Want To Learn And Master Pull Short In Cricket ? Read This !

Published: 24 Jan 2025

The pull shot is one of the most powerful and exciting strokes in cricket. Batsmen use it to attack short-pitched deliveries, usually from fast bowlers. It is played by swinging the bat horizontally and hitting the ball towards the on side, often between mid-wicket and square leg.

This shot is a key weapon for batsmen because it allows them to score runs quickly and put pressure on the bowler. A well-executed pull shot can send the ball racing to the boundary or even over it for six. However, in some cases, it requires good timing, balance, and control to avoid mistiming or getting caught by fielders and batters injury.

Batsmen use the pull shot when bowlers bowl short and the ball sits up nicely at waist or chest height. When played correctly, it looks effortless and powerful. Many legendary batsmen, like Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli, have used this shot to dominate bowlers and change the course of a game.

Mastering the pull shot takes practice, but once learned, it can help a batsman take control of an innings and score big runs.

Table of Content

Basics of the Pull Shot
How to Play the Pull Shot
Common Mistakes in Playing Pull Short
Best Situations to Play the Pull Shot
Drills and Exercises to Improve the Pull Shot
Famous Cricketers Known for the Pull Shot
Final Thoughts

Basics of the Pull Shot

The pull shot is an attacking stroke played against short-pitched deliveries. This shot is often confused with the hook shot, but there is a key difference.
The pull shot is played to deliveries that are around waist or chest height, while the hook shot is used for higher, shoulder-level balls. The cut shot is another horizontal bat shot but is played on the off-side.

The pull shot is commonly used against fast bowlers, especially on bouncy pitches where the bowler frequently bowls short-pitch deliveries to put the batter under pressure. A well-timed pull shot can send the ball to the boundary with ease, making it a favorite shot for aggressive batsmen.

How to Play the Pull Shot

To play the pull shot effectively, a batsman needs proper technique, balance, and timing. Here are the key steps:

1. Judge the Ball Early

The most important part of playing a pull shot is judging the length and bounce of the ball as soon as it leaves the bowler’s hand.
A short-pitched ball at waist or chest height is ideal for playing this shot.

2. Footwork

Move the back foot slightly back and across to create space.
Stay balanced and ready to transfer weight into the shot.

3. Bat Swing

Swing the bat in a horizontal motion, keeping the face slightly closed.
Generate power by using the wrists and forearms.

4. Head Position

Keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves the bowler’s hand.
Maintain a steady head to improve control and accuracy.

5. Timing the Shot

Play the shot just in front of the body to keep control.
Avoid playing too early or too late, as mistiming can lead to getting caught.

6. Follow-Through

Ensure a smooth follow-through after making contact.
Control the shot based on field placements—rolling the wrists can help keep the ball down.

Common Mistakes in Playing Pull Short

The pull shot is a powerful weapon, but small mistakes can lead to getting out or even getting hit. Here are some common errors batsmen should be careful about:

1. Playing the Shot Without Judging the Ball

If the ball is too full, trying to pull it can lead to mistimed shots and easy catches, Adam Gilchrist of Australia was famous for pulling the ball right from over the body.
If the ball is too high (above head height), a hook shot is a better option.

2. Poor Footwork

Not moving the back foot properly can make the shot unbalanced.
Standing still while playing the shot reduces power and control.

3. Playing with Hard Hands

Hitting the ball too hard instead of using timing can result in a top edge.
Rolling the wrists at contact helps keep the ball down and avoids catches.

4. Losing Balance

Leaning too far back can make the shot weak and uncontrolled.
Staying upright and keeping the head steady helps in playing a controlled pull shot.

5. Not Watching the Ball Till the End

Taking the eyes off the ball too early can lead to mistiming and the ball can hit the batter.
Always keep the focus on the ball from the bowler’s hand until the shot is completed.

Best Situations to Play the Pull Shot

A pull shot is a high-scoring stroke, but knowing when to play it is key. Here are the best situations to use this shot:

1. Against Short-Pitched Deliveries

The pull shot is most effective when the ball is pitched short at waist or chest height.
If the ball sits up nicely, it becomes easier to control the shot and find the gaps.

