Batting Techniques in Cricket

Cricket was invented in 16th century England, but over the centuries has been imported around the world. The objective of the game is rather simpler than many think. One team bats with a paddle-shaped bat and attempts to score as many runs as possible before being called out. The opposing teams bowls a hard leather ball and fields any ball in play. Once the ball is put into play, the batter runs back and forth touching wickets, thus signifying runs scored. In cricket, there are multiple batting techniques one can use during the course of a game.

  1. Stance

    • A batter's stance varies by what makes them the most comfortable. The two main objectives in your stance is to know where the wickets are placed behind you and how far the top of your bat is to the ground in the process of your swing. Some players will start with their bat on the ground versus starting it level with their waistline, depending on what makes them the most comfortable.

    Method 1: Cover Drive

    • This shot is one that is not seen too often but has the potential to score many runs. First, when the pitch comes in, the batter must place his front foot in front of the line of the pitch after the bounce. Second, the batter must stroke the pitch in an upwards motion rather than try to use maximum power to connect properly and increase control of where the ball travels.

    Method 2: On Drive

    • This shot, like the cover drive, can tend to be somewhat difficult. First, the batter must remain in a more open stance when the pitch comes in. His front foot should be pointed toward the bowler (or pitcher). Second, the batter must keep his arms stiffened and bring the bat straight down, similar to the motion of a pendulum. The purpose of this method is to keep the ball on the ground and hit it sharply. It is effective against faster bowlers.

    Method 3: Off Pad Through On-side

    • This shot is meant to be pulled and to find the gaps in the left or right fields, depending on which side the batter is batting. If you are batting right-handed, you aim to hit the ball toward the left field and vice versa. First, the batter must let the ball come to him and try not to get out in front, as in the cover drive or on drive techniques. Second, the batter must turn his wrists inward at the last possible second to pull the ball while in stance.

    Method 4: Square Cut

    • This shot differs from the previous techniques because of the pre-bat motion. Instead on staying in stance, the batter takes a step toward the ball and uses added momentum to drive the ball. Although accuracy of placement may not be as easy, the power is maximized if connected well. You are able to drive the ball in the air or on the ground depending on the angle you step into the pitch with the bat.

    Method 5: Defensive Shot

    • The key difference in this batting method is to protect your stumps (or wickets) behind you rather than trying to drive the ball for runs. In this more conservative approach, a batter may use either (1) a back foot defense or (2) a forward defense. The only significant difference between the two is which foot you lean on when batting the ball. Either way, the ball will most likely be put into play on the ground. Some keys here are to always keep the bat pointed straight and down to maximize control and impact of the shot. Aside from the straight bat, the batter must also use good footwork and softer hands to allow for adjustment of grip depending if the pitch is high, low, inside, outside, fast or slow. The key is to not let the ball get past the batter and always keep it in play.