forward defence

The forward defensive shot is played to the ball just short of the half volley, which is pitched in line with the stumps, or ball pitching off the line of the stumps and deviating towards them. 1. For any front foot shot, the foot goes forward to the ball pitching in line with the stumps. The left foot goes forward and alongside the line of the on coming ball. Come up on the toes of the right foot, let the body balance go forward on to the front leg. Both legs are slightly bent. The head does not move. The eyes follow the ball in its flight down the pitch for as long as possible. 2. From the normal pick up, the eyes watch the ball coming down. Both wrists and arms are bent. 3. The left foot has gone forward simultaneously, the bat starts its down swing towards the ball. The left shoulder faces the line of the ball. Both wrists are fully cocked, the right hand opening slightly but gripped firmly with fingers and thumb. Up on the toes of the back foot, which assists the weight to go forward on to the left leg. 4. The bat is half way in the down swing towards the ball. The face of the bat has come square on to meet the ball. Both arms are slightly bent. The head steady. Eyes look over the hands towards the pitch of the ball. 5. The ball is played. The left hand has gone well in front of the right. The trunk learning forward and over the front leg. The right hand is behind the handle and relaxed. The left leg is slightly bent. The eyes follow the ball, past the hands. 6. Back view of the same position. The right hand is relaxed. A firm grip with the left hand. The angling of the bat is plainly seen. 7. Now the view from the front. The body weight goes well forward over the left leg. The left hand in front of the right. Right hand behind the handle of the bat. 8. The finish of the shot. The ball is pushed away with the bat in the upright position. The left hand is still in front position. The left hand is still in front of the right hand. The head is steady, the eyes watching the ball past the hands. The ball goes off the bat, which is following through after it has played the ball. The follow through will be short, a matter of inches, the bat staying upright. The eyes follow the ball off the bat.