Playing a scoring shot in cricket can be tricky, especially when you’re unsure which shot suits the situation best. A skilled batsman needs sharp hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, strength, speed, and good judgment. On top of that, a strong batsman must know the rules inside out and understand cricket strategies and tactics well. Learning and practicing different shots—and knowing when to use them—will boost your game and help you score more runs.
Method 1: Batting Basics
Step 1: Decide whether to attack or defend.
Your choice depends on factors like the ball’s speed and delivery, as well as the match’s length and rules.
- Shorter matches encourage attacking shots since batsmen have fewer scoring opportunities.
- Longer test matches (up to five days) often involve more defensive play.
Step 2: Move forward or back.
- Front foot shots work best for balls between ankle and thigh height.
- Back foot shots are better for balls between thigh and head height.
Shift your weight to the front or back leg based on where the ball is headed.
Step 3: Keep your eyes on the ball.
Tracking the ball helps you judge when and where to hit it.
Step 4: Avoid getting out.
Keep these rules in mind to stay in the game:
- Don’t let the ball hit the wicket.
- Avoid getting hit on the legs in front of the wicket (LBW risk).
- Don’t give catches to fielders.
- Avoid edging the ball to the wicketkeeper.
Step 5: Place your shots carefully.
Hit the ball with precision, timing, and power to evade fielders. Becoming a great batsman takes skill and practice—so stay patient and wait for the right shot.
Method 2: Hitting Front Foot Shots
Step 1: Play a forward defensive shot.
Not every shot scores—sometimes, defense is key.
- Lean your head and front shoulder forward. Step with your front foot, keeping your back leg straight.
- Swing the bat downward, angling it toward the ground. Contact the ball below eye level.
- Keep the bat slightly ahead of your front leg, near the pad. No follow-through—just hold the position to block the ball.
Step 2: Play a straight drive.
Ideal for full deliveries on middle/off stump.
- Lean forward, bend your front knee, and step in. Keep your head level with or ahead of your knee.
- Swing straight, keeping wrists relaxed. Contact the ball below eye level.
- Follow through with the bat facing upward.
Step 3: Play a sweep shot.
Great against spinners on low-bouncing legside balls.
- Lean forward, stride with your front foot, and drop your back knee.
- Bring the bat down across your body, striking in front of the pad. Roll your wrists to angle the ball down.
- Follow through with hands near your shoulder and the bat held high.
Step 4: Play a front foot leg glance.
Uses the bowler’s speed rather than your power.
Angle the bat slightly toward your front leg, flicking your top wrist to deflect the ball downward.
Lean forward, shift weight to your front leg.
Method 3: Hitting Back Foot Shots
Step 1: Play a back foot defense shot.
When facing a fast bowler, this shot keeps you safe on short-length deliveries.
- Step back toward the wickets with your back foot, keeping it in line with the ball.
- Keep your head forward and your back foot flat. Move your front foot back, pointing it at the bowler.
- Swing the bat straight down, angling it toward the ground. Strike the ball below eye level.
Step 2: Play a back foot leg glance.
Perfect for short or full deliveries on the leg side—wrist control is key.
- Quickly step back with both legs, keeping your back leg aligned with the ball.
- Swing straight, slightly turning the bat face toward the leg side.
- Roll your top wrist to angle the ball downward. Adjust grip tightness for finer or squarer placement.
Step 3: Play a square cut.
A powerful shot for scoring runs off short, wide deliveries.
- Step back and across the stumps with your back foot. Turn your front shoulder as you bring the bat back.
- Swing down and across, fully extending your arms for power. Roll your wrists to keep the ball low.
Step 4: Play a backfoot drive.
Similar to a defensive shot but used to score off short deliveries.
- Bring your front foot back as you start your backswing. Keep weight slightly forward.
- Swing straight, using your top hand for control and bottom hand for power.
- Follow through, raising your hands above your front shoulder.
Step 5: Play a hook or pull shot.
- Pull shot: For waist-high short deliveries.
- Hook shot: For chest-to-head-high short balls.
(Risky—requires sharp footwork and hand-eye coordination!) - Step back and across, opening your chest slightly.
- Move your front leg back and out, keeping eyes on the ball.
- Swing across your body at a slight downward angle, rolling wrists on contact.
Step 6: Follow through two ways:
- Lift your front leg, pivoting on your back foot.
- Turn both legs to follow the ball’s path.
Method 4: Playing Unorthodox Shots
Step 1: Hit a reverse sweep.
Best against overpitched deliveries.
- Stay balanced on your back foot. Place your front foot upright on the toes.
- Hold the bat horizontally, close to the pitch, with the face reversed.
- Swing to the offside, striking the ball as it bounces.
Step 2: Try a switch hit (popularized by Kevin Pietersen in 2008).
- As the bowler runs in, switch your stance to the opposite-handed position.
- Since fielders can’t reposition, this can catch them off guard.
(Risky! You’re less practiced in the opposite stance, so execution errors are more likely.) - The ICC confirmed its legality in 2008.
Final Tips:
- Practice consistently—mastering these shots takes time.
- Stay patient—wait for the right ball to attack.
- Watch the bowler’s hand to anticipate deliveries.
- Enjoy the game! Confidence and relaxation improve performance.