Cricket batsman have less than a second to select which shot to play after the bowler has released the ball. The only way to select the correct shot for each individual situation is to practice every shot over and over again till it becomes an instinctive reaction. Bob Woolmer, the former South African head coach, wrote in "The Art and Science of Cricket" that "the thrill of drilling a straight cover or on drive through the field to the boundary is as good as it gets."
The Front Foot Off Drive
Any drive that is played with your body weight moving onto the front foot as you play the shot should be limited to a ball that is a half-volley or a low full toss. Initially take a balanced step forward, with your weight on the front leg and the back foot heel slightly raised. If you're a right-handed batsman, the back foot in this example would be your right foot. Place your left foot as close to the pitch of the ball as possible. Bob Woolmer advises to "swing the bat down in an imaginary line from the toe of your back foot to the pitch of the ball." Always aim to hit the ball directly under your eyes, follow through, keep your left elbow high and use a strong grip with your top hand on the bat to keep the ball along the ground. This will restrict any opportunity for the fielding side to catch you out.
The Front Foot Cover Drive
Using the same base as mentioned above, the major difference between the off drive and a cover drive is the timing of the shot. Most of the work is done with the top hand, however, the cover drive is played slightly later. Allow the ball to come past the front foot, turn the front shoulder to your intended target, let the hands flow through the same line and guide the ball through the cover point area.
The Front Foot On Drive
If the off and cover drive is played when the ball is aimed on or outside the off stump, the on drive should only be considered if the delivery is aimed towards the middle and leg stump. One of the most difficult shots in the game, you should only consider this shot after you're comfortable executing it in practice. Point your shoulder toward the ball and place your front foot slightly outside the line of the ball. Try and hit the ball just in front of your eyes.
The Back Foot Drive
Many amateur players never get to a good enough standard to play this shot with any degree of success. Nevertheless, if the ball is pitched shorter and you're confident the bounce of the pitch will be even, this shot can be an effective method for scoring plenty of runs through the mid off and mid wicket. Your arms, shoulders and hands are playing the same shot as the variety of front foot drives, except the majority of your weight is initially on the back foot. As the ball approaches you, keep a straight bat, and slowly, as the shot is played, transfer your weight forward and hit the ball underneath your head. You will finish the shot in an upright position.
References
- "Bob Woolmer's Art and Science of Cricket"; Bob Woolmer, Professor Tim Noakes and Dr Helen Moffett; 2008
- BBC Cricket Skills: Playing Front Foot Shots
- BBC Cricket Skills: Playing Back Foot Shots
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