The Ultimate Guide on How to Hit a Six in Cricket

Cricket has a special place in every Indian’s heart, and we have tried emulating and playing cricket shots played by our cricketing idols. The entertainment in the game comes from power-hitting, which involves hitting sixes and fours to put bowlers under pressure. While international batters hit sixes for fun, people learning cricket might wonder how to hit a six in cricket.

Hitting a six in cricket involves understanding the basics of power-hitting, using the right technique, selecting the right shots, preparing mentally, and practicing intensely. You will start hitting sixes regularly if you do all these things right.

Understanding the Basics

The following are some basics that you should get right for hitting sixes:

Stance

A balanced, wide-legged stance will give you more stability. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart will also put you in a great position to hit various deliveries. Your knees are slightly bent, and your body weight is distributed evenly, which will help you balance and maintain the power required to strike the ball cleanly. 

Grip

A flexible grip on the bat will help you guide the ball and adjust your bat swing depending on the delivery. The bottom hand helps generate the power while the top hand controls the bat’s direction.

Footwork

Good footwork is key to hitting the ball a long way. When the ball is pitched up, you can dance down the track, get to the pitch of the ball, and hit it over the top for a six. When the ball is pitched short, you can rock onto the back foot and cut or pull the ball powerfully. 

Building Power: Strength and Timing

While powerful batters like Kieron Pollard can hit sixes with brute force, some like Ajinkya Rahane, rely on timing to hit sixes. You don’t need to be physically imposing to hit sixes; you just need the right technique.

Use the Bowler’s Speed

Speed is an asset for any fast bowler, but a batter can use it to his advantage by just timing it. You just have to lay the bat on the ball at the right time, and the ball will go flying in the stands.

Generate Power with Core

Generating power to hit the ball involves the use of core muscles. While arms contribute significantly to the six-hitting job, the entire body must contribute to the shot. As you swing the bat, rotate your hips and shoulders to transfer energy into the shot. This will give more power to your swing and make it easier to clear the boundary.

Follow Through

After hitting the ball, it is important that you have a full follow-through. You get perfect balance and power through the ball with a good follow-through. It also helps you hit the ball in the intended direction. Players without proper follow-through will lose control and power.

Shot Selection

Hitting six requires you to select the right shot based on the ball and field setting. Different deliveries require different shots. The following are some common shots that batters use to hit sixes: 

Straight Drive

Hitting down the ground is one of the safest options to hit a six. When a bowler bowls a fuller delivery, you can step forward and hit the ball straight over the bowler’s head. This shot is most effective on flat pitches, where the ball doesn’t deviate much.

Pull and Hook Shot

Pull and hook shots are played on short deliveries or by shortening the length of the ball. These shots require quick reflexes, as the ball comes at speed and you need to judge the height at which the ball is coming. Often bowlers set a trap for batters by bowling short balls, but if the shots are executed properly, batters get maximum results.

Lofted On-Drive

When a bowler delivers a ball on or just outside the leg stump, you can play the lofted on-drive to hit a six over midwicket or long-on. The shot requires immaculate wristwork and precise timing.

Mental Preparation

Hitting a six also has a lot to do with mental clarity and focus. A player must have Mental clarity and focus to play any shot, especially an aggressive shot confidently.

1. Confidence

If a player is confident in his ability to clear the boundary, he can hit the ball over the ropes consistently. Once you start overthinking and doubting yourself, you will mistime the ball. Confidence can make all the difference between a solid connection and a weak contact.

2. Read the Field

Before you go for a big shot, understand the field position and what the bowler tries to do. Look where the fielders are not placed on the boundary, and hit the ball in that direction so that you will be safe even if you mistime the ball.

3. Stay Relaxed

The match situation can easily put you under pressure. To remain calm, ensure that you have regular talks with the other batter. Chalk out a plan, stay relaxed, and hit sixes properly.

Practice and Patience

Like any other skill, hitting sixes is a skill that requires dedication and consistent practice. 

Net Practice

Practicing daily is crucial; it will help you gain confidence when you bat well. Focus on real-match situations and practice accordingly. You will perfect various shots with practice, making you a feared batter amongst bowlers.

Work on Your Weakness

Identify flaws in your technique and deliveries that trouble you. For example, if you struggle against bouncers, practice playing bouncers more.

Final Thoughts

How to hit a six in cricket is a question many players, especially beginners, can have. Using the right technique, practicing more, mentally preparing yourself, and playing the right shots, you can hit sixes consistently.

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