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[cricket43]

Hey guys, as the title states I need some serious help with driving the ball through the covers or anywhere in general. Whenever the ball is full on or outside off stump I just lose control and try to smash back over the bowlers head and half the time i get it wrong. In some net sessions I have tried to play proper shots like cover drives and on drives and all that but I just cant. Every time i go to drive the ball I always end up losing my position (falling away to the leg side) which results in a really ugly shot and me going back to just smashing it. Could someone give me some tips on how to drive the ball properly as I will need learn to properly as I grow up.

[Vitas Cricket]

Falling away to the leg side is unusual. But sounds possibly like you are leaning back, rather than leading with your head.

Would need to see video to confirm, but try standing in front of a mirror and imaging a juicy half volley outside off stump. Move you head towards the point where the ball is going to pitch, don't move your feet until you are forced to do so to prevent yourself from falling over. This will result in a positive front foot movement to the pitch of the ball, and importantly, your head should be in a much better position. Look up at the mirror and see how the shape looks, adjust as necessary. Compare it to how you normally attempt the shot, i suspect normally your head will be very high and your weight wont be transferring forward.

Translating that movement into a front foot drive is relatively straightforward,

[Riddy]

keep your head (and body still). its very hard to drive (or any shot for that matter) if your head is all over the place and your body isnt in the correct position.

[tim2000s]

Buzz's coaching tip is to start off by not using the bat and having a ball thrown at you.

Stand in your stance and have someone underarm a cricket ball to you, that you have to catch, taking a step forward as though you are going to play an off drive. Until you are doing this, comfortably, trying to practice your driving is likely to result in the issues you have already.

Get comfortable with this and then you can start with throwdowns on the right length where the most important thing is to get your head over the ball, but I'd let Buzz elaborate on this stuff as he's better at the coaching than I am...