The Grip’s Role in Batting
The way you hold the bat affects your swing and how you connect with the ball. While the orthodox grip is often seen as the best, every player should find what feels most comfortable for them. Even Donald Bradman—who used an unconventional grip and is considered one of the greatest batters ever—once said, “Any player should be allowed to develop his own natural style, as long as he isn’t making any obvious mistakes.
Method 1: Using the Orthodox Grip (PDF Download Available)
Step 1: Lay the Bat on the Ground
Place the bat flat on the ground. The flat side is for hitting the ball, while the back has a ridge (or spine) running down the middle. Make sure the spine is facing upward.
Step 2: Form a ‘V’ with Your Thumb and Forefinger
Hold your hands out in front of you, palms down. Keep your fingers together, but let your thumbs stick out to the sides, forming an upside-down ‘V’ (open end pointing downward). Maintain this shape as you reach for the bat.
Step 3: Align Your Grip with the Bat’s Spine
When gripping the handle, keep both ‘V’s pointing downward (toward the handle). The point where your thumb and forefinger meet on each hand should line up with the bat’s spine.
- Pro Tip: If you tilt your hands slightly so the ‘V’s align between the spine and the edge of the bat, you’ll get more power for cut and pull shots. This also helps keep the ball low. [2]
- Cut Shot: A shorter, horizontal swing that sends the ball to the off side (the side the batter is facing). [3]
- Pull Shot: A longer, horizontal swing that sends the ball to the leg side (behind the batter). [4]
Step 4: Position Your Hands Mid-Handle
Your top (dominant) hand should be closer to the handle’s top, while your bottom hand should be nearer to the blade. A middle grip balances power and control.
- High Grip (Hands Toward the Top): More power—great for vertical shots (swinging upward). [6]
- Low Grip (“Choking” the Bat): More control—better for horizontal (cross-bat) shots.
Step 5: Leave a Two-Finger Gap Between Hands
Keeping your hands close increases power but reduces control. Spacing them farther apart gives more control but less power.
Step 6: Keep Your Top Hand Firm, Bottom Hand Relaxed
Hold the bat gently with your bottom hand—like you’re cradling a baby chick. This looseness lets your bottom three fingers lift slightly during the backswing, allowing a smoother, fuller swing.
Step 7: Practice Different Shots with the Orthodox Grip
This grip works well for both cross-bat and vertical shots, keeping the bat face square to the ball and reducing the risk of edging.
- Edging: When the ball hits the bat’s edge instead of the face, often leading to catches by the wicketkeeper or slips (fielders behind the batter). [8]
Method 2: Trying the ‘O’ Shaped Grip (PDF Download Available)
Step 1: Start with the Orthodox Grip, Then Adjust
Rotate your bottom hand so your fingers curl fully under the bat when the flat side faces down. In the orthodox grip, only your fingertips rest under the handle, but here, your whole fingers wrap underneath.
- The bottom hand’s ‘V’ will now point toward the bat’s edge (rotated counterclockwise for right-handers, clockwise for left-handers).
- If the bat’s flat side is down, the ‘V’ will face horizontally, not downward.
Step 2: Use This Grip for More Power on Cross-Bat Shots
The ‘O’ grip feels natural but gives the bottom hand more influence, making it harder to hit vertical shots since it encourages swinging across the ball.
Step 3: Note That Batters Use This for Heavy Bats
If you struggle with vertical swings or frequently edge the ball, you might be using too heavy a bat. A lighter bat could help you switch back to the orthodox grip.
Method 3: Trying the Knott Grip (PDF Download Available)
Step 1: Start Orthodox, Then Rotate Your Top Hand
Turn your top hand clockwise (if left-handed) or counterclockwise (if right-handed) until the back of your top hand nearly faces the same direction as your bottom hand’s back.
- If the bat’s flat side is down, the top hand’s ‘V’ will now open upward.
Step 2: Use the Knott Grip for Fast, Short Bowling
Developed by Alan Knott, this grip helps with quick, short swings—ideal for cutting fast, rising deliveries. [10]
- Fast Bowling: Speeds over 87 mph (140 km/h), with the fastest exceeding 96 mph (154 km/h).
- Short Bowling: Fast bowlers often bounce the ball short, making it rise to chest/head height. A quick bat helps hit waist-to-shoulder-height shots.
Step 3: Be Aware of Reduced Power
Since this grip limits arm extension, it’s harder to generate power. It’s best for scoring singles or twos (running between wickets) rather than hitting boundaries (sending the ball out of play).