Learn how to play the paddle shot

Cricket has plenty of odd-sounding fielding positions not to mention a history of mind-boggling traditions, but we will get into all of those at a later date! Let’s focus on a slightly odd-sounding shot today - the paddle shot.

So those words - ‘paddle’ and ‘shot’... we don’t refer to the bat as a paddle all that often, but when playing this shot you can see why it is called so if you consider what action people use with their arms when paddle boarding. And as for the shot, well, think about your stance and body position as per a sweep… although you aren’t actually going to do any sweeping! Anyway, it’s called the paddle shot, and is also known as the ‘Marillier Shot’ after Zimbabwe’s Dougie Marillier who played it at the start of this century,

As with many cricket shots, this can be played in the air or along the ground, a decision the batter will make based on many factors from the field placings, their mindset, confidence levels to the skill of the bowler. It is generally played with the ball going off on a 45 degree angle behind the wicket on the leg-side.

The paddle shot can even be played in a manner which is known as a no-look shot when the batter gets their head out of the way and outside the line of the shot when diverting the ball in the air. The more traditional paddle shot sees the head coming down as the bat comes down on the ball - this variation is one of the many that Joe Root has perfected over his record-breaking career.

The paddle shot played in the air sees the body of the batter in a more compact and stable position than during a conventional sweep. This is because the shot is deflecting the ball on the full as opposed to generating additional power with the arms.

When playing the paddle shot down into the ground, more power is generated through the shot with the bat coming over the top of the ball in a genuine paddle motion.

If there are zero fielders behind square on the leg-side, or a particularly square fine-leg then this shot could be particularly profitable.

The Paddle Shot Technique

As with all sweep shots, this is played on the front foot with the back knee bent to the ground but remaining in the crease.

Typically this will be played to a ball on a line no straighter than middle and leg

In the below image you can see the batter in their stance. He has picked up the line of the ball and is getting ready to make his first movement.

Transfer of weight is very important during this shot, as is the head position. Too far towards the off or on side and he will lose his balance - his head needs to be over his front foot with his weight pointing back towards the bowler.

If taking the ball on the full, the bat is almost placed or offered, toe first in line with the delivery but with the face of the bat to the sky and angled behind square.

In the below image you can see the batter has made the step forward, he is balanced and in control, getting ready to make contact with the ball.

The batter hasn't taken his eyes off the ball, he is watching it through the air and knows exactly where the ball is going to pitch.

As the batter is almost rigid at the time of impact, they must then rise and begin running from a stationary start, so beware of that when considering a sharp single.

In the below image you can see the batter has now made contact with the ball in a controlled and balance position. His head and weight is over his front leg, his arms are outstretched and he is always keeping his eyes on the ball.

At the point of contact the batter has flicked his wrists slightly in order to guide the ball to where he wants it to go, this is the primary difference between the paddle shot and sweep, with the sweep being a full shot and follow through, the paddle is a gentle flick around the corner, with the aim of hitting the ball down towards fine leg.

Remember, as the ball has gone behind the batter it is the non-strikers call for a run, so although the batter at point of connection needs to be anticipating a run, the final decision to run is the non-strikers.

Conclusion

The paddle shot is known very much as a ‘touch’ or ‘subtle’ shot as it is much more about placement and timing rather than pure power. It often shows that a batter is capable of hitting the ball to all areas which will provide a headache for the fielding captain.

Begin practicing this shot to some under-arm throw downs on and around leg-stump. Concentrate on diverting the ball towards that 45-degree angle and enjoy turning your bat into a paddle!

The pro player we have used for the videos and images uses a Trogon Cricket Grade 1+ English willow bat with our black and white sticker range.

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Learn how to play the paddle shot

The Paddle Shot Technique

Conclusion

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