Holding the Bat Raised (Bat Up at Address)
Also known as: bat raised stance, standing with the bat raised, bat held up at address, holding the bat up before the ball, bat already raised, raised bat setup
Some batters stand with the bat already raised so they do not have to lift it as the ball is bowled. The bat starts near the top of the backlift. That leaves less to do in the short time against fast bowling. It can also cut out a late, jerky pickup and keep the head still.
In a classic stance the bat rests near the back toe. The batter then lifts it as the bowler runs in or releases the ball. A batter with a raised stance skips most of that lift. They hold the bat up behind them, often around waist height, before the bowler starts.
The main reason is time. Against fast bowling the ball arrives very quickly. A batter who is still lifting the bat when the ball pitches can be late on the shot. Starting with the bat up removes one movement. Many batters also find it calms the trigger, because only the feet need to move. Some use it mainly for the short ball, so they can pull or hook without a long lift first.
It has costs. Holding the bat up uses the shoulders and forearms, so some batters tire or tense up. The bat can drift away from a straight line if the hands are too far from the body. Some batters also lose rhythm, because the backlift no longer flows with the bowler's run-up. Try it in the nets first. Check on video that the bat still comes down straight.
Tips by skill level
Try the raised stance against throwdowns first. Check that you still feel balanced and can move forward and back easily.
Film from front-on and side-on. The bat should come down in line with the stumps even though it starts high.
Example
A batter keeps getting hurried by a fast bowler. She starts with the bat held up behind her hip. Her feet now do all the moving, and she is in position to pull the next short ball.
Why it matters
The stance decides how much you must do as the ball comes. Knowing why a raised bat helps some batters lets you judge whether it suits your game.
Common mistakes
- Holding the bat so tightly that the shoulders tense up
- Letting the raised bat point towards gully so it comes down across the line
- Switching to a raised stance on match day without practising it
- Raising the bat but then adding a second lift as the ball is bowled
Frequently asked questions
Why do some batters stand with the bat raised?
It gives them less to do when the ball is bowled. The bat is already near the top of the backlift. That saves time against fast bowling and helps keep the head still.
Is a raised bat stance good for beginners?
It can work, but learn a relaxed classic stance first. A raised bat held with tense arms often comes down crooked. Test it with a coach before you use it in a match.
Related terms
- Cricket Batting StanceA good cricket batting stance is balanced and still, with your feet about shoulder-width apart, usually either side of the popping crease. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Hold your head still, with your eyes level and looking down the pitch. Side-on, open and raised-bat stances all work if you are balanced at release.
- BackliftThe backlift is the upward movement of the bat before the batter plays a stroke — the height, direction, and angle of the backlift influence bat path and ultimately the direction of the shot.
- Backlift Direction (Straight vs Lateral Backlift)Lifting the bat towards the slips or gully is not automatically wrong. Many top batters take the bat up that way and loop it down straight. What matters is that the bat comes down through the line of the ball with the face pointing where you want to hit. Research has found this lateral pattern is common among international batters.
- 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.
- 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.