Hook Shot
Advanced Batting Drill 6 – The Hook Shot
A word of warning, the hook is the riskiest – and potentially the most dangerous – shot to play in cricket. It has been the last shot of many innnings at all levels of the game (in other words the shot that got the batsman out).
There are a few differences between the pull and hook shot.
- Where the pull is played to a ball around waist height, the hook is played to a short delivery between chest and head height.
- It’s played to a short pitched delivery around your chest and head and so is the most difficult shot to control.
- It’s very difficult to roll your wrists playing the hook, so the ball is likely to be in the air for a few seconds.
- You won’t get chance to play many of these in junior cricket but it is included here for completeness!
Try and follow the sequence and diagrams below which show you how to play the shot correctly.
Back foot moves back and across - ALWAYS WATCH THE BALL!
- As the backswing begins, the head, shoulders and back foot move back and across.
- Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. If you don’t, the ball is likely to hit you on the head or chest.
- Quick footwork is essential to get into the correct position to play the stroke.
