Back-and-Across Trigger Movement
Also known as: back and across, back and across trigger, back and across movement, back-and-across trigger, going back and across, trigger movement back and across
A back-and-across trigger is a small step of the back foot backwards and towards off stump just before the bowler releases the ball. The front foot follows a short way. It lines your head up with off stump and helps you judge what to leave against pace. Finish it before release and keep the step small.
A trigger is a small movement that gets the batter moving and balanced before the ball arrives. In the back-and-across version, the back foot steps back and slightly across towards off stump. The front foot comes with it a short way. The head ends up over the line of off stump or just inside it. The movement should be finished as the ball leaves the bowler's hand. That leaves you still at the moment you judge line and length.
It suits batters who face a lot of pace and short bowling. Being further back gives a fraction more time against the bouncer. Being across helps you know where your off stump is. Many top-order batters use it to leave balls outside off with confidence. From there you can still push forward to a full ball.
The main risk is going too far. A big step across leaves the front pad in front of the stumps to a full, straight ball. That is a classic LBW trap. Moving too early has the same effect. You arrive in position, then have to move again. Some batters also fall over towards the off side and get bowled behind their legs. Keep the step small, keep the head upright and check on video that you are balanced at release.
Tips by skill level
Practise the trigger in shadow batting first. Say "step, still" as the bowler's arm comes over, and feel balanced before the imagined release.
Match the trigger to the conditions. Against full swing bowling a smaller step keeps you able to get forward. Against a lot of short bowling a slightly bigger step gets you inside the line sooner.
Example
As the seamer reaches the crease, the opener takes a small step back and across. At release his eyes are over off stump. He leaves a ball just outside the line and watches it pass.
Why it matters
A well-timed trigger helps you judge line against fast bowling. A badly timed one is a common reason for LBW and bowled dismissals.
Common mistakes
- Stepping so far across that the front pad covers the stumps against full, straight balls
- Starting the trigger late and still moving when the ball is released
- Letting the head fall towards the off side as the feet move
- Moving the front foot so much that you cannot get forward to a full ball
Frequently asked questions
What is a back and across trigger movement in cricket?
It is a small step of the back foot back and towards off stump just before the ball is released. The front foot follows a little. It puts your head in line with off stump and gets you moving before the ball arrives.
Why do I get LBW when I go back and across?
Usually the step is too big or too early. Your front pad ends up in line with the stumps and you cannot get forward to a full, straight ball. Make the step smaller and finish it just as the ball is released.
Is back and across good against fast bowling?
Many batters use it against pace. It buys a little time against short balls and helps you judge what to leave. Keep it small so you can still play forward to a full delivery.
Related terms
- Playing Fast BowlingTo play fast bowling, finish any trigger movement before the ball is released so you are still and balanced. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play the ball late under your eyes. Leave balls outside off stump and have a clear plan for the short ball.
- Back-Foot PlayBack-foot play is batting in which the batter moves the weight back and onto the rear foot to play short-pitched or rising deliveries. This creates time by moving away from the pitch of the ball.
- FootworkFootwork in cricket batting is moving the feet into the best position to play each delivery. Moving quickly and correctly to the pitch of the ball is the basis of all good batting.
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)LBW is a mode of dismissal. Under specific conditions, the umpire can rule the batter leg before wicket. That applies if the ball would have hit the stumps but the batter's pad intercepts it first.
- Head PositionHead position in batting refers to where and how still the batter's head is during the stroke — keeping the head level, forward-leaning, and over the ball is a universal marker of quality technique.
- Forward Press Trigger MovementA forward press is a small step or weight shift onto the front foot just before the bowler releases the ball. It gets you moving and into line early, especially against spin and on slow pitches. Keep it small so you can still rock back to a short ball.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.