Front Foot Shots
Front foot shots are played when the ball is pitched up, requiring the batsman to step forward towards the pitch of the ball. These include drives, sweeps, and defensive shots that form the backbone of classical batting.
Forward Defense
BeginnerThe foundation of batting technique - blocking deliveries safely with a vertical bat.
When to play: Play to good length deliveries pitching on or around off stump.
Step-by-Step
- Watch the ball from the bowler's hand
- Move front foot towards the pitch of the ball
- Bring bat down close to front pad
- Keep head over the ball, eyes level
- Play with soft hands to kill the pace
Video Tutorials: Forward Defense
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play Front Foot Defence
Sikana English
Step-by-step tutorial on the front foot defensive technique with proper stance, footwork and bat position
Rahul Dravid Perfect Defence vs Anderson
Cricket Highlights
Watch the Wall demonstrate textbook forward defence against world-class bowling
Learn the Grip and Stance
Sikana English
Master the correct batting grip and stance — the foundation for every shot
Backlift and Footwork Fundamentals
Sikana English
Learn proper backlift technique and weight transfer for defensive play
The Wall Goes 40 Balls Without Scoring
cricket.com.au
Rahul Dravid masterclass in patience and forward defence under pressure
Pro Tip
The key is soft hands - let the ball come to you rather than pushing at it.
— Rahul Dravid
Common Mistake
Playing hard at the ball with a gap between bat and pad, creating catching opportunities.
Cover Drive
IntermediateThe most elegant shot in cricket, played to deliveries pitched outside off stump.
When to play: Play to overpitched deliveries on or outside off stump.
Step-by-Step
- Get to the pitch with a big front foot stride
- Keep head still and over the ball
- Swing through the line with full bat face
- High follow through towards cover
- Transfer weight fully onto front foot
Video Tutorials: Cover Drive
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Cover Drive
Sikana English
Complete tutorial on the most elegant shot in cricket with correct footwork and timing
How to Play an Off Drive
Sikana English
Master the off drive technique — a close cousin of the cover drive
How to Play a Square Drive
Sikana English
Learn to play the square drive for boundaries through point
How to Play a Lofted Drive
Sikana English
When and how to loft the ball over the infield for boundaries
Correct Grip, Backlift & Set-Up for Batting
Cricket Coaching
Technical foundations that make drives possible — grip, backlift and weight transfer
Pro Tip
Timing beats power every time. Focus on meeting the ball at the right moment.
— Sachin Tendulkar
Common Mistake
Reaching for the ball instead of getting to the pitch, resulting in edges.
Straight Drive
IntermediateA classic shot played straight back past the bowler.
When to play: Play to overpitched deliveries on middle and off stump.
Step-by-Step
- Get front foot to the pitch of the ball
- Keep bat face straight, pointing to bowler
- Head over the ball throughout
- Drive through the line of the ball
- Follow through high and straight
Video Tutorials: Straight Drive
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Straight Drive
Sikana English
The safest attacking shot — learn the textbook straight drive technique
How to Play an On Drive
Sikana English
Master the on drive — playing straight balls through mid-on
How to Play a Cover Drive
Sikana English
Compare the straight drive with the cover drive technique
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Essential footwork and backlift technique for straight bat shots
Perfect Your Batting Grip & Stance
CoachCricXI
Detailed guide on grip and stance fundamentals for driving
Pro Tip
The straighter you hit, the safer the shot. It's the lowest risk attacking option.
— Kumar Sangakkara
Common Mistake
Opening the face too early and playing across the line.
On Drive
IntermediateA front foot shot played through mid-on region.
When to play: Play to full deliveries on middle and leg stump.
Step-by-Step
- Get front foot to the pitch
- Keep head still and watch the ball
- Turn the bat face towards mid-on
- Play with a straight bat
- Follow through towards mid-on
Video Tutorials: On Drive
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play an On Drive
Sikana English
Complete tutorial on playing the on drive through mid-on and mid-wicket
How to Play a Leg Glance
Sikana English
The leg glance — a related technique for balls on your pads
How to Play a Straight Drive
Sikana English
Compare with the straight drive for understanding the on-side game
Dravid & Laxman 303 Partnership
cricket.com.au
Watch two masters of the on drive in action — VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid
Learn the Grip and Stance
Sikana English
Correct grip is essential for controlling the on drive
Pro Tip
Don't try to hit too hard - let the ball do the work.
— VVS Laxman
Common Mistake
Getting too far across and playing around the front pad.
Flick/Clip
IntermediateA wristy shot played through mid-wicket off the pads.
When to play: Play to deliveries on leg stump or drifting down leg.
Step-by-Step
- Get front foot across towards the line
- Let the ball come onto the bat
- Use wrists to turn the ball
- Hit through mid-wicket
- Stay balanced throughout
Video Tutorials: Flick/Clip
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Flick Shot
Sikana English
Master the wristy flick with proper technique and timing
How to Play a Leg Glance
Sikana English
The leg glance — a softer version of the flick for deflections
How to Play an On Drive
Sikana English
Compare the flick with the on drive for leg-side play
How to Play a Pull Shot
Sikana English
When the ball is short, the flick becomes a pull — learn both
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Footwork fundamentals that power the flick shot
Pro Tip
The wrist does the work - don't muscle it, caress it.
— Rohit Sharma
Common Mistake
Playing too early and getting caught at mid-wicket.
Sweep Shot
IntermediateA shot played against spin, sweeping the ball to leg side.
When to play: Play against spinners bowling on or outside leg stump.
Step-by-Step
- Get front foot well forward
- Go down on back knee
- Roll the wrists over the ball
- Sweep in front of front pad
- Keep head still and watch the ball
Video Tutorials: Sweep Shot
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Sweep Shot
Sikana English
Complete guide to the sweep shot — the weapon against spin bowling
How to Play a Reverse Sweep
Sikana English
The reverse sweep — an advanced variation for disrupting field placements
How to Play Front Foot Defence
Sikana English
When NOT to sweep — sometimes defence is the better option
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Footwork for getting into the sweep position safely
Learn the Grip and Stance
Sikana English
Grip adjustments needed for the sweep shot
Pro Tip
Commit fully to the shot - half measures get you in trouble.
— Kevin Pietersen
Common Mistake
Not getting far enough forward, leading to top edges.
Reverse Sweep
AdvancedAn unorthodox shot sweeping the ball to the off side.
When to play: Play against spinners to disrupt their line and length.
Step-by-Step
- Get front foot forward as normal sweep
- Switch hands on the bat handle
- Turn body to face leg side
- Sweep ball towards third man
- Keep head still and commit
Video Tutorials: Reverse Sweep
Top recommended videos to master this technique
How to Play a Reverse Sweep
Sikana English
Complete tutorial on the reverse sweep technique and when to use it
How to Play a Sweep Shot
Sikana English
Master the standard sweep first before learning the reverse
How to Play a Flick Shot
Sikana English
Alternative leg-side shot to the reverse sweep
Learn the Grip and Stance
Sikana English
Grip changes required for reverse sweep execution
Backlift and Footwork
Sikana English
Weight transfer and balance for reverse sweeping safely
Pro Tip
Practice in the nets first - it's high risk but high reward.
— AB de Villiers
Common Mistake
Not committing fully and getting bowled behind the legs.