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The pull shot is a counter attacking shot to a fast delivery generally pitched half way down the wicket. Often played incorrectly but if executed well can score your players a lot of runs and force bowlers to pitch the ball up which will be easier to face.

It's common for batters to change their stance depending on whether they're facing a right handed or left handed bowler. Whilst there is not one method that suits everyone in cricket, in this video, Ian Bell talks through how he sets up.

If a batter can set up correctly then they will give themselves the best possible chance to face the delivery that comes down at them. But how should their guard change when facing the different types of spin?

Having the correct grip allows batters to feel comfortable whilst batting for long periods. It also enables more control, power and better execution.

This is a shot which has come into the game as a result of T20 cricket. It's one of the more fashionable shots to play, with every young player wanting to play it, however it remains one of the hardest to execute.   In this drill, Ian Bell will simplify the shot so your players can start to use it.

How does Ian Bell make batting look easy? Well in this drill he emphasises the importance of making sure his stance is repeatable, relaxed and straight forward.

RULES OF THE GAME You must play a straight-batted shot, otherwise you are out. If you hit the ball in the V or leave it, it counts as a run. If you hit it outside the markers, you are out. Practice 1. First, give each batsman a set number of deliveries (e.g. 15 or 25). 2. If the batsman is out, score -2.

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON* Get batter to stand in their normal stance.  Place a ball in front of them and ask them to pick it up.  Player should automatically lead with their front foot and head to pick up the ball. This is the movement pattern to encourage.  Can move the ball around and drill can be completed by the cricket at home. 

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter, a feeder, and a wicket keeper. 4 incrediballs or cricket balls are recommended, as they have a seam to spin ball. 4 good quality feeds eachPlayer feeds from one knee, throwing ball under arm as a leg spinner, with the key being a looped feed. (If players can’t spin it, a slow looped feed is sufficient). Feeder aims to land ball on a full length, on off stump. Batter looks to play ball straight, through zone 1, to be marked out from between the stumps to cover as shown.NB – Left hander’s will still score through same zone, and should ideally be grouped together. PROGRESSION Make target area smaller, if playing to square of wicket, make target straighter.Introduce points scoring system.Bring in Zone 2 (different scoring area for length balls)Change length of feedIntroduce coming down wicket.

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter, a feeder, and a wicket keeper. 4 incrediballs or cricket balls are recommended, as they have a seam to spin ball. 4 good quality feeds each.Player feeds from one knee, throwing ball under arm as an off spinner, with the key being a looped feed. (If players cannot spin it, a slow looped feed is sufficient). Feeder aims to land ball on a full length, and batter looks to play ball straight, through zone 1, to be marked out from between the stumps to mid wicket.NB – Left hander’s will still score through same zone, and should ideally be grouped together. PROGRESSION Make target area smaller, if playing to square of wicket, make target straighter.Introduce points scoring system.Bring in Zone 2 (different scoring area for length balls)Change length of feedIntroduce coming down wicket or sweep shot.

Can be done in pairs/ groups of three. One batter and one feeder minimum required. 6 tennis balls per pair/group. Each batter will have two rounds of 6 balls each.Feeder must feed over arm, bouncing the ball in the feeding zone, at height of feed number (1) as seen in the short ball drill.Batter plays pull shot, looking to hit ball along the ground. Nets would be essential for this practice. PROGRESSION Feeder can come closer, and feed on the full, under arm at batter for improved accuracy. This feed would also allow for rapid fire feeding, where only the hands move in the execution of the shot.Cricket balls may be used for this.

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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.

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: Orthodox sweep Paddle sweep Slog sweep Reverse sweep Feeds need to be altered slightly here, quicker for the paddle, and wider and more looped for slog sweep.

**AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON** Step 1: Batsman starts down on 1 knee in the sweep position with a full backlift. Coach feeds an under arm single bounce throw. Batsman excutes the sweep shot. Step 2: Batsman starts in a half lunge position with the front foot stepping down the pitch. Coach feeds the same delivery. Batsman completes the lunge and executes the sweep shot. Step 3: Batsman starts in their normal stance. Coach feeds the same delivery. Batsman completes the full sweep shot.

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.

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.

Video Analysis - Batting (forward defensive).