Backing Away to Leg
Also known as: backing away to leg, backing away from the ball, stepping away from the ball, moving away from the line, backing away when facing fast bowling, fear of the ball in cricket
Backing away to leg means moving away from the line of the ball, towards the leg side, as it is bowled. It is usually a fear response to pace or short bowling. It leaves you reaching for the ball with your weight going away. Well-fitted protective gear, gradual practice with softer balls and a plan for the short ball all help.
Many batters back away without knowing it. The back foot moves towards square leg as the bowler releases. The body follows. The ball then passes outside off stump at a distance. The batter reaches for it with the arms alone. Edges, soft dismissals and stumps left open are common results.
Fear of being hit is natural. It is the usual cause. Some batters also back away against bowlers they cannot pick up. Others never learned to get in line. Facing a hard ball carries a risk of being hit. The right equipment makes a big difference to confidence. That means a well-fitted helmet with a faceguard, plus gloves, pads, thigh pad, arm guard and box.
Many coaches rebuild confidence in steps. Start with tennis balls or soft balls and short throwdowns. Practise getting in line and playing the ball under your eyes. Add pace gradually. Learn to sway or duck out of the line of a bouncer while watching the ball. If a blow leaves pain that lasts, stop and see a qualified medical professional. Do not bat on through a suspected head injury.
Tips by skill level
Start with tennis-ball throwdowns. Focus on moving your back foot back and across into line, not away.
If you back away only against certain bowlers, plan your response to their short ball before you bat. Knowing what you will do reduces the urge to flinch.
Example
Facing a quick bowler, a young batter keeps stepping towards square leg and edging wide balls. His coach starts him on tennis-ball throwdowns, working on getting in line. Over a few weeks he stands his ground against harder balls.
Why it matters
Backing away makes even gentle balls hard to play. Getting in line safely is the base of batting against pace.
Common mistakes
- Stepping the back foot towards square leg as the ball is released
- Reaching for wide balls with the arms alone
- Practising only with soft balls and never progressing
- Batting in poorly fitting protective gear
Frequently asked questions
Why do I back away when facing fast bowling?
It is usually a natural fear of being hit. It can also come from never learning to get in line. Good protective gear and gradual practice with softer balls help you stand your ground.
How do I stop backing away to leg?
Practise getting in line with tennis balls or soft balls first, then build up the pace. Wear a well-fitted helmet with a faceguard. Have a clear plan to sway or duck the short ball.
Is backing away the same as making room?
No. Making room is a planned move to hit through the off side. Backing away is an unplanned move away from the ball, usually out of fear.
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.
- Cricket Helmet and Neck GuardA cricket helmet with a faceguard or grille protects the head and face from the ball. A neck guard, or stem guard, attaches to the back of the helmet to protect the upper neck. Rules vary by country and level. In England and Wales, under-18s must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball.
- BouncerA bouncer is a fast, short-pitched delivery that rears up toward the batter's head or chest. It is used to intimidate, disrupt balance, and set up the fuller ball.
- Clearing the Front Leg (Making Room)Clearing the front leg means moving your front foot out of the way, usually towards the leg side, to let your arms swing freely through the ball. Making room means stepping away from the line of a ball on the stumps to hit it through the off side. Both create space for a full swing. Both also leave more of your stumps exposed.
- 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.
- 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.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.