text: If you have good footwork, there is absolutely no need to play the sweep. \n\nLook closely, people who know exactly how to use their wrists to play the on drive, never use the sweep shot.\n\nMohd. Azharuddin rarely played the sweep. He had the "paddle sweep", which was directed behind the wicketkeeper. Never seen him play the orthodox sweep.\n\nSunny Gavaskar, the best player of the on-drive in the history of the game hardly played the sweep. Simply because, the sweep shot is for lesser mortals, who simply don't know to play down the leg side. And that includes Sachin Tendulkar. he does sweep, simply because his on-side play is simply isn't as good as the original little master.\n\nBut you are not Gavaskar or Azhar. So here's one link that should help you a lot:\nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/1703662.stm\n\nRemember the key: there are straight-bat, on-side strokes that can be substituted for the sweep, with equivalent placement, power and a thousand-time-less risk. \n\nNext time you see a sweep, just let yourself know that the person playing it - even if it Lara himself, has a limited amount of ability on the leg side.