Cricket Batting Tips

Shift your weight to your back foot for longer pitches. ...

Shift your weight to the foot closest to the bowler for a full pitch (one that bounces close to you). ...

Try to hit the ball before it spins. ...

Swing the bat properly. ...

Decide whether to attempt to score a run or continue batting.

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How to Bat in Cricket

Three Parts:Preparing for the ShotTaking the ShotChoosing and Preparing the Cricket BatCommunity Q&A

As a batsman in cricket, it’s your job to use the bat to defend the wicket from being hit by the ball. The wicket is made up of 3 vertical stakes, called stumps, topped by 2 horizontal blocks of wood, or bails. You’ll also have the opportunity to trade places with the other batsman (the non-striker) to score runs!

Quick Summary

If you’re right-handed, hold the cricket bat with your left hand near the rounded tip of the bat, called the toe, and your right hand higher on the handle. If you’re left-handed, reverse these positions. Stand with your non-dominant shoulder towards the bowler, or the person pitching the ball, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. When the bowler pitches the ball, swing the bat backwards in a straight line, then use your top hand to control the bat as you swing it forward to hit the ball. For tips on choosing the perfect cricket bat, read on!

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Part

1

Preparing for the Shot

Image titled Bat in Cricket Step 3

1

Grip the cricket bat properly. If you're right-handed, place your left hand on top of the handle towards the toe (the rounded tip of the cricket bat) with the right hand under it; left-handers place their hands the opposite way. The thumbs and forefingers should form a "V" between the outside edge and center of the bat that points towards the toe of the bat.

Batting gloves should be worn to protect your fingers if they get hit by the ball.

Image titled Bat in Cricket Step 4

2

Assume the proper stance. If you're right-handed, stand sideways in the crease (the "safe" area in front of the wicket) with your left shoulder towards the bowler (who "pitches" the ball); left-handed batters do the opposite. Look straight over your shoulder towards the bowler; do not tilt your head. Spread your feet about 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart and bend your knees slightly with your weight distributed evenly on both legs. Rest the toe of the bat on the ground behind your feet near the wicket; your top hand will rest on the inside of the thigh nearest the bowler.

Part

2

Taking the Shot

1

Shift your weight to your back foot for longer pitches. Shifting your weight away from the bowler enables you to adjust to a ball that bounces higher off of the pitch and takes longer to reach you.

2

Shift your weight to the foot closest to the bowler for a full pitch (one that bounces close to you). Move to meet the ball.

3

Try to hit the ball before it spins. If the bowler is bowling spin, you can advance forward and hit the ball before it spins. You can play a front foot shot for a spin bowler;

Swing the bat properly. When the ball is pitched, roll the shoulder facing the bowler down slightly and swing the bat backwards in a straight line. Use your top hand for control as you bring the bat forward to meet the ball.

The back-swing provides the power for the shot; a good swing clears the top of the wicket.

5

Decide whether to attempt to score a run or continue batting. A successful batsman knows when to try to score and when to remain in position and defend the wicket. If there is no time to switch places with the non-striker and score a run, stay put and prepare for the next shot.