How to Play Sweep Shot

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Last Updated: April 7, 2022

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A sweep is a cross-batted front foot shot played to a low bouncing ball or slow full toss. It is played by sweeping the ball around to the leg side, typically towards square leg or fine leg. Sweep shot is a popular and efficient shot in cricket. It is usually hit on spinners in order to rotate the strike. If you too wants to play sweep shot, then read the following article and learn How-to.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing for Sweep Shot

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As sweep shot is an advanced shot, you must be aware with the basics of batting. You must know how to face a bowler, how to defence etc.
You must know how to judge the bowler. A spinner can change the variations of his ball even at the last moment before delivery. You should be able to judge the spin and variations the ball will take after bouncing.

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Practice often. Playing a Sweep Shot needs a lot of practice. It is hard to hit if you are a beginner.
- Make sure to practice daily for as much as an hour. Remember, the more you practice; the better the shot is.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Playing the Shot

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Make sure not to be much on front foot as it may result in a stump out.
Make sure not to overbend, so that you can return to the original position if you are unable to transmit
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Judge the bowl. This is the right time to judge the bounce and spin of the ball. Once you get an idea of the ball, you will be able to transmit the shot better.
- It is possible that bowler had observed your footwork and would not allow you to play your shot. In such a situation, he would try to bowl short ball at a higher speed on which you would be beaten.
- If you see such response from the bowler, immediately come on back foot by re-bending your knees to the original position and defense the ball.
Timing is very essential for sweep shot. Make sure you time properly.

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Question

How do I play sweep shot?

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You can sweep shot more for off spinners. As the ball of off spinners comes to the stumps and not to the legs, you can hit it with with more power. You can play the sweep shot more for flight balls. It is easy to pickup the flight ball with a sweep shot.

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How can I play Dhoni's helicopter shot?

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You have to practice this shot with a tennis ball first and then you should follow these three steps: 1.you have a very high back lift of your bat. 2. Then swing your bat like golf stick. 3. Place your front feet a little wider. Practice these steps several times and you will surely master the HELICOPTER shot soon.

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How do I face a leg spin ball?

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Transfer your body weight on front foot, keep your eyes on the ball and try to hit with the turn on the offside.

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Tips

Judging the bowler is very important for a successful sweep shot. Don't move out of the crease till the bowler delivers the ball.

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Sweep shot is not an easy one. Don't be disheartened if you are unable to succeed in the first attempt. It needs a lot of practice.

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Wrist work is crucial for all the cricket shots, particularly for a sweep shot.

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Warnings

Play with proper kit. If you are playing a sweep shot, you must have the kit, especially helmet as the bouncy ball may come over your head.

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Be careful. Once you have completed the shot and managing runs, stand properly and then run. Quickness can lead to injury.

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