Just like the last blog post where we elaborated on the forward defence technique, today, we dive into the exact opposite – the back foot defence. Reading this blog is your guide to master the art of the backfoot defence shot. Let’s get started!

What is the back foot defence?

Are you ready to learn the back foot defence? Let’s dig right in. Contrary to the forward defence shot, the back foot defence is played when the ball is pitched short and angled towards your ribs or hips. Please note that there is no need of playing the back foot defence if you feel the ball is angled at your shoulder. In such cases, the ideal choice is to duck down or lean back to let the ball pass to the wicket keeper.

Just like the forward defence, to avoid compromising your follow through, grip the handle of the bat rather loose. Here, the aim is to hit the ball along the ground, however, just beneath your eyes. Before you face the delivery, make sure you are comfortable in your stance. For a right-handed fast bowler, the line is usually around the off and the middle stump.

As the ball is released, for the best stance, take a step back from your original position, slightly shift your weight on the back foot and with your eyes level on the ball, block the ball. The softest touches would mean that your back foot defence technique is solid.

Note: Again, for a backward defence shot, the three most essential elements are:

1. Your follow through

2. Your stance and position on the back foot

3. The shot itself

Before your bat makes contact with the ball, ensure you practise having a high elbow position. This is because the aim is not to strike the ball towards the bowler but right beneath your eyes. Yes, now you are ready to face any delivery using the back foot defence shot. Keep in mind that it requires consistency backed with constant practise to get better at anything.

Moving on to the next blog post, we learn to bowl. Are you the next Shoaib Akhtar? We cannot wait to see why. Stay tuned!