Cricket: Hitting On Top Of The Ball

Similar to the forward defense, this shot is played when the batter feels a good ball has been bowled and no runs can be scored from it.

A good defense is needed for batters to bat for long periods and to score runs.

To play this defensive shot properly players will need to think about their whole body's position in order to avoid popping the ball up for an easy take.

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter and one feeder minimum required. 6 tennis balls per pair/group.Feeder stands 4 meters away from batter, feeding ball as a drop feed, with arm out horizontally, and standing on the batters off side for safety. (adjust height of arm depending on height of feeder, and speed of batter to ball)Batter must use their feet and move down the wicket, meeting the ball on the second bounce, before hitting the ball through the cones.

PROGRESSIONMake target smallerAllow player to hit over the top (aerially) – still keeping shape of shot and not leaning back or hitting to hard/to the leg side.Alter distance batter has to advance to get to the ball.

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

• In pairs, one player with a football feeding and one with a bat in their stance. 
• Feeder to throw the ball out slightly in front of the batter and high enough for them to header it. 
• Batter to return the ball with a header, with the head leading the player should be automatically stepping into the header.