The Best Foot Forward

[dalapathi]

 

     In this stunning photo Geoff Boycott has used his back foot to advance the body forward towards the pitch of the ball. As he releases the back foot, he completes the body movement, with a still, level head over the ball, hitting late and into the ground, the bottom hand controlling the punch. With both feet combining to move the body close to the ball, he has removed spin from the equation.

 

 

It's easy to marvel at Sunil Gavaskar's high, straight follow-through, but this picture is a testament to his superb footwork, and, in particular, the use of the ball of each foot. First, the press off the back foot to propel the body forward, the front foot landing close to the ball; then the release of the back foot to allow a complete flow into the shot, the bat swinging through with precision and power.

 

 

This is a diligently controlled straight drive. The conditions look green, and Kumar Sangakkara has taken due care with this punch from a steady, balanced base. The back foot initiates the movement, and he pushes onto the front foot, with knees well flexed and head still over the ball. He then drops the back leg to get closer to the ball, shutting out danger with a late strike, using a short, easy punch, the follow-through controlled, the result immaculate.    

 

 

From a high perspective this photo captures a wide ball punished with precision and poise. The feet point the way, and here Rahul Dravid has taken a direct route to the pitch of the ball, with full extension over the front foot, and his back foot up on its toe, allowing the fast, wristy hands to smother spin and send the ball skimming along the ground. The head position is strong and alive, like the whole body from the feet up.    

 

 

This leg-side lofted drive is a Greg Chappell signature. He has moved his front foot to the line of the ball. Then, with the back foot in the air, his upper body gets well forward and over the ball, and the hands follow through to send the ball over the inner field. By lifting the back foot up and forward, the body moves into a strong position, allowing the arms to swing through with assuredness and elegance.    

 

 

A simple and sweet on-drive by a left-hander in top form. David Gower uses his body to line up the shot, showing complete balance and control. It's just a nudge to mid-on, going by the checked follow-through, yet the timing is sure and crisp. The wicketkeeper's position suggests the line is off stump or outside. Gower has positioned himself to the off side of the ball and created a master stroke through the on side.    

 

 

     Like with a jab in boxing, Viv Richards steps forward with light feet, winds up his body, uncoiling at the precise moment, to hit the ball up and over. His fast feet and immensely strong upper frame combine to execute a brutal lofted drive of the highest class. The execution is swift and lethal.

 

 

This photo shows Jacques Kallis' commitment to sound, solid batting. His head is well forward, hands and arms in perfect position, ensuring the ball is played safely into the ground, and the hips are open. However, the key to the stroke, to extra cover, is the combined footwork, back foot pushing the front foot forward, then releasing onto the toe for maximum extension over the ball.

 

 

As a tall man, Zaheer Abbas had great reach. He drove the ball with loose limbs and was severe on the drive, especially square through the off side. Here he flows into a drive through mid-off with awesome all-round body position. His footwork is strong, with bent knees, yet still holding his height; front foot planted and sure, the back foot fully released and balanced. The stroke itself is wristy and powerful.

 

 

This photo of Sachin Tendulkar demonstrates a faultless drive. Everything in sync: feet ideally planted, knees flexed and steady, hips open to allow flow of stroke, hands high and vertical, bat fully exposed to the ball, head positioned steady, eyes still. It is the ultimate example of a master expressing his art. Nothing beats a drive like this.

 

Source : http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/gallery/785075/best-foot-forward

[dkchinnari]

foot telsu.foor ento

[PegaMan]

just front foot drives or coming down the track?

[PegaMan]

if just front foot forward then ..... Dravid, Sanga and Ponting... hands down

 

PS: Dravid's back foot punches are faar more stylish than his front foot drives.....

[krisomania2043]

DRAVID man keka

[bokadia]

naaku ala pics thiyyaledhu lekapotey naavi alane undevi

[Maximus]

 

 

This photo of Sachin Tendulkar demonstrates a faultless drive. Everything in sync: feet ideally planted, knees flexed and steady, hips open to allow flow of stroke, hands high and vertical, bat fully exposed to the ball, head positioned steady, eyes still. It is the ultimate example of a master expressing his art. Nothing beats a drive like this.