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Off Drive:

    Chris Cairns
    Chris Cairns executes a perfect
    Off drive

    © CricInfo
  • The off drive is played to an over-pitched ball in line with the off stump or marginally outside.

  • Like the forward defense, the left shoulder and elbow lead the body with the front foot going as close as possible to the pitch of the ball. The bat comes down in an arc from the top of the back lift and strikes the ball just in front of the left foot.

  • After impact the bat must continue in the arc and finish over the left shoulder. The follow through can also be checked at shoulder height, keeping the bat face open.

  • The head is kept straight and still throughout the shot and the top hand and elbow controls the direction of the shot. At the time of impact the head should be over the ball with the body weight balanced on the front foot. The full face of the bat must hit the ball and on completion, the batsman must be well balanced.

  • When the ball is in the line of off stump, it can be hit either to the left or right of mid-off and if it is slightly wider, the front foot must move into the direction you want to play the shot, which may be to the left or right of covers. This is also called a cover drive.


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