Backward Square Leg: Where Hook Shots Go
Backward square leg is positioned behind the batsman's leg side — the specific zone where top-edged hooks and fine leg glances travel. This article explains the position's role against pace bowling and how it functions as both a boundary-saver and catching position.
The Backward Square Leg Zone
Backward square leg occupies the zone between square leg (directly beside the batsman) and fine leg (directly behind the batsman) on the leg side: it is positioned approximately 100-130 degrees from the pitch line — behind the line of the batting crease on the leg side; at 30-40 metres depth (catching range) or at the boundary (run-saving); and the specific deliveries that travel to backward square leg: the top-edged hook (a ball aimed at the batsman's head that the batsman hooks, but the bat comes under the ball — the top edge sends the ball high and backward toward backward square leg); the fine leg glance (a delivery on the leg stump line that the batsman glances fine — the fine glance can travel anywhere from fine leg to backward square leg depending on the angle); and the attempted pull that catches a bottom edge (the bottom edge from a pull shot rolls or bounces toward backward square leg area).
When Backward Square Leg Is a Catching Position
Backward square leg functions as a catching position specifically in pace bowling contexts: when a fast bowler is bowling bouncers to a specific batsman, the captain positions backward square leg at catching depth (25-35 metres) anticipating the top-edged hook; the 'bouncer trap' field specifically includes backward square leg and fine leg as catchers — the fast bowler bowls a bouncer that rises above the comfortable hook height, the batsman attempts the hook or hook shot, and the top edge goes to the waiting catcher; and the captain's decision between a catching backward square leg and a boundary-saving backward square leg is a specific risk-reward calculation — if the batsman is known to hook and frequently top-edges, the catching position is worth the boundary risk; if the batsman rarely hooks (leaving or ducking bouncers instead), the catching position is wasteful and the boundary-saving position is more appropriate.
Backward Square Leg vs Fine Leg
The distinction between backward square leg and fine leg is angle-based: fine leg is positioned at a finer angle (closer to behind the batsman — approximately 150-165 degrees from the pitch line); backward square leg is wider (100-130 degrees); and the two positions together cover the entire leg-side arc behind the batting crease; with both positions occupied, the captain has complete boundary protection for the entire backward leg-side zone. In T20 cricket with only 5 permitted outfield fