Block 2: Expanding the shot range (10 Weeks)
This week, players will be developing two essential scoring options: the cut shot and the backfoot drive—against both pace and spin.
The goal is to help players recognise the right moments to go back in their stance and access width or shorter length deliveries with confidence. They’ll learn to:
Judge line and length early
Position their body to create space
Rotate into cut shots or transfer into solid backfoot drives
We’ll encourage players to be decisive with their movements and shape their responses based on where the ball is pitched. Whether it's against pace or spin, these are key weapons for controlling and scoring off shorter bowling.
📌 Coaches should help players understand when each shot is appropriate, but the emphasis is on building comfort and rhythm in both movements.
Activity 1: Spin Cuts shots - Underarm or Overarm
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, players will face either underarm or overarm spin deliveries that land short of a length, ideal for practicing the cut shot. The focus is on developing a dynamic setup and positioning to access wide, short deliveries with intent.
Players should work on:
Getting into a split position, with the front foot cleared toward the leg side
Widening the stance to create a strong base
Rotating the back shoulder to open up the cut zone and access width
This movement pattern promotes balance and strong body rotation, allowing players to consistently execute the cut shot with confidence.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 2: Underarms Backfoot Drives
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, you’ll face underarm throws delivered on the full, and work on stepping back into a strong backfoot position to play backfoot drives. The focus is on balance, early movement, and controlling your shape as you drive the ball along the ground into the offside or straight channel.
Although the throw is on the full, players are challenged to create space with early movement and simulate the movement required when playing backfoot drives against pace.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 3: Overarm Throws Backfoot Drives
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, you’ll face overarm throws aimed to land slightly short, creating the ideal opportunity to play backfoot drives. The objective is to move confidently onto the back foot and drive the ball along the ground through the offside or straight channels.
This drill challenges players to:
Judge length quickly
Set up with a stable base
Transfer weight into the shot
Execute clean backfoot drives with control and balance
This is an important skill for handling pace or bounce, especially when bowlers test you with shorter lengths.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.
Activity 4: Spin Throws Cuts and Pulls Decision making
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Repetitions: 30–60 balls
Activity Overview:
In this activity, you’ll face spin throws landing short of a good length. Your goal is to make real-time decisions on whether to play a cut shot or a pull shot, based on the line and body position.
If the ball is wide and short, play a cut shot through the offside.
If the ball is on the body or leg-side, rotate into a pull shot into the leg-side gaps.
This activity helps players improve reading the length and line, shaping the right response, and building confidence in playing off the back foot against spin.
📺 Watch the activity video for a full explanation on how to complete the task.