Backfoot Defence: [ Demonstration of back foot defence - Video ]

• The backward defensive stroke is played to a short-pitched ball in line with the stumps, which is not short enough to play an attacking shot.

• The back foot is moved back and across to the line of the ball with the front foot naturally following it. The bat is brought down close to the body with the head steady and over the ball.

• The back foot must remain parallel to the crease as far as possible to maintain the sideways position of the body with the top hand firm and in control, and the bottom hand holding the bat loosely.

• To keep the bat straight, the left elbow is held high next to the head. Care should be taken to maintain the balance at the time of playing the ball and to remain `side-on' as this presents a smaller target for short rising deliveries.

• The back foot defence can also be played with the body beside the line of the ball, but here the batsman must resist the temptation to follow the movement of the ball away from him.

Gear
Cricket bat
Protective gear
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Grip
Stance
Backlift
Taking Guard Defensive strokes
Front foot defence
Backfoot Defence Drives
Off Drive
Straight Drive
On Drive
Lofted Drive Horizontal bat shots
Square Cut
The Pull
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