Cricket: Sweep Technique

This drill can be done in pairs/groups of three (minimum one batter and one feeder required), with six tennis balls per pair/group.

Batter plays shot from one knee and progresses to ordinary stance when competent in the kneeling sweep position.

The types of feed should be rapid fire feeds, where hands only move, and balls are fed quicker. Move onto the types of sweep below, hitting:

1. Orthodox sweep
2. Paddle sweep
3. Slog sweep
4. Reverse sweep

Feeds need to be altered slightly here, quicker for the paddle, and wider and more looped for slog sweep.

Played to a length ball pitching on or around line of the stumps

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter and one feeder minimum required. 6 tennis balls per pair/group.

Feeder looks to feed the ball around middle stump, using an underarm 'bobble' feed. Already down on one knee in sweep position, batter looks to play orthodox sweep shot (shot number 1), aiming for the line indicated on diagram.

Looking to defend ball after using feet coming down the wicket

Quick feet from the batter are essential when getting to the ball.

When advancing down the wicket, batter must aim to keep head as still as possible, and eyes level.

Batter needs to be in a still position by the time they make contact, and well balanced.

Encourage player to loosen bottom hand upon impact, and maintain their weight into the shot by leaning forward not back. Bat coming through straight s key, with soft hands, with player looking to drop the ball at their feet, making impact underneath their eyes.

Dip your head and shoulder more than for the off or straight drive and let the ball come through.

Open your leading shoulder to point straight/ mid on, so that your hip opens slightly, allowing the bat to swing through.

Take a short stride towards the ball, stand tall on the balls of your feet and point the toe of front foot directly up the wicket.

Plant foot down the line of leg stump - no wider.

Stand tall, get up onto your toes with the weight on your front foot and head forwards, directly above body - eyes level.

As the bat swings through the line of the ball, work hard to maintain the following: A dominant top hand, relaxed fingers and thumb bottom hand grip, diamond shape with arms, high hands, hands forward of bat face on impact.