How to play "Hook shot"

There are a few differences between the pull and hook shot.

Where the pull is played to a ball around waist height, the hook is played to a short delivery between chest and head height.

A word of warning, the hook is the riskiest - and potentially the most dangerous - shot to play in cricket.

It's played to a short pitched delivery around your chest and head and so is the most difficult shot to control.

It's very difficult to roll your wrists playing the hook, so it's likely to be in the air for a few seconds. 

 

STEP 1

      As the backswing begins, the head, shoulders and back foot move back and across.

      Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. If you don't, the ball is likely to hit you on the head or chest.

      Wearing a helmet is advisable for this shot.

      Quick footwork is essential to get into the correct position to play the stroke.

STEP 2

      The front leg is moved back and towards the leg side, forming the base for the shot with the head slightly forward.

      Keep the hands high and judge by the bounce and line of the ball whether or not to attempt the shot.

STEP 3

      If you take on the shot then the arms should swing through and be fully extended when hitting the ball.

STEP 4

      The follow through will either see both feet move round and point towards the path of the shot.

      Or your front leg will be raised off the ground, with your weight pivoting on the back foot.