I found using a backswing instead of a more static backlift hugely useful. The backswing had the effect of "unweighting" the bat more which I found allowed me to control the line of the stroke better - probably because of some error in my backlift!

(Can't remember offhand where I read about unweighting - probably on here somewhere )

I've also started using the forward press to trigger - as my feet can be very lazy.

I agree Ed it's a better description as it makes it seem more like a smooth golf swing up then down rather than a stitled double movement.

I talked to a golfer who made that connection between the swings before. He found a lot of golfers try to "hit the ball", rather than swing through it. You definitely get a smoother action, (and more power), with this in mind. Jerky movements make timing much more difficult.

I like that idea of swinging through the ball to make a smooth downswing.

Edladd unweighting was a word coined by Greg Chappell on his forum. The forward press is going to limit your batting options.

dissident, I'm not much of a forward press fan either. Why does it limit options?

You tell me David, you are the coach here

I was hoping for your opinion? I have never coached or used the forward press so I'm not really qualified to say. Duncan Fletcher likes it and he is a far better coach than I am. What so you think though?

I wonder if stance needs to be reconsidered once a player knows his strengths and weaknesses. So Chanderpaul has a stance that works for him as he nudges and nurdles - he rarely comes that far forward even when driving.

Someone who played a lot of hooks and pulls, or who played almost exclusively off the front foot like Pietersen, wouldn't benefit from that stance. I suppose from a coaching point of view a starting point is required for youngsters from which they can adapt as it suits them, and the ECB stance does that.

Ed, I agree. When group coaching you have to have some kind of template to work from. A good coach is adaptable to player needs though. The copy book is not always right.

should your weight be on the front foot

Hi abc. The answer, as always, is: "it depends". Most people say your weight should be evenly distributed to be able to play forward or back. Do you have a specific circumstance in mind?

as people say to lean on your front foot when batting so you can hit the ball harder is this true

It sort of depends what shot you arte playing! If we are talking about front froot driving then bending your knee and kneeling into the shot is a good idea. Does that help?

yh thanx

[...] set up I obviously mean the grip, stance and backswing all of which are so important to produce the correct outcome of any shot. I have previously been [...]

[...] So for our sweep shot example you would start the shot from your normal stance, moving through the backswing and step, into position and shot [...]

The forward press is a good option as it shifts the weight onto your front foot, getting you to arrive at the ball earlier. It is only really practical against very quick bowling, but if the press is adopted it must be followed all the time, i.e. against a spinner as well. It is also very easy to transfer your weight straight onto your back foot simply by rocking - as anyone who has used this technique can tell you.

for me, the forward press is something that might be useful against a ball that is consistently full of length. Perhaps more suitable vs spin. Although, it may be tricky to do one thing vs one type of bowler and something else vs another. I like the idea of a rhythmical backswing in time with the bowlers are coming over, like Ponting, although I like Bell's method also.

What is Robert Key's trigger movement? I go on the front foot too early. Maybe his trigger movement help me as well.

My knee dosent bend when i play a seamer so hw to improve it

There are drills to improve that problem in PitchVision Academy.

I have been told by my batting coach that I should use Kevin Pietersen's trigger move. I have wtched him on TV and the Internet but still don't know where position myself. Can you tell me?

My first question is this: why would you want to?

david I would do it to improve my game my coach gives me adobe like use that trigger move but won't tell me how because he has other people to help and a job.

OK but how would it improve your game?

It would improve my game by maximising the chances of the ball being on a line that I can hit through my strongest area leg sid like kp

I would have to see you to be sure, but I would be highly doubtful that hitting across straight balls is something you can get away with for any length of time, unless perhaps you have exceptional talent.

sorry sbout the delay in reply if you would tell me Kevin pietersen's trigger move i could try it if it dosnt work I will stop but it may work very well nobody knows unless I try it.

I see what you are saying but that is flawed logic. To develop a trigger move takes a lot of hard work. you can't just try it on to see if it suits you like a jumper. Also does the end result really justify all the effort? Maybe it does but I would be more keen to look at your grip, your backlift, your head position and balance first. Can you honestly say they are all perfect every time?

I can honestly say that they are perfect every time

They why try to mess it up with a trigger move? You should be scoring buckets of runs.