Stances & Grip
The foundation of all great batting starts with the correct grip and stance. Master these fundamentals before progressing to shot-making.
The V-Grip Technique
The V-grip is the universally accepted grip for batting. Both hands form a "V" shape between thumb and index finger, pointing down the back of the bat handle.
How to Hold the Bat
- Place the bat face down on the ground
- Pick it up with your top hand (left for right-handers)
- Form a V between thumb and forefinger pointing down the handle
- Add bottom hand below, with similar V alignment
- Hands should be close together, touching or near-touching
- Grip firmly but not too tight - think holding a bird
Pro Tip
Your grip should be firm enough to control the bat but relaxed enough to allow wrist movement. If your knuckles are white, you're gripping too hard.
— Sachin Tendulkar
Common Mistake
Gripping the bat too tightly restricts wrist movement and reduces power. It also causes fatigue and can lead to playing across the line.
Stance Types
Side-on Stance
The traditional and most commonly taught stance. Body is sideways to the bowler with shoulder pointing towards them.
- Feet parallel, shoulder-width apart
- Front shoulder pointing at bowler
- Head turned to face the bowler
- Weight evenly distributed
Best for: Classical technique, Test cricket
Open Stance
Body is more chest-on to the bowler. Allows better visibility and is popular in limited overs cricket.
- Front foot angled towards cover
- Chest more open to bowler
- Easier to hit through leg side
- Better for tracking the ball
Best for: Limited overs, leg-side play
Closed Stance
Body is angled more towards the off side. Helps against deliveries moving away from the batsman.
- Back foot pointing towards cover
- Helps play straight
- Good for off-side play
- Can restrict leg-side shots
Best for: Facing swing/seam away, off-side play
Backlift Positions
The backlift is the preparatory movement of raising the bat before playing a shot. Different batsmen have different backlift styles.
Straight Backlift
Bat comes straight back towards the stumps. Orthodox and textbook technique.
High Backlift
Bat raised high, generates more power. Used by aggressive batsmen.
Trigger Movement
Small movement as bowler releases. Helps get into rhythm.
Loop Backlift
Bat comes from gully area. Unconventional but effective for some.
Pro Tip
Your backlift doesn't have to be textbook - what matters is that it allows you to bring the bat down straight. Find what works for you.
— Steve Smith
Head & Eye Position
The head is the most important part of batting technique. Where your head goes, your body follows.
- Keep head still - Any movement affects your vision and balance
- Eyes level - Both eyes should be on the same horizontal plane
- Watch the ball - Track from bowler's hand to bat
- Head over ball - Lean into shots, don't fall away
Common Mistake
Falling away from the ball (head moving towards leg side) is the most common technical flaw. It leads to edges and LBWs.