Shadow Batting
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What do you need?
1 bat, 1 set of stumps, chalk
How do you play?
Activity 1: Back Foot Defensive Stroke
- Draw a line or a footprint on the ground 50cm behind the batting crease in front of the offstump
- Take up a normal stance on the batting crease and, when you are ready, move back placing the back foot on the line or footprint. Staying side-on, practise playing an imaginary back foot defensive stroke
Activity 2: Front Food Defensive Stroke
- Draw a line or a footprint on the ground 50cm in front of the batting crease in line with middle stump
- Take up a normal stance on the batting crease and, when you are ready, move forward placing the front foot on the line or footprint. Staying side-on, practise playing an imaginary front foot defensive stroke
Variations:
- Complete the same activities in front of a long mirror or a reflecting glass window or door as a way of self checking your back and front foot strokes
- Make a footprint by cutting one out of rubber or carpet or by using an inner sole from a shoe. Select a stroke to practise and place the footprint in an appropriate position to allow you to step and place your front or back foot on the footprint and play the intended imaginary stroke
‘Improve your skills by watching your own drills’