Premeditation (Planting the Front Foot Early)
Also known as: premeditation in batting, premeditating the front foot, pre-meditating the front foot, planting the front foot, pre-planning a shot, committing to a shot too early
Premeditation means deciding your shot or foot movement before you have seen the ball. Planting the front foot early is the classic example. It leaves you stuck forward to a short ball or across the line to a straight one. Read the length first, then move.
Every batter makes some decisions early, such as a plan for a bowler. Premeditation goes further. The feet or the shot are committed before the ball is released. A batter who plants the front foot down the pitch every ball cannot get back to the short one. A batter who sets up to sweep whatever the length gets bowled or LBW by a quicker, fuller ball.
Nerves, a fear of a certain ball and a wish to score quickly are common causes. So is a big trigger that turns into a commitment. Batters who are short of runs often premeditate. They want something to happen. Bowlers notice. A bowler who sees a planted front foot will bowl short or wide of it.
The fix is to separate the trigger from the stride. A small trigger keeps you moving. The stride happens only after you read the length. In the nets, ask the bowler to mix lengths without warning. In white-ball cricket, some planned shots are a deliberate tactic. Ramps, scoops and early moves to leg are examples. Use them as choices against a known field, not as a habit.
Tips by skill level
In throwdowns, ask your partner to mix full and short balls at random. Stay still until you see the length, then move.
If you plan a shot, set a rule for when you will abandon it, such as a ball shorter than you expected. Practise both the shot and the bail-out.
Example
The batter has been driving well. He starts planting his front foot as the bowler runs in. The bowler notices and bangs one in short. The batter is stuck forward and fends it to gully.
Why it matters
Bowlers look for batters who commit early. Waiting to read the ball keeps all your options open.
Common mistakes
- Stepping forward before the ball is released
- Deciding to sweep before seeing the length
- Using the same planned shot after the bowler has adjusted
- Turning a small trigger into a full stride
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop premeditating my front foot?
Keep your trigger small and finish it as the ball is released. Then wait to read the length before you stride. Ask a bowler to mix lengths in the nets to train the habit.
Is premeditation bad in cricket?
Usually it is a fault. It commits you before you have seen the ball. In short formats, some planned shots are a deliberate tactic against a known field.
Why do I get out when I plant my front foot early?
Planting early leaves you stuck forward. A short ball hurries you and a straight ball beats you across the line. Read the length first, then move.
Related terms
- 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.
- Back-and-Across Trigger MovementA 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Playing the Ball LatePlaying the ball late means meeting it close to your body, under your eyes, instead of reaching out in front for it. Your feet and backlift still move early. Only the contact happens late. It gives swing and seam less chance to beat you. It also keeps any edges soft.
- Ramp and Scoop ShotsA ramp or scoop deflects the ball over the wicket-keeper or the fine fielders, using the bowler's pace. Set up early and get low, open the bat face and get under the ball so it rises over your shoulder. Always wear a helmet with a faceguard. A miss or a top edge can hit the face.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.