Playing Fast Bowling
Also known as: playing pace, facing fast bowling, batting against pace, facing pace bowling, playing quick bowling, batting against fast bowlers
To 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.
Against pace, time is the problem. The ball arrives quickly. Anything that can happen early should happen early. Many batters use a small trigger movement, such as a press forward or a step back and across. Finish it before the ball leaves the bowler's hand. Then you are still at the moment you need to judge length. Hold the head still and level, with the eyes looking straight down the pitch.
A compact backlift helps. Pick the bat up early and keep it in a controlled position. That lets it come down straight and on time. Watch the ball from the hand and judge length early. Go back and across to the short ball and forward to the full one. Then let the ball come to you. Playing it late, under the eyes, with soft hands, stops edges carrying to the slips. Use the pace of the ball rather than hitting hard. A firm, straight bat face is often enough to send it to the boundary.
Know where your off stump is and leave anything you do not need to play. Have a plan for the short ball before you face: duck, sway or pull. Fast bowling is also a safety matter. Wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille, and follow your governing body's rules on helmets and neck guards. For bowling-machine practice, ECB guidance says batters should be confident against comparable deliveries with a soft ball before moving to a hard ball.
Tips by skill level
In the nets, ask the bowler or machine operator to start below full pace. Focus on being still at release and moving forward or back early, then add speed.
Match your trigger to the bowler. Against a bowler who hits the pitch hard, a back-and-across trigger can suit you. Against one who pitches it up, a small press forward may be better.
Example
Facing a quick bowler, the batter finishes a small press forward as the bowler gathers. He is still at release, sees the ball is short and goes back and across. He rides the bounce and drops the ball at his feet.
Why it matters
Fast bowling gives you the least time to react. Good preparation before release and a clear plan matter more than quick hands.
Common mistakes
- Still moving the feet or the bat at the moment of release, so the length is judged late
- Lifting the bat too high or too late, so it comes down after the ball has arrived
- Trying to hit hard instead of using the pace of the ball with a firm, straight face
- Facing the short ball with no plan, so the reaction is a flinch rather than a duck, sway or pull
Frequently asked questions
How do I face fast bowling?
Finish your trigger before the ball is released so you are still. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play late under your eyes with soft hands. Leave what you do not need to play, and wear a helmet with a faceguard.
How do I stop being scared of fast bowling?
Start with good protection: a well-fitted helmet with a grille, a neck guard, gloves and pads. Build up slowly in practice, from a soft ball or slower pace to full pace. Having a plan for each length, especially the short ball, helps many batters feel more in control.
Should I use a trigger movement against pace?
Many batters do. A small press forward or a step back and across can help you get moving. The key is to finish it before release. Being still when the ball leaves the hand matters more than which movement you choose.
Sources
Related terms
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- JudgmentJudgment in cricket batting is the ability to quickly decide which deliveries to play and which to leave, choosing the right shot for each ball bowled.
- YorkerA yorker is a delivery bowled to pitch right at the batter's feet, under the swinging bat. It is one of the hardest balls to score off and a key death-overs weapon.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.