All 30 Cricket Shots Name List Explained: Explore the captivating world of cricket shots, where precision meets power. From classic drives that grace the cricketing textbooks to innovative strokes like the daring helicopter shot and the graceful leg glance, this list encompasses the diverse repertoire of techniques displayed on the cricket pitch.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a casual observer, join us in unravelling the artistry behind each shot, from the timeless cover drive to the contemporary switch hit. Discover the language of cricketing finesse as we delve into the nuances of these 30 distinct shots, each telling a unique story on the canvas of the cricket field.
Front Foot Shots
1. Drive
Description: The drive is a fundamental shot played along the ground. It involves a full swing of the bat, generally in a straight line, with the intent to hit the ball through the gaps in the field.
Technique: Shift your weight onto the front foot, keep your head over the ball, and extend your arms through the shot. The front shoulder should point towards the bowler.
Player who plays Drive shot perfectly: Sachin Tendulkar
2. Cut
Description: The cut shot is played to a short-pitched delivery outside off stump. The batsman cuts the ball with a horizontal bat, directing it square on the off side.
Technique: Open the face of the bat slightly, transfer weight onto the back foot, and use a horizontal bat swing to cut the ball.
Player who plays Cut shot perfectly: Ricky Ponting
3. Square Drive
Description: The square drive is an elegant shot played to deliveries outside off stump. The batsman opens the face of the bat and drives the ball square on the off side.
Technique: Stride towards the line of the ball, open the face of the bat, and play a controlled drive. The back foot should provide a solid base.
Player who plays Square Drive shot perfectly: Rahul Dravid
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4. Leg Glance
Description: The leg glance is played to deliveries on the leg side. The batsman redirects the ball fine down the leg side, often using the pace of the delivery.
Technique: Move across the stumps, get into line with the ball, and use the wrists to flick the ball fine behind square leg.
Player who plays Leg Glance shot perfectly: Sunil Gavaskar
5. Cover Drive
Description: A shot played on the front foot towards the off-side, between the cover fielder and the mid-off fielder.
Technique: Position yourself with the head over the front knee, front foot forward, and swing the bat in a smooth arc, making contact with the ball in front of the body. The wrists should roll over at the point of impact.
Player who plays Cover Drive shot perfectly: Virat Kohli
6. On Drive
Description: Similar to the cover drive but played straight down the ground.
Technique: Use a straight bat and play the shot with a full follow-through. The head should be well-balanced, and the weight should transfer onto the front foot.
Player who plays On Drive shot perfectly: Brian Lara
7. Straight Drive
Description: A shot played with a straight bat directly back down the pitch.
Technique: Similar to the on drive, position the front foot towards the bowler, keeping the head still, and drive the ball straight with a full follow-through.
Player who plays Straight Drive shot perfectly: Kumar Sangakkara
Back Foot Shots
1. Pull
Description: The pull shot is used against short-pitched deliveries. The batsman rocks back on the back foot and play a forceful shot, aiming to hit the ball to the leg side.
Technique: Shift weight onto the back foot, pivot on the back leg, and bring the bat through in a straight line. Keep your eye on the ball.
Player who plays Pull shot perfectly: Vivian Richards
2. Hook
Description: Similar to the pull, the hook shot is played to a short-pitched delivery, but the ball is aimed more towards the mid-wicket or square leg region.
Technique: Position yourself early, pivot on the back foot, and swing the bat in an upward and horizontal motion to connect with the ball.
Player who plays Hook shot perfectly: Sir Don Bradman
3. Late Cut
Description: The late cut is used to guide the ball behind square on the off side. It is often played to deliveries that are moving away from the batsman.
Technique: Wait for the ball to come close, open the face of the bat at the last moment, and guide it delicately behind the wicket.
Player who plays Late Cut shot perfectly: Gundappa Vishwanath
4. Glide
Description: The glide is a shot played with a horizontal bat to deliveries outside off stump. The batsman guides the ball with soft hands to a vacant area on the off side.
Technique: Use the pace of the ball, open the face of the bat slightly, and guide it along the ground into gaps.
