Back Foot Shots
Back foot shots are essential for handling short-pitched bowling. These shots require quick footwork to get back and across, allowing you to play cuts, pulls, and hooks with control and power.
Back Foot Defense
BeginnerDefensive shot played off the back foot to short pitched deliveries.
When to play: Play to short of a length deliveries.
Step-by-Step
- Move back and across towards off stump
- Get onto back foot quickly
- Keep bat close to body
- Play with soft hands
- Keep head still and watch the ball
Video Tutorials: Back Foot Defense
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play Back Foot Defence
Sikana English
Essential technique for handling short-pitched bowling on the back foot
How to Play a Back Foot Punch
Sikana English
When back foot defence becomes a scoring opportunity
How to Play Front Foot Defence
Sikana English
Compare front foot and back foot defence techniques
Rahul Dravid Perfect Defence
Cricket Highlights
The Wall demonstrates world-class defensive technique
Dravid Goes 40 Balls Without Scoring
cricket.com.au
Masterclass in defensive batting patience and concentration
Pro Tip
Get back quickly but don't rush the shot. Let the ball come to you.
— Steve Smith
Common Mistake
Not getting back far enough and playing too early.
Square Cut
IntermediateAn attacking shot played square of the wicket on the off side.
When to play: Play to short and wide deliveries outside off stump.
Step-by-Step
- Go back and across
- Wait for the ball to come to you
- Roll wrists over the ball
- Cut square of the wicket
- Keep the ball down
Video Tutorials: Square Cut
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Square Cut
Sikana English
Master the square cut for boundaries through point and backward point
How to Play a Late Cut
Sikana English
The late cut — a delicate variation played behind square
How to Play Back Foot Defence
Sikana English
Back foot technique — the foundation for cut shots
How to Play a Back Foot Punch
Sikana English
When the cut becomes a punch through the off side
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Footwork and trigger movements for back-foot shots
Pro Tip
Wait, wait, wait - then hit. Patience is key for the cut shot.
— Ricky Ponting
Common Mistake
Playing the shot too early and edging to the keeper.
Pull Shot
IntermediateA powerful horizontal bat shot played to short-pitched deliveries.
When to play: Play to short deliveries between hip and shoulder height.
Step-by-Step
- Rock back onto back foot
- Rotate shoulders and hips
- Swing bat horizontally
- Roll wrists to keep ball down
- Complete the shot with full rotation
Video Tutorials: Pull Shot
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Pull Shot
Sikana English
Complete tutorial on pulling short-pitched bowling to the leg side
How to Play Back Foot Defence
Sikana English
When NOT to pull — choosing defence over attack against the short ball
How to Play a Square Cut
Sikana English
Alternative to the pull — cutting wide short deliveries
How to Play a Flick Shot
Sikana English
The flick — when the ball is fuller and on your pads
Learn the Grip and Stance
Sikana English
The right grip gives you the control needed for the pull shot
Pro Tip
Get inside the line - it's safer and more powerful.
— Brian Lara
Common Mistake
Playing with head falling away, resulting in top edges.
Hook Shot
AdvancedA shot played to bouncer deliveries above shoulder height.
When to play: Play to bouncers aimed at the head/chest.
Step-by-Step
- Get inside the line of the ball
- Swing bat in arc above shoulders
- Roll wrists at point of contact
- Keep eyes on the ball throughout
- Finish with full rotation
Video Tutorials: Hook Shot
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Pull Shot
Sikana English
The pull shot — the foundation technique before learning the hook
How to Play Back Foot Defence
Sikana English
Defensive option against bouncers — sometimes safer than hooking
How to Play a Back Foot Punch
Sikana English
Alternative back-foot attacking shot to the hook
India vs Australia Kolkata 2001 Highlights
cricket.com.au
Watch Laxman hook and pull Australia into submission in one of cricket's greatest tests
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Quick feet and proper backlift timing for the hook shot
Pro Tip
Know your limits - only hook if you're confident and set.
— Viv Richards
Common Mistake
Not getting inside the line and playing from under the ball.