Introduction :
This shot is an attacking stoke played to a full length straight delivery. While executing the stroke the ball should be played back past the bowler.
Coaching Points:
• As with all the shots described here, this shot starts with a relaxed balanced stance. Your head should be still and your eyes level.
• Take your backswing and step forward in one motion as described above. Your front shoulder should dip as you take the backswing.
• Take a comfortable stride forward, creating a firm base with the front knee bent.
• You will notice from these images that the batsman's elbow is bent, pointing towards where the ball is being delivered from, and remains bent through the shot. Also, on impact with the ball, his head is over the ball, giving him the best possible chance of hitting the ball correctly.
• Look carefully at the 4th image on the left. The shoulders have rotated vertically as the batsman accelerates the bat towards the ball. He has created a figure "9" with his bat and arms by keeping the front elbow nice and high through out the shot.
• On playing the shot, follow through line of the ball with the bat and maintain your balance throughout. This will ensure both a good technique is sustained and that the ball travels in the direction intended.
• The bat should finish as illustrated, around the side of your head
