Introduction :
This is an attacking stroke played to a shorter-pitched ball that would reach above stump high. You would aim to play this shot between the areas of Mid-on and Cover.
Coaching Points:
• Remember to start with a relaxed balanced stance. Your head should be still and your eyes level.
• Take your backswing and a comfortable step backward, with your back leg, in one motion. Your front shoulder should dip as you take the backswing.
• Create a firm base. Whilst this is a back foot shot, your weight should still be going slightly forward.
• 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 remains in line with 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, with a high finish, out in front of your body.
