off drive

[redondo]

off drive

Guys, i have a problem of playing the off drive(forward) . I have a hard time figuring out which ball to play that shot. I really appreciate if you guys can give me some suggestions how to practice the drive shot and how to judge it in matches. I have tried so many things such as throw downs but still i dont know which bowl to play for. Also in matches, i play the forward defense instead of forward drive for driving bowls because im afraid that it might go in the air.

thanks in advance

 

[mas cambios]

Re: off drive

The ideal length to play the shot to is the ball on the half volley - or pitched up fuller than a good length.

The ball will normally bounce somewhere between ankle and knee height. In theory, because of how it bounces it should be on the easier shots to keep on the ground (but then again we all know that theories don't mean a lot on the pitch ).

The key is to get your head over the ball, which should mean it'll stay on the ground. The moment you start to rock back or not get to the pitch, means you'll get under the ball and lift it.

 

[micoach]

Re: off drive

A good drive is really just an extension of a defensive anyway. It's not about smashing it, it's about a smooth swing of the bat.

It sounds to me like you like the confidence to play the shot because you don't think you can play it well. When you say you have tried throwdowns, what exactly did you do and what went wrong with them?

 

[redondo]

Re: off drive

A good drive is really just an extension of a defensive anyway. It's not about smashing it, it's about a smooth swing of the bat.

It sounds to me like you like the confidence to play the shot because you don't think you can play it well. When you say you have tried throwdowns, what exactly did you do and what went wrong with them?

In throw downs, i was trying the forward defense and the forward drive, and i did great in defense but mistimed the driving shots. As a result of that, sometimes the bowl went in the air and sometimes i missed it.

 

[mas cambios]

Re: off drive

In throw downs, i was trying the forward defense and the forward drive, and i did great in defense but mistimed the driving shots. As a result of that, sometimes the bowl went in the air and sometimes i missed it.

In which case you need to isolate the shot and only work on the off drive. If you have to, take it right back to working off a cone or a drop feed, especially if you feel that your technique isn't quite there.

Think about breaking the shot down, for example you might get the feet into a great position but need to work on the head - there is nothing to say that you can't practice the shot from the point where you move your feet into position if it helps you to concentrate on the head/downswing of the bat.

As you feel more confident then move onto bobble feeds or throw downs, ultimately to some sort of conditioned practice where there is an element of pressure on you (mimic what happens in a game).

Search out some good photos and technique guides (pitchvision is a great place to start - see link in sig above).

 

[micoach]

Re: off drive

Yep, work backwards until you find the error. The correct and work back forwards again. Great tip.

 

[abhiscenter]

Re: off drive

hey bud.
just keep this in mind, Front foot drives most of the time are being played for full length balls (half volleys, fullish good length). In other words, the balls which are going to be below your waist after or during the bounce can be defined as full deliveries, until n unless the pitch is not right. so once you watch the ball from the point it's been released, judge it and if it is in the area(full length), then try and play the drive. remember, you need to be confident while playing the shot!