2. On Bouncy Pitches

Pitches with extra bounce (like in Australia or South Africa) offer more opportunities to play the pull shot.
On slower pitches, the ball may not rise enough, increasing the risk of getting caught.

3. When the Field Is Spread Out

If the deep square leg and mid-wicket fielders are pushed back, hitting along the ground is safer, or make sure that the short goes for a six by keeping the face of the bat slightly tilted towards the sky while playing pull short.
If the field is up, lofting the ball over the infield is a good option.

4. To Put Pressure on the Bowler

Playing an aggressive pull shot early in an innings forces the bowler to change their length.
If a batsman successfully pulls a bowler for boundaries, the bowler may avoid short deliveries, making it easier to anticipate fuller balls.

5. During Powerplays in Limited-Overs Cricket

With fewer fielders outside the 30-yard circle, the pull shot is a great way to score quick runs.
Batsmen can take advantage of the attacking field and go for boundaries with confidence.

Drills and Exercises to Improve the Pull Shot

To master the pull shot, batsmen need regular practice and specific drills. Here are some effective exercises to improve timing, balance, and control:

1. Tennis Ball Drill

Use a tennis ball and have someone throw underarm short balls.
Focus on watching the ball closely and playing the shot with proper timing.
This helps in improving hand-eye coordination and reducing the fear of getting hit.

2. Hanging Ball Drill

Hang a ball from a rope or ceiling at waist height.
Practice swinging the bat in a horizontal motion to hit the ball with control.
This improves bat swing and follow-through.

3. Shadow Practice

Stand in front of a mirror and practice the pull shot without a ball.
Focus on foot movement, body balance, and head position.
This helps in developing muscle memory.

4. Bowling Machine Practice

Set the bowling machine to deliver short-pitched balls.
Work on playing the shot both along the ground and in the air.
This helps in adjusting to different speeds and bounce levels.

5. Reaction Time Drills

Use a coach or partner to throw balls at varying speeds and angles.
The goal is to react quickly and decide whether to pull or leave the ball.
This improves decision-making and shot selection.

Regularly practicing these drills will help batsmen play the pull shot with confidence and precision.

Famous Cricketers Known for the Pull Shot

Some of the greatest batsmen in cricket history have mastered the pull shot and used it to dominate bowlers. Here are a few legends famous for this stroke:

1. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Considered one of the best pull-shot players ever.
Had an aggressive approach and played the shot with perfect balance.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Uses the pull shot effectively in ODIs and T20s.
Plays it mostly along the ground to minimize the risk of getting caught.

3. Rohit Sharma (India)

One of the best modern-day players of the pull shot.
Often plays it for sixes with a clean bat swing and timing.

4. Vivian Richards (West Indies)

Played the pull shot fearlessly, even against the fastest bowlers.
Had a unique ability to hit short balls to any part of the ground.

5. Joe Root (England)

Uses the pull shot smartly in Test cricket.
Plays it with control, keeping the ball along the ground to avoid risks.

These players show that a well-executed pull shot can be a game-changing stroke. Learning from their techniques can help young cricketers develop this powerful shot.

Final Thoughts

The pull shot is one of the most exciting and effective strokes in cricket. It allows batsmen to dominate short-pitched deliveries, score runs quickly, and put pressure on bowlers. However, mastering this shot requires the right technique, good judgment, and consistent practice.

Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

Judging the ball early is the most important part of playing a successful pull shot.
Proper footwork and balance help in controlling the shot.
Timing is crucial—hitting too early or too late can lead to mistakes.
Practicing drills like the hanging ball drill and bowling machine practice can improve execution.
Learning from great players like Ricky Ponting, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli can provide valuable insights.

While the pull shot is a high-scoring stroke, it also comes with risks. Playing it at the wrong time or against the wrong ball can lead to dismissals. That’s why practice, patience, and experience are key to mastering this shot.

If you want to become a better batsman, keep working on your pull shot. With the right approach, you can turn short balls into scoring opportunities and dominate the game!