| DRIVES- (Aggressive shots played to balls off length but not necessarily off line) |
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It’s an extension of a defensive shot. If you are in a position early you can play a
forcing attacking shot from that position even to a good ball. With the drive, you get
into a similar position of a defensive shot, but only this time you extend the bat play.
You go through with the swing in the direction of the ball and follow through of the bat
is in the direction of the shot.
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| Off Drive |
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Playing the ball that is around the off stump
in the region of mid-off
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| Cover Drive |
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Drive played through extra cover region to a slightly wider delivery.
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| Square Drive |
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Drive played squarer to a wider deliver on the off stump
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| On Drive |
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A rare shot these days played between mid on and mid wicket.
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| Straight Drive |
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A shot played with a vertical bat, between mid off and mid on.
Its Simple:
In case of a front foot drive get to the pitch, and besides the line of the ball. Get your head low and on top of the ball. This will move your weight forward. It will also get that power and letting the bat follow through, in the direction of the shot (beautifully done by Anwar) will get you that extra run. Four instead of three! Remember to keep that top hand firm on the handle. This will take care of the bottom hand dominating too much.
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| Back Foot Drive |
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In my eyes are more difficult to play than front foot drives and more pleasing to watch. To be a top-level batsman you need to have these shots in your armory. Standing tall on the balls of your feet, head level and steady, front elbow pulled skywards (See Pic.) allows you to play a great drive of the back foot. One that will bring the crowd on their feet.
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