Introduction :
This shot is played to a ball of a good length or slightly fuller. If this defensive stoke is not played the ball would otherwise hit, or pass very close to the stumps.
Coaching Points:
• Remember to start 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.
• The shoulders should rotate vertically as the batsman begins the downswing and the bat decelerates the bat towards the ball.
• Look carefully at the 4th image on the left, the batsman has created a figure "9" with his bat and arms by keeping the front elbow nice and high through out the shot.
• The finishing position shows the back heel raised and the Bottom Hand should be relaxed. You should also still be balanced.
