Most club batters are stronger off the front foot. These five drills, taken from our batting masterclass, build the balance and timing to punish anything short.
- Step-back shadow: twenty slow-motion back-and-across steps without a ball, checking your head stays still.
- Tennis-ball bounce: a partner bounces tennis balls at chest height; play the pull and cut with soft hands.
- Gate drill: two cones just outside off stump force you to play the cut late, under your eyes.
- Machine short-ball ladder: start at 90 km/h and add 5 km/h every six balls.
- Scoring zones: finish with a scenario that rewards only runs scored behind square.
Film yourself from side-on. If your back foot is not parallel to the crease, start again.
