CRICKET CLASSES: HOW TO PLAY THE PULL SHOT

One of the most important aspects of playing the pull is the batsman transferring the weight on the back leg. For that, the bounce of the ball has to be judged properly...

- RENIN WILBEN

It is often said that cricket is a batsman’s game. One of the reasons for the same is the plethora of options available for the batters. From front foot and backfoot defences to cuts, drives and sweeps, batsmen can play it all. In this feature, we look at one of the most difficult strokes to execute in cricket - the pull shot.

WHAT IS A PULL SHOT?

A pull shot is basically a cross-batted stroke played mostly off the backfoot to a short ball or a bouncer. One of the most important aspects of playing the pull is the batsman transferring the weight on the back leg. For that, the bounce of the ball has to be judged properly. To be able to control the stroke, it is recommended that batsmen play this shot when the ball is between the shoulder and hip of the batsman. The batter must rock onto the backfoot else he might end up miscuing the ball.