BATTING - Back Foot Defence

Learning Outcomes

 Understands when to play the back-foot defence (against short-of-length or rising deliveries).

Develops correct body positioning by moving back and across toward the line of the ball.

Improves balance and stability while playing a controlled defensive shot.

Practises proper bat angle and soft hands to keep the ball on the ground.

Enhances judgement of bounce and line to choose safe defensive options.

Builds confidence in playing short-length balls safely without losing wicket.

Develops coordination between foot movement, head position, and bat swing.

Encourages discipline and patience in defensive play.

Description Of Activity

Students practise defending short-of-length balls by moving onto the back foot, aligning their body with the ball, and playing a controlled defensive shot with soft hands.

Coach feeds or bowls a short-of-good-length ball (underarm/throwdown).

Batter moves back and across quickly.

Head stays still, eyes level.

Bat comes down straight, face angled slightly down.

Play with soft hands, letting the ball drop near feet.

Reset and repeat.

Variations

Class 3–5 (Beginner – Very Basic Learning)

Use big soft balls for safety.

Coach feeds very slow, gentle bounce.

Emphasis on moving back and holding bat straight.

“Catch the ball with your bat” (soft hands idea).

Class 6–8 (Intermediate)

Underarm throwdowns with light bounce.

Add target zone where ball should drop.

Introduce back and across drill using cones.

5-ball sequences (defend 5 in a row).

Class 9–12 (Advanced)

Faster throwdowns or bowling machine (if available).

Introduce judgement drill:

Short ball = defend

Full ball = drive

Add defender fielder to simulate match pressure.

Track success rate (percentage of safe defences).

Coaching Tips

“Go back and across early.”

“Head still — eyes level.”

“Bat straight down.”

“Play with soft hands, ball should drop near feet.”

“Stay balanced — don’t lean back too much.”

Equipment/Material Required

Cricket bat

Soft ball / tennis ball / cricket ball (age-appropriate)

Cones (mark stance and movement area)

Throwdown feeder / coach

Stumps (optional)