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[Abighugeappl]

Well I find it really really hard to play leg side drives and defenses, it feels really weird.
I've been told that I only need to open my front foot up to play the shots but I can't even manage that, and whenever I do play the shot my back leg raises in the air and flails allover the place. 
I got out yesterday trying to play the shot and the ball hitting my pads and going onto the stumps 

So I've been thinking, should I take a guard of 2 or even leg stump so that it'll be easier to play those shots or just keep trying?
Any help would be great 

[trypewriter]

Taking a leg stump guard might make it a bit easier for you. Exposing a bit more of your wicket might tempt bowlers into more off stump deliveries too.

[Kieron_BT]

The other option is it might just not be your shot

Not everyone can play every shot in the book

It sounds like your an off side player so anything on the legs just get your bat out in front and send it back to the bowler/mid on - If you get an inside edge its away for 4 runs or to fine leg

A match isn't really the place to practice so do the above and get in the nets against a bowling machine and practice play the drive

[petehosk]

I would tend to agree!
Ask Pedals what I was like at playing the same leg side shots! I was shocking!! I would drive balls through the covers all day, but playing one going slightly down leg I was useless!!
But have practiced these shots in the nets and I am by no means an expert, but there is a lot of improvement there for sure! I can now play the odd glance down to fine leg. But I tend to play a little straighter with the occasional straighter drive or drive it through mid wicket. I think practice your weaker shots in the nets!!

[stevat]

I would tend to agree!
Ask Pedals what I was like at playing the same leg side shots! I was shocking!! I would drive balls through the covers all day, but playing one going slightly down leg I was useless!!
But have practiced these shots in the nets and I am by no means an expert, but there is a lot of improvement there for sure! I can now play the odd glance down to fine leg. But I tend to play a little straighter with the occasional straighter drive or drive it through mid wicket. I think practice your weaker shots in the nets!!

I know when I'm on because I can time the ball well off my legs.  If my form is poor, it's a huge weakness in my game.  Played a quick too early the other night off my legs and got a huge leading edge back over him in a sort of bizarre straight flick.  Couldn't do it again if I tried.

[shazz]

your head may be slightly leaning to the off-side. Have a look on video.