How to hit the perfect straight drive like Sachin
Sachin Tendulkar's straight drive kept the same shape for 24 years, in whites and in blues. The secret isn't power: it's position, clean contact and control. A breakdown of the shot and a simple drill to practise it.
Key points
- Start balanced with the head still and eyes on the ball.
- As the ball is pitched up, the front foot moves to its line and the head goes with it.
- At contact: head over the ball, hands guiding the bat, the full face pointing straight back down the ground.
- Drill: throw-downs through a cone gate behind the thrower; hit 10 through it and hold the finish.
Read the transcript
24 years, whites or blues, the exact same shape, and bowlers still couldn't stop it. Few shots look as effortless as Sachin Tendulkar's straight drive, but the secret isn't power. It isn't about swinging harder. It's about position, clean contact and control.
It starts in the stance: weight balanced, head still, eyes on the ball. As the ball is pitched up, the bat lifts, the front foot moves towards its line, and the head goes with it. Now, the moment that matters. Freeze it just before contact.
Position: he's balanced, with his head over the ball. Control: the hands guide the bat; they don't snatch at it. Direction: the full face points straight back down the ground, and the ball goes exactly where the face sends it. Balance, clean contact, straight through.
To practise, take throw-downs with a cone gate behind the thrower. Hit 10 through it and hold your finish. Accuracy first, power later. Don't swing harder; get into position.
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