Player who plays Glide shot perfectly: Virender Sehwag
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5. Flick
Description: A flick shot is played to dispatch a ball directed on the leg side. The batsman uses the wrists to turn the ball from leg to the on-side, typically played to deliveries on or around the leg stump.
Technique: Flexibility in the wrists is crucial. The batsman must time the flick well, using the bottom hand to guide the ball into the leg side.
Player who plays Flick shot perfectly: Mohammad Azharuddin
6. Backward Defensive
Description: The backward defensive shot is employed against shorter deliveries by moving back towards the stumps to defend.
Technique: Shift the weight to the back foot, keep the bat close to the body, and use a controlled back-lift to play the ball under the eyes.
Player who plays Backward Defensive shot perfectly: Hanif Mohammad
Defensive and Leave Shots
1. Defensive Shot
Description: The defensive shot is a basic technique to block or dead bat the ball. It is used to defend the wicket and see off good deliveries without attempting to score.
Technique: The batsman should have a still head, get the front foot forward, and present a straight bat to the ball. Weight distribution is essential for balance.
Player who plays Defensive Shot perfectly: Rahul Dravid
2. Forward Defensive
Description: The forward defensive shot is played by stepping forward towards the bowler to meet the ball early. It’s used against full-length deliveries.
Technique: The front foot is moved towards the line of the ball, and the bat is presented in a vertical position to block the ball with a straight bat.
Player who plays Forward Defensive shot perfectly: Alastair Cook
3. Block
Description: A block is a controlled defensive shot used to nullify deliveries without attempting to score.
Technique: Similar to the defensive shot, the block involves presenting a straight bat to the ball, ensuring that the ball is played with soft hands to avoid edges.
Player who plays Block shot perfectly: Geoffrey Boycott
4. Leave
Description: Leaving the ball involves a batsman refraining from playing a shot, allowing the ball to go through to the wicketkeeper.
Technique: Judgment of line and length is critical. The batsman should confidently decide not to play the shot, ensuring the ball won’t hit the stumps.
Player who plays Leave shot perfectly: Sunil Gavaskar
5. Punt
Description: The punt shot is an improvised shot where the batsman takes a risk by charging down the pitch to play an aggressive shot, often against spin bowling.
Technique: The key is to judge the length of the delivery and make a quick decision to charge down the pitch. It requires quick footwork and good hand-eye coordination.
Player who plays Punt shot perfectly: Rishabh Pant
Unconventional and Innovative Shots
1. Sweep
Description: A shot played to a ball pitching on or outside leg stump, where the batsman goes down on one knee and sweeps the ball towards the leg side.
Technique: Get low, bend the front knee, and use a horizontal bat to sweep the ball. Timing is crucial for this shot.
Player who plays Sweep shot perfectly: Sir Frank Worrell
2. Reverse Sweep
Description: Similar to the sweep, but the batsman changes their grip and uses the back of the bat to hit the ball to the off side.
Technique: Change the grip on the handle, get into position early, and use a sweeping motion with the back of the bat. It requires good hand-eye coordination.
Player who plays Reverse Sweep shot perfectly: Kevin Pietersen
3. Switch Hit
Description: A shot where the batsman changes their stance from a right-hander to a left-hander or vice versa just before the ball is delivered.
Technique: The batsman changes their grip and stance quickly, making it challenging for the bowler to adjust. It requires excellent coordination and timing.
Player who plays Switch Hit shot perfectly: AB De Villiers
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4. Slog
Description: A powerful and aggressive shot where the batsman attempts to hit the ball a long distance.
Technique: Use a cross-batted swing, and generate power from the hips and shoulders. This shot is often played in limited-overs cricket.
Player who plays Slog shot perfectly: Adam Gilchrist
5. Helicopter Shot
Description: A shot associated with MS Dhoni, where the batsman uses a strong wrist to hit the ball to the leg side with a helicopter-like follow-through.
Technique: Rotate the wrists aggressively and follow through with a circular motion. It requires good timing and a strong bottom hand.
