The batting backlift technique in cricket: A brief overview

Considering the current Indian Premier League (IPL), this week we delve into the nuances of cricket batting techniques, where we explore a theory that challenges the traditional coaching dogmas and uncovers the secrets of legendary batters.

For years, the conventional wisdom in cricket has dictated that young players should adhere to playing with a straight bat. This technique, embedded deep within the coaching manuals, suggests that the bat should be lifted directly over the middle stump with the bat face pointing downwards. This method has been taught as the backbone of a sound batting technique.

However, almost 10 years ago, a study analysing 65 of the most successful male batters in history, across eras spanning more than a century, reveals a striking deviation from this norm.

Surprisingly, more than 70% of these cricketing legends did not follow the traditional straight bat approach.

Instead, they employed what is known as the "lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT)." This technique involves a looped backlift where the bat initially moves towards the slip cordon or even points directly towards the off-side.

The list of batting practitioners of this technique include icons such as Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. Interestingly, these players were not taught this method through conventional coaching, suggesting that the LBBT might be more of a natural adaptation than a coached skill.

So, why does this technique work? The LBBT allows for a broader range of motion, making it easier for batters to maneuver the bat and adapt to different types of deliveries quickly. This adaptability is crucial in high-scoring games where a diverse array of shots is necessary to dominate the field.

This revelation poses an important question: if many of the greatest batters in history have thrived using a technique contrary to traditional coaching, what does this mean for current coaching methods? The study suggests that coaching manuals might need to be revised to consider more individualised approaches to batting techniques, recognising that rigid guidelines may not suit every player's natural style.

In summary, this study not only challenges long-held beliefs about cricket batting techniques but also celebrates the uniqueness and individual flair that legendary cricket players bring to the game. As we continue to uncover more about what makes great players tick, it may be time for coaches and players alike to rethink the way batting is taught and learned, especially in the shorter formats of the game, such as Twenty-20 cricket.

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Citation: Noorbhai, M. H., & Noakes, T. D. (2016). A descriptive analysis of batting backlift techniques in cricket: Does the practice of elite cricketers follow the theory? Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(20), 1930-1940.

Link to another article: https://sportsscisketch.substack.com/p/a-brief-summary-of-the-batting-backlift

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Link to other relevant scientific papers on the topic:

1. Noorbhai, M. H., & Noakes, T. D. (2019). The lateral batting backlift technique: is it a contributing factor to success for professional cricket players at the highest level?. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(1), 1-9.

2. Noorbhai, H. (2020). The backlift techniques of cricketers in the Indian Premier League: batting implications for the shorter format. International Sports Studies, 42 (1), 47-60

3. Noorbhai, H., & Noakes, T. D. (2016). An analysis of batting backlift techniques among coached and uncoached cricket batsmen. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 38(3), 143-161.

4. Noorbhai, M. H., & Noakes, T. D. (2018). An evaluation of the coaching methods of the batting backlift technique in cricket. Journal of Qualitative Research in Sports Studies, 12(1), 35-56.

5. Noorbhai, H., & Noakes, T. (2019b). Coaching implications of the lateral batting backlift technique in men’s cricket: a discussion and food for thought. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 5(1), e000494.

6. Noorbhai, M. H. (2017). The batting backlift technique in cricket (Doctoral dissertation, University of Cape Town).

7. Noorbhai, H. (2020). A comparative analysis of Donald Bradman and Steven Smith: what are their secrets?. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1).

8. Noorbhai, M. H., Woolmer, R. C., & Noakes, T. D. (2016). Novel coaching cricket bat: can it be used to enhance the backlift and performance of junior cricket batsmen?. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2(1).

9. Noorbhai, H., Chhaya, M. M. A., & Noakes, T. (2016d). The use of a smartphone based mobile application for analysing the batting backlift technique in cricket. Cogent Medicine, 3(1), 1214338.