Read the length
Decide whether the delivery brings you forward. A predetermined stride can leave you reaching for a ball that is shorter than expected; let the delivery guide the movement.
Front-foot defence
The front-foot defensive stroke helps protect your wicket against a fuller delivery. The task is to meet the ball with control, keeping the bat and body working together rather than reaching with the hands alone.
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Watch on YouTubeWhat to watch for
Bring the bat with the body
Move into a balanced position and present the bat towards the ball. Observe the space between bat and pad and ask your coach whether your contact point leaves a gap.
Control the rebound
Defence is about the ball’s outcome, not freezing in a textbook pose. Follow where the ball goes after contact and whether your hands allow a controlled response.
Common mistakes to review
A large stride for every ball
Match movement to the delivery instead of trying to cover a fixed distance.
Hard hands on contact
Discuss a more controlled response with your coach; do not judge the stroke only by how far the ball travels.
How to review it in a session
Use gentle, suitable feeds agreed with your coach. Begin with a predictable fuller length, observing contact and the ball’s finish. When control improves, mix a few shorter feeds so the task includes deciding whether to come forward. Record the decision and contact separately.
A practice example
A ball that drops nearby after a sensible forward movement can be a good defensive result. An edge that happens to avoid a fielder is not proof of sound technique. Write what you intended, the line and length, and what the contact produced.
Take these questions to the nets.
- Did the length justify coming forward?
- Where did the ball go after touching the bat?
- Was I balanced enough to respond to a different delivery?
Independent practice notes by the DCA website team. Discuss changes to your technique with Coach Ravinder Singh.
Related techniques
- Batting grip and stanceRajasthan Royals Academy UK · Video lesson
- Back-foot defenceRajasthan Royals Academy UK · Video lesson
- Running between wicketsRajasthan Royals Academy UK · Guide + related video
Your practice card
Front-foot defence
Name / date
Did the length justify coming forward?
Where did the ball go after touching the bat?
Was I balanced enough to respond to a different delivery?
What did I try and what happened?
Coach’s feedback and next step
https://dehraduncricketacademy.com/learn/front-foot-defence/