A paddle sweep is a type of horizontal bat shots wherein the ball is deflected towards the fine leg with the bat extended towards the bowler. The bat is almost near-stationary. This type of bat shots is often not recommended as it poses a risk of getting dismissed because of the leg behind the wicket.
Using Paddle Sweep
A batsman often uses paddle sweep to a low bouncing ball. This is a result when the bowler delivers a slow ball. In order for the batsman to deflect the ball, he can use paddle sweep by kneeling on one knee and swings the bat in a horizontal arc. The use of this bat shot requires technique and fast reflexes. Unless the batsman is sure that he can hit the ball without being called out, then he can take the risk, otherwise, it is not advisable by most cricket coaches.
Risks of Paddle Sweep
As a batsman, they are being trained to deflect the ball by considering all scenarios. Using paddle sweep as a bat shot technique is one of the riskier scenarios. The main reason why coaches tend to teach their players to avoid paddle sweep shot is that it is in danger of leg behind the wicket (LBW). If the player maneuvers the ball incorrectly, then he might get dismissed, thus, losing his chances of getting a run or two.
Strategies of a Good Batting
Fundamentally, the goal of each batsman is to find ways to score safe runs against the bowler. In order to succeed, the batsman needs to have a good strategy in batting. If they are forced to do a horizontal bat shot, particularly the paddle sweep, then they may do so. A good batting player must always take into consideration the strategy of the bowler. Perhaps, it is the goal of the bowler to deliver a slow pitch forcing the batsman to do paddle sweep shots. Hence, it is essential that the batsman learns the technique in anticipating the various delivery styles of the bowler. The most important part is the ability to score runs without being dismissed.