip
4. Second Slip
5. Square point
6. Short third man
7. Cover
8. Extra Cover
9. Mid-off
10. Mid-wicket
11. Mid-on
OFF SPINNER AROUND THE WICKET
[Link]
[Link]-Keeper
[Link]
[Link] square third man.
[Link]
6. Mid-off
[Link] slip
[Link] square leg
9. Silly mid-on
10. Deep mid-wicket
11. Mid-on
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