Ramp and Scoop Shots

These are modern strokes that score behind the wicket, where few fielders stand. The ramp guides the ball fine over the keeper or the slips, often towards third man. The scoop, sometimes called the Dilscoop, goes straight over the keeper's head. The lap is played lower, sweeping the ball very fine on the leg side. Almost all of the power comes from the bowler. The batter's job is to change the ball's direction, not to hit it hard.

Set up early. Many batters move into position as the bowler releases, crouching low or going down on one knee. Watch the ball all the way and hold the bat with an open face, angled upwards. Meet the ball close to the body and let it run up and off the face. The movement is short and controlled. A full ball or a yorker is the usual target. A short ball that climbs is much harder to control.

The ramp and scoop work best when fine leg or third man is inside the fielding circle. They are high-risk shots. A mistimed attempt can be caught by the keeper or a fine fielder, or can hit the batter. Anyone practising them should wear a helmet with a faceguard and build up from soft balls and slow throwdowns. Many coaches teach them only once the classical strokes are secure. No Law forbids them. They are legal strokes like any other.