Cricket: Paddle sweep

Teach your players this exciting attacking shot and when to use it in a game situation!

Played to a ball slightly wider of off stump, allowing batter to free arms Batter must be low in their position, with head pushed forwards towards the ball Extend arms upon impact. Batter must accelerate shoulders horizontally, and hit through the ball. Ball should look to be played infront of square, and if appropriate/safe to do can be hit aerially. Encourage batter not to try and hit ball too hard, as this will be root of most problems here.

ONLY FOR MORE ADVANCED PLAYER Played to a length ball pitching on or outside line of the off stump Batter must be low in their position, with head pushed forwards towards the ball Extend arms upon impact. Batter must accelerate shoulders horizontally, and hit through the ball. Ball should look to be played infront of square, and if appropriate/safe to do can be hit aerially. Batter can either switch legs (so back leg becomes front), or play off orthodox front leg (this is personal preference) Grip may switch if preferred to Encourage batter not to try and hit ball too hard, as this will be root of most problems here.

This drill can be done in pairs/groups of three (minimum one batter and one feeder required), with six tennis balls per pair/group.

Batter plays shot from one knee and progresses to ordinary stance when competent in the kneeling sweep position.

The types of feed should be rapid fire feeds, where hands only move, and balls are fed quicker. Move onto the types of sweep below, hitting:

1. Orthodox sweep
2. Paddle sweep
3. Slog sweep
4. Reverse sweep

Feeds need to be altered slightly here, quicker for the paddle, and wider and more looped for slog sweep.

Played to a length ball pitching on or around line of the stumps Batter must already be low in their position ready to receive feed, Head pushed forwards towards the ball Extend arms upon impact. Batter must accelerate shoulders horizontally, and hit through the ball. Ball should look to be played infront of square, and if appropriate/safe to do can be hit aerially. Encourage batter not to try and hit ball too hard, as this will be root of most problems here.