Player who plays Helicopter Shot perfectly: MS Dhoni
6. Paddle Sweep:
Description: The paddle sweep is played to hit the ball fine behind square on the leg side. The batsman gets down on one knee and uses a sweeping motion to guide the ball behind the wicket keeper or fine leg.
Technique: The key is to get low, maintain balance, and use the wrists to control the shot. The bat is angled towards the leg side, and the ball is redirected delicately.
Player who plays Paddle Sweep shot perfectly: Tillakaratne Dilshan
7. Edged Shot
Description: An edged shot occurs when the ball takes the edge of the bat unintentionally. It can result in runs if the ball goes wide of the fielders or wickets if caught behind.
Technique: To minimize edged shots, batsmen must focus on a solid defensive technique, keeping the bat close to the body and playing under their eyes.
Player who plays Edged Shot perfectly: Steve Waugh
8. Dil-scoop
Description: Also known as the “Dilscoop,” this shot involves the batsman getting down on one knee and scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head, typically played to a short-pitched delivery.
Technique: The batsman needs to time the shot perfectly and use the pace of the ball to lift it over the wicketkeeper. It’s a risky shot that requires confidence and precise execution.
Player who plays Dil-Scoop shot perfectly: Tillakaratne Dilshan
9. Marillier Shot
Description: Named after Zimbabwean cricketer Douglas Marillier, this shot is played by moving across the stumps and flicking the ball over the wicket keeper’s head, usually played to a full-length delivery.
Technique: The batsman uses the pace of the ball and the angle created by moving across the stumps to lift the ball over the wicketkeeper. Timing is crucial for a successful Marillier shot.
Player who plays Marillier Shot perfectly: Douglas Marillier
10. Lap Shot
Description: The lap shot is played by using the wrists to guide the ball fine on the leg side. It is often employed against spin bowling.
Technique: The batsman uses a combination of wrist movement and a slight change in stance to play the ball into gaps on the leg side. It requires good hand-eye coordination.
Player who plays Lap Shot perfectly: Brendon Mccullum
11. Slap Shot
Description: The slap shot involves hitting the ball powerfully with a horizontal bat, often played to deliveries on a good length.
Technique: The batsman uses a flat bat to hit the ball forcefully. It’s an aggressive shot and requires proper timing and placement to avoid fielders.
Player who plays Slap Shot perfectly: Adam Gilchrist
12. Upper Cut
Description: The upper cut is played to short-pitched deliveries outside the off-stump, where the batsman deliberately lifts the ball over the slips or gully region.
Technique: The batsman uses the pace of the delivery to guide the ball over the fielders. It requires good judgment of length and quick hand movement.
Player who plays Upper Cut shot perfectly: Ricky Ponting
Conclusion on All 30 Cricket Shots Name List Explained
In the dynamic world of cricket, players showcase an impressive repertoire of shots that go beyond the conventional. From the classic elegance of the cover drive to the innovative strokes like the switch hit and helicopter shot, cricket is a symphony of techniques. Whether it’s the finesse of a late cut or the power-packed slog, each shot adds its own flavour to the game.
As cricket evolves, so do the players, introducing new dimensions like the paddle sweep and Dil-scoop. From defensive precision to audacious aggression, this comprehensive list captures the essence of the sport’s diverse shot selection, turning every match into a spectacle of skill and strategy.
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FaQ’s
Which shot is best in cricket?
The “best” shot in cricket depends on the situation, the type of delivery bowled, and the batsman’s skill and preference. Each shot has its own purpose and effectiveness in different situations.
What is a flick shot in cricket?
In cricket, a flick shot typically refers to a shot played on the leg side, where the batsman uses his wrists to turn the ball towards the leg side. It is often played to deliveries that are on the leg or middle stump.
Who is helicopter shot King?
The “Helicopter shot” is famously associated with Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Dhoni is considered the “helicopter shot king” due to his innovative and effective use of this shot. The helicopter shot involves a powerful wrist flick that sends the ball soaring over the mid-wicket boundary. Dhoni popularized this shot and became known for using it effectively in limited-overs cricket.
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