It goes without saying that batters have a wide-range of strokes to score runs. From learning the upper cut in the last post, today’s blog will give you an in-depth analysis on how to master the technique and follow through of the switch hit. Ready for a challenge? Let’s begin!

The focus of any batter, irrespective of their style must be to get strong at the basics. Considering the several variations in fast and spin bowling, as a batter, it’s important to work on your craft so you’re prepared for any kind of delivery.

We’re sure the blog about the upper cut was fun and challenging at the same time. Moving on to today’s post, we focus on mastering the switch hit, more like becoming the next Kevin Pietersen or David Warner. It’s extremely important to focus on the technique as the switch hit requires changing positions from the right-handed batting stance to striking the ball as a left-handed batter.

It’s important that you read the pace of the delivery when it comes to playing the switch hit. Ideally, it’s considered best to opt for the switch hit when facing spin bowling. This gives you the time required to pre-meditate the shot. Always remember not to give the bowler any clue about your decision to play the switch hit. Therefore, it’s important to change your batting stance only after the ball is released.

For the technique, have a balanced stance with eyes level on the ball. As the switch hit is a pre-meditated shot, ensure you practise how to master your position as a batter. Before the ball is released, switch your stance to a left-handed batting position. The idea here is to strike the ball towards the long on region or the cover region. Always remember to extend your arms when you play the switch hit.

Now, when you face a spin bowler, the technique to play the switch hit is more or less the same. Right before the release of the ball, switch your stance to a left-handed batting position. Plant your left (back foot) knee on the ground, take a stride forward using your front foot and strike the ball along the ground. Based on the pace the delivery, you can either score a six or strike the ball along the ground for a boundary.

Even when facing a spin bowler, remember to extend your arms for the best follow through. As for the next blog, we get into practising the lofted drive.