The modern era of T20 cricket has changed the batting style forever. Gone are the days when a batter used to surprise a bowler with their power-hitting strokes to score runs through boundaries. Innovative shots like ramp, reverse scoop, and reverse pull have set an example for scoring runs in rare areas and forced the bowling side to implement field changes.
Such unorthodox shots help accelerate the run-rate in tricky situations of a match. If you’re a beginner or a seasoned batter, this guide helps you to understand the basics of each shot, when and how to play these shots perfectly by avoiding common mistakes.
Ramp Shot
The ramp shot is a skillful shot where the batter strikes the ball over the short fine leg or towards the wicketkeeper to enhance the run scoring opportunities. In other words, it is a type of reverse sweep shot that is played above the wicketkeeper’s head.
When Should You Play Ramp Shots?
It is advisable to play ramp shots when you’re facing fast bowlers, who bowl a delivery off the length or short. However, you can target spinners as well and execute this shot towards the deep mid-wicket region or fine leg.
Also, analyze the field settings such that the fielder at fine leg should stand within the ring, or the wicketkeeper should be standing right behind you.
Mainly, try to take advantage of the powerplay overs by finding the possible gaps where only a few fielders are placed near the boundary ropes.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Play Ramp Shot
- Stand steadily with your body facing slightly sideways.
- Hold your cricket bat slightly higher up on the handle than usual.
- Maintain your focus on the bowler’s hand to observe the ball’s trajectory.
- Position yourself slightly closer towards the off-stump to gain better control of the shot.
- To watch the ball closely, it is important not only to keep your head steady but also to drop your body position slightly.
- Understand your bat position and the trajectory of the delivery.
- As a batter, all you need to do is angle your bat vertically and smash the ball using the bat’s edge, aiming to score runs towards the fine leg or deep midwicket region.
- You need to be perfect with your timing and play the shot with the open face of your bat.
- If required, take a small step towards the leg wicket to attain a perfect batting position and balance.
- Focus on complete control to strike the ball towards fine leg or above the keeper’s head.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Playing Ramp Shot
- Do not move too early, as bowlers can analyze your movement and target the stumps easily.
- Avoid batting using the closed face of the bat as it can lead to edged dismissals.
- Too much power hitting is not required, and don’t swing the bat heavily.
- Do not practice with a hard cricket ball if you’re a beginner. Rather, you can use a soft tennis ball and increase the speed gradually.
Reverse Scoop Shot
A reverse scoop is another innovative and unorthodox shot where a batter can score runs by flicking or scooping the ball towards fine leg or third man.
When Should You Play Reverse Scoop Shots?
The ideal match situations for playing reverse scoop are against medium pacers or spinners, particularly during the late innings when you need to compile more runs. Also, you can attempt against a full yorker delivery, but shot timing is most important.
Moreover, you can execute such shots by taking advantage of vacant spaces near the boundary when the third man or a fine leg fielder is introduced inside the ring.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Playing Reverse Scoop Shot Perfectly
- Take a normal open stance by keeping your feet as equal as your shoulder width.
- Keep your body position normal and imagine that you’re playing a straightforward shot.
- As the bowler bowls a delivery, transfer your weight onto your front foot.
- For better timing of the ball, the face of your bat should be slightly open.
- After the ball is released, quickly bend your knees and angle your bat towards the leg stumps with the face slightly open.
- Make use of your wrists to the best extent and flick the ball gently above the wicketkeeper’s head.
- Most importantly, you should bend your head while executing such shots so that the ball travels over the wicketkeeper.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Playing Reverse Scoop Shot
- Do not attempt playing reverse scoop against fast bowlers or bouncy deliveries.
- Avoid executing the shot too early and wait till the bowler run is completed.
- Misjudged lengths can lead to top-edged dismissals.
- Poor control of your bat can be avoided by regular practice that helps to gain control over your wrist and helps to adjust the face of your bat.
Reverse Pull Shot
To explain in simple words, a reverse pull shot is a mirror or reflection of a conventional pull shot. You need to open your body and swing the bat horizontally, but in the reverse direction.
Unlike the standard pull shot, which transmits the ball towards your leg-side boundaries, this is one kind of reverse sweep, where you should smash the ball towards your off-side boundaries.
When Should You Play Reverse Pull Shots?
If you’re facing against spinner or a medium pacer, you need to take advantage of the short-pitched deliveries. Also, when the fielders are spread leg-side, you should accept some risk by implementing this shot when the ball pitches outside the off-stump.
Here, the simple trick you need to follow is to try to make use of the bowler’s wrong lines and lengths to accumulate runs instantly.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Playing Reverse Scoop Shot Perfectly
- Follow your routine batting stance and imagine that you’re going to play a traditional pull shot.
- As the ball pitches wider or shorter in terms of length, twist your back foot and let your shoulders spread out to gain better alignment.
- Ensure a faster and horizontal swing of your bat such which makes it easier to smash the ball towards the backward end or third man.
Also Read: Cricket Mental Conditioning and Tricks Followed by Popular Cricket Players
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Playing Reverse Pull Shot
- Avoid late and edged shots.
- Do not use brutal force to smash the ball out of the park. Rather, make use of the fielding conditions.
- Ensure your bat isn’t closed face to prevent mistimed shots.
- Protect yourself from a lack of balance by staying steady while executing the shot.
