The Paddle Sweep

The Paddle Sweep is a variation of the Sweep Shot and relies on accurate placement of the ball rather than the power of the ordinary Sweep. The shot is favoured against the spinner and depends on the bat being brought down on top of the ball to keep it along the ground. It is a cross-batted shot that is played low down on one knee, with the ball being finely swept to the leg side (the half of the field that is behind the batsman as he takes the shot).

Below are the three steps to a successful paddle sweep:

Lean the head and front shoulder (the nearest shoulder to the bowler) into the delivery of the ball, and bend the front leg turning the foot so that the front pad is in line with the ball, positioning the front foot as close as possible to the pitch (the place where the ball bounces) Collapse the back leg on the knee and lower the foot so that it is parallel to the ground, keeping the head still at all times to assist with the balance and timing of the shot.
Position the head over the front leg and move the bat down and across the body, making contact with the ball directly in front of the leg as early as possible. Roll the wrists so that the ball moves across the pitch rather than travelling dangerously through the air. At this point, both arms should be fully extended so that the bat stretches horizontally and the shoulders are facing down the pitch.
Follow through, moving the bat back so that the hands are in line with the shoulder, keeping the weight on the front leg to maintain balance.