As a batter, it is imperative that you focus on your form and technique more than the shot itself. Perfection comes with time. In today’s blog post, we learn to master the straight drive and the on-drive. Pad up and let’s begin!

Batting like the legends

We all admire several cricketers in the world who are just gifted with talent. However, more than talent, it is all about the commitment and practise that makes an ordinary player great at batting. Therefore, if anything is getting a little overwhelming, take a breath and start over again. Remember, it’s never too late.

Straight drive

Controlling any cricketing stroke and playing along the ground is always hard. To become great at playing the straight drive, balance is everything. Like the forward defence shot played on the back foot, the straight drive is played on the front foot. However, to get the technique right, extension of the arms is important.

Keep in mind that when you grip the bat to execute a straight drive, the power is always generated from your top hand. The bottom hand is just to steer the ball. Keep your head still with eyes focused on the ball. As the ball is released, get into a relaxed position with a high back-lift. Take a stride forward and by presenting the full face of the bat, strike the ball right past the bowler.

For the best balance, extension of your arms is key. Be it the forward defence or the straight drive, extending your arms is important to avoid getting cramped up for room. Before playing the straight drive, practise the swing using your top hand. Once you get the swing right, mark your crease, stand in a relaxed position, and as the ball arrives, step forward and play the sweetest straight drive.

On-Drive

The on-drive is one of the most difficult strokes as it requires great technique and balance. Just like the straight drive, the goal of the on-drive is to strike the ball along the ground. However, for the on-drive, the aim is to strike the ball towards the mid-on region.

The on-drive is perfect for deliveries that are angled at the middle stump. Keep in mind to have a relaxed posture and shift the weight equally on either foot. As the ball is released, take a stride forward to the line of the delivery and with your head still, strike the ball towards the mid-on region. When the direction of your front hand is facing the mid-on area, that is when you play the perfect on-drive.

Keep practising until you feel comfortable with the stride and the follow through.

Note: The intention of playing the straight drive and the on-drive is to strike the ball along the ground and most importantly, on the front foot.