Front-Foot Pull
Also known as: front foot pull, front-foot pull shot, pull off the front foot, pulling off the front foot, front foot pull shot, pull shot off the front foot
A front-foot pull is a pull shot played after your front foot has already moved forward. It is used against a ball short of a length that is not quick, often on slower pitches or against medium pace and spin. Clear your front leg towards the leg side, turn your hips and swing through with your weight still forward.
The classic pull is played off the back foot. The front-foot version happens when the batter has pressed or moved forward and the ball is shorter than expected. Instead of rocking back, the batter stays forward. The front foot opens out or clears towards the leg side. The hips turn and the bat swings across the line towards mid-wicket or square leg.
It suits slower bowling and pitches where the ball does not rise quickly. Many batters use it against medium pacers in the final overs and against spinners who drop short. Rolling the wrists over at contact keeps the ball down. Staying under the ball and swinging up sends it over the leg-side boundary.
It is risky against real pace. Being forward leaves little time if the ball rises. The front foot gets in the way if the hips cannot turn. Top edges and blows to the body are common. Wear a helmet with a faceguard. Play the shot only when you have read the length early and the ball is not threatening the head. Against genuine pace, the back-foot pull or hook gives more time.
Tips by skill level
Practise with a soft ball. Step forward, then clear the front foot to leg and turn your hips as the ball arrives.
Decide the scoring area before the ball. Rolling the wrists keeps it on the ground. Staying under the ball sends it for six against slower bowling.
Example
The medium pacer drops short on a slow pitch. The batter is already forward. She clears her front leg and pulls the ball in front of square for four.
Why it matters
Many club bowlers bowl short of a length at gentle pace. The front-foot pull turns those balls into boundaries without the batter needing to go back.
Common mistakes
- Trying it against genuinely fast bowling
- Leaving the front leg blocking the hips
- Swinging with the arms only and top-edging
- Taking the eyes off the ball as the head turns
Frequently asked questions
How do I play the pull shot off the front foot?
Read the short length early. Keep your weight forward, clear your front leg towards the leg side and turn your hips. Swing through and roll your wrists to keep the ball down.
Is the front-foot pull dangerous?
It can be against fast bowling. You have less time if the ball rises. Top edges and blows to the body are more likely. Wear a helmet with a faceguard and save the shot for slower bowling.
Related terms
- Pull ShotThe pull shot is a back-foot, cross-bat stroke played to a short-pitched ball. It swings the ball around to the leg side, usually between mid-wicket and square leg.
- Hook ShotThe hook shot is an attacking batting stroke played to a short-pitched, rising ball aimed at the body or head — the batter pivots and whips the ball to the leg side, often in front of square.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.