Choosing the Appropriate Shots

● Choosing the shots

The batsman's job is to score as many runs as possible.

But to build an innings, a batsman needs sound judgement to work out which deliveries to defend, leave or score off.

Even top class batsmen give their wicket away because of poor shot selection, so it's not an easy science.

The batsman has approximately 12 shots to choose from either side of the wicket.

So stroke selection depends on the line, length and speed of a delivery.

There are three main lines:

       Off stump and outside

       Middle stump

       Leg stump and outside

And there are five main lengths of delivery:

       Bouncer/long hop

       Short of a length

       Good length

       Full length/half volley

       Full toss

For the best chance of building an innings, a batsman needs to move their feet backwards or forwards to get into the best   position to play a stroke.

FRONT FOOT STROKES

A fuller length delivery will normally be played on the front foot.

The main front foot shots are:

       Forward defense

       Cover drive

       Straight drive / Off or On Drive

       Sweep shot

       Shovel shot

The off and the straight drive are played to deliveries which pitch on off stump and outside, while the on drive is played to a ball pitching around leg stump.

The sweep shot is played to a ball from a spinner pitching around leg stump and outside.

The leg glance can also be played off the front foot.

BACK FOOT STROKES

A shorter length delivery will usually be played on the back foot.

The main back foot shots are:

       Back foot defense

       Leg glance

       Back foot Drive

       Square cut

       Pull shot

       Hook shot

The hook, pull and square cut are cross-batted shots where the arms are fully extended for maximum power.

The hook and pull are usually played to deliveries on middle and leg stump, while the square cut is played to a ball outside off stump.

The leg glance and drive can also be played on the back foot.