Cricket - essential skills and techniques The cricket forward defensive shot

A forward defensive shot is a deliberate shot that aims to prevent the ball from hitting the wicket or the player's pads.

Stage one

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart and parallel to the batting crease, with knees slightly flexed and weight evenly distributed.
• The top hand should rest gently against the inside thigh of your front leg with the bat pointing/resting on the floor at a 45° angle.
• The head is over the line of the front foot and facing the bowler.

Stage two

• As the bowler approaches, the bat should remain close to the body but brought upward, bending both elbows, until the bat is parallel to the shoulders.
• Move the front foot, bend the front knee and torso into the line of the ball, keeping the back leg straight and foot planted.

Stage three

• Swing the bat down and make contact with the ball beneath the head, with the face of the bat angled towards the ground.
• The bat should be slightly forward of the front leg and close to the pad.
• Raise the heel of your back foot and hold your finishing position rather than following through.