What is a Straight Drive in Cricket
In cricket, a straight drive is a deliberate shot aimed at hitting the ball straight along the ground to avoid being caught out.
How to Play Straight Drive in Cricket?
Stance
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the batting crease. Remember, Stance is the position of your leg before playing the ball.
The better your stance, the better the shot will be. As a result, remember to maintain a correct stance at all times. The most important aspect of every shot is your stance. That's why you can't hit shots precisely if your stance is wrong.
Body and Bat Position
Knees should be slightly flexed and weight should be equally distributed. Otherwise, you will lose your equilibrium if you stretch your leg too far or too close. In a batting stance, the distance between your feet should be equal to the width of your shoulder.
Before you take the shot, make sure your head is still. If you let your head drop, you might not be able to play the shot. Rest the hand and top of the bat gently against the inside thigh of your front leg with the bat resting on the floor at a 45° angle.
Hitting the Ball
You have to take your leg out and play the straight drive shot in the front foot. A straight drive is a front foot short. That is why you have to take your leg out. Your weight should be transferred from your back foot to your front foot when playing the straight drive. This will help you in hitting the ball with greater force.
As the bowler approaches, keep the bat close to the body but raise it, and bend both elbows, until it is parallel to the shoulders. Move the front foot behind the front knee and chest when the ball is released, while keeping the back leg straight and the foot planted