Backward Point and the Off-Side Catching Arc
The backward point fielding position — located behind square on the off side, between point and third slip, what shots it protects against (the cut shot, the late cut), how backward point differs from square point and gully, when it is brought inside the circle as an attacking catcher, and why the off-side arc from point to third slip covers the most complex catching geometry in cricket.
Position Geometry
Backward point is positioned on the off side, behind square (further back than square of the wicket from the batsman's perspective), at approximately 100-135 degrees from the off-stump line — between where point (square) and gully (slightly forward of square) are positioned but at a backward angle. The position is typically at 20-30 metres from the batsman in standard fields. It is distinct from point (which is exactly square), gully (which is between slip and point at a forward angle), and third slip (which is in line with the edge). Backward point intercepts cut shots that the batsman places slightly backward of square — a slight angle change from the square cut, sending the ball at a trajectory that beats both point and gully by going between them.
What It Intercepts
Backward point's primary purpose is to stop cut shots. The cut shot (played to short-pitched balls outside off-stump by slashing horizontally through the off side) can be directed at angles from gully (45 degrees forward of square) through to third man (45 degrees behind square). The square cut goes directly to point; the late cut goes to backward point or third man; the early cut goes toward gully. A complete field for a batsman who cuts frequently requires: point (for the square cut), backward point (for the slightly late cut), gully (for the early cut), and potentially a third man (for the very fine late cut). Setting all four positions depletes the fielding team's available fielders significantly, which is why captains often choose to leave some of these positions vacant and accept the risk.
Attacking Use
Backward point can be brought in from boundary-guard depth to close-catching depth (12-15 metres) when the captain expects a thin edge off the cut shot. A batsman who cuts at balls fractionally close to the stumps may get a thin inside or outside edge that travels backward of square — backward point at close catching depth intercepts these edges. This is an attacking field placement used against batsmen known to cut recklessly or against specific bowling plans (short, wide of off-stump bowling designed to draw the cut). The risk is that a well-timed square cut past a close backward point fielder goes to the boundary; the reward is a catch from a mistimed cut or edge.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between backward point and third man?
Yes — backward point and third man are related but distinct positions. Third man is positioned further backward and finer (closer to the off-side boundary behind the wicketkeeper), specifically to collect balls that go fine off the outside edge of the bat past the keeper. Backward point is positioned squarer (closer to being square of the wicket) and is more specifically focused on the cut shot trajectory. The angle difference is approximately 30-40 degrees: third man is at roughly 150-160 degrees from the off-stump line; backward point is at 100-130 degrees. On certain batting angles, the cut shot reaches backward point; on others (very fine late cuts or edges), it reaches third man. Some captains use both positions simultaneously against a confirmed cutter.
Does backward point appear in T20 cricket?
Backward point is used in T20 cricket in the non-powerplay overs, particularly when bowlers are attacking with short, wide deliveries to induce cut shots. In the powerplay, the two-fielder-outside-circle restriction typically means backward point (if placed at boundary depth) would use up one of the two available outer fielders — the captain must decide whether backward point is worth one of those precious two slots. In middle overs and death overs, backward point at boundary depth is a common placement against attacking cutters. Close backward point (catching position) is occasionally used in T20 if a bowler is specifically bowling short and wide to induce edges.
Can a batsman deliberately direct the cut to avoid backward point?
Yes — an experienced batsman recognises where backward point is positioned and places their cut accordingly. If backward point is at standard (square) position, the batsman cuts more finely (more toward third man) to hit through the gap. If backward point has moved to deep backward square, the batsman cuts earlier (more through the standard point region) to beat them. Placement of the cut shot — specifically the angle of the bat face at contact — determines where the ball travels, and skilled cutters adjust this angle by 5-10 degrees to direct the ball between fielding positions. This cat-and-mouse between fielder placement and batting placement is one of the more subtle tactical battles in Test cricket.