BATTING:COVER DRIVE

Cover drive is an attacking stroke played to a ball that is pitched up or full in length. The aim is to hit the ball along the ground between mid off and cover. It is a classy shot and gives you a pleasant feeling after executing it properly and is a confidence booster.

To play the stroke, after you have made the judgement and are committed to play the cover drive, lead with your head and front shoulder to the line of the ball. It will help the rest of the body to come in line efficiently. Step with your front foot to the pitch and your bat should come down through the line of the delivery, making sure your bat comes down straight. Place the ball between mid off and cover and stay in a balanced position to play the stroke by bending the front knee.

KEYS TO REMEMBER

Watch the ball like a hawk from the bowler’s hand onto your bat.

Lead with your head and front shoulder into the shot.

Take your front foot to the pitch of the ball.

Hit the ball along the ground and maintain balance throughout the shot.

Follow through of the shot can be natural.

COMMON FAULTS

Generally you can get out caught at cover, mid off or even behind the wicket if you execute a cover drive poorly. This may be because of poor timing or playing with the head too far away from the ball. This may also be because of too much bottom hand in the shot.

Try loosening the bottom hand and make sure you pick the right ball to drive. Because if you choose a short one it might pop up in the air and present a catch.

Another problem is playing the ball early. Playing the ball early lobs the ball and present catching chance so try to play nice and late under your eyes.

Take account of all the factors including the line, length, pace of the ball, nature of wicket and adjust accordingly to back yourself hit a cover drive.

 Make sure you practice the drills for the shot in the nets time and again and try maintaining a balanced position while executing the stroke.