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Fundamental Batting Certificate

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Coaching Sheet 5: The Straight Drive off the front foot

The aim is to drive the ball successfully along the ground just either side of the stumps at the bowlers end. This shows you how to play an attacking shot off the front foot and score runs without getting out. It is usually played to a full length delivery on or outside off stump.

Remember - The safest drives are the straightest ones.

Once the batsman has gained a bit of confidence and is seeing the ball well, he can start to think about being more aggressive. The straight drive is a key shot here, it can be played with minimal footwork but you need to use the full face of the bat. This is a low-risk shot based on timing rather than power.
If the ball pitches a bit wider, it allows the batsman to step out and play an off-drive. If the ball's swinging and darting around, the batsman will probably avoid playing this shot until he feels he's well in. Points to work on are:

  • High back lift over off stump with dominant top hand. (Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip).

  • Lean towards ball with head and shoulder keeping relaxed and balanced (eyes level)

  • Take a comfortable step forward towards the ball. (Weight over front foot.)

  • With dominant top hand and Figure “9” shape formed with arms. Swing bat through the line of the ball. (Forearms passing close to the body.)

  • Strike ball forward of front pad, directly below eye level.

  • Keep leading elbow high, throughout the shot.

  • Top hand dominates throughout the shot, bottom hand assists on impact. (Bottom hand fingers and thumb grip.) Finish the shot with high hands, with toe of bat pointing towards target area.

Although Marcus Trescothick (figure1) hasn't got his whole weight forward, his hands bring the bat through perfectly straight. Michael Atherton (figure 2) is in the classic position with head over the line, elbow up, front knee bent and the full face of the bat in contact with the ball.
Compare this with the position of Sherwin Campbell (figure 3). Campbell is leaning back, his foot is nowhere near the line of the ball and the bat face twists open in his hands because he's reaching for the ball. It could go anywhere and he could well be out.


For an animated demo go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/skills/5220552.stm

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