Article: If you stay stationary in the crease, you won’t have as much time to react against a fast bowler. Upon their delivery, trigger by stepping back slightly so you can quickly position yourself for the right shot. As you step back, be sure to keep 75% of your weight on your front foot so your back foot doesn’t get stuck.  If your transfer too much weight to your back foot, it’ll take longer to make a shot with a forward step. With more weight on your front foot, you’ll be able to quickly forward or back, depending on the shot you need to make. Remember to keep your weight on the balls of your feet to quicken your footwork. If you’re facing a fast bowler, odds they’re aiming to put down the wicket. Step forward with your front leg, and make a straight shot by swinging the bat upward with the full face of the bat facing the ball. Remember to focus on making contact instead of trying to drive the ball. If the ball bounces early, step backward with your back foot and prepare to make a high defensive shot. Instead of swinging straight, swing the bat to the side to drive the ball toward a gap.  This swing is called a pull shot, and it’s used to drive the ball to the leg side.  With a fast bowler, you’re more likely to score runs by making strategic shots toward gaps instead of driving it to the boundary. While you’ll likely need to make lots of defensive shots against a fast bowler, stay ready to react to a shot that bounces at a favorable length at middle or off stump. When the opportunity for a back-foot drive arises, keep most of your weight forward, draw your front foot back, and align the bat with the ball’s trajectory. Guide the shot with your top hand, and power it by punching with your bottom hand. Follow through with the bat and your hands in a high position in line with the shot.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Work on triggering to stay in motion before the pitch. Defend the stumps if the bowler is aiming low and fast. Swing the bat to the side if the ball bounces short. Look for opportunities for back foot drives.