How to Hit Sixes in Cricket
Hitting a six is a difficult skill to master, but when a player pulls it off, it can be one of the most exciting moments of a cricket match. The batter hits the ball over the boundary, automatically earning six runs. The crowd erupts in cheers. With practice, you can learn how to hit a six and pull your team to glory.
1. **Use a balanced, wide-legged stance.** A balanced stance ensures you have room to adjust as the ball nears you. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. You can try moving your feet around slightly, or shifting your weight, until you find a position that feels firm and balanced.
2. **Breathe steadily to maintain your calm.** Steady breathing will hone your focus so that you are ready for the hit. Try breathing deeply and slowly, from your abdomen, instead of fast and shallow, from your chest.

Deep breaths from your belly will trick your body into thinking that it is calm, which will help sooth your nerves so you can focus. 

It may also help to repeat a mantra in your mind. A mantra can be a simple, easy-to-repeat, encouraging statement. Try something like: I can do it.
3. **Keep your head in line with the ball as it nears you.** This will make sure your eyes stay on the ball. You can judge the speed of the ball, and know when to swing. 
It may help to focus your eyes on the seam of the ball, to make sure you maintain focus.
4. **Point the toes of your front foot in the direction that you would like the ball to go.** This will align your body properly so that the ball goes in the correct direction. Keep the back foot still.
It helps some people to lift their back heel slightly off the ground, for ease of pivoting.
5. **Tell the bowler to bowl long.** A long shot will give you more of a chance of striking the ball high into the air.
Striking the ball high is called a lofted drive, and is the best way to hit a six.
6. **Hold your bat** Make sure your non-dominant hand holds tightly to the bat's grip. Your lead hand should be below it.

Keep your shoulders straight.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight.
7. **Shift your weight according to the oncoming shot.** If the shot is long, shift your weight to the back foot. If the shot is close, shift your weight to the foot closer to the bowler.
8. **Keep your bat on the downswing as the ball comes near.** To get a lofted drive, the high backswing is essential. 
The trick to making sure you are on the downswing when the ball approaches is all in the timing. Practice your downswing until you have the timing down.
9. **Use your dominant hand to hit through the line of the ball.** Make sure your motion is swinging, rather than punching. This will achieve a longer drive.
10. **Aim for a straight connection with the ball.** A straight connection is better at achieving a lofted drive than a right angle connection. Hit the ball straight-on and firmly.
11. **Stay as still as possible as you make connection with the ball.** Stay still for a second afterward, just to make sure. Your stillness will make the contact solid and firm.  
To make sure that you can stand still, maintain your wide stance.
12. **Focus on timing, rather than strength.** Whacking the ball with all your strength can cause a less smooth connection. Instead, focus on a smooth, firm swing. 
Practice over and over again, until your body learns how much force is necessary to hit a lofted drive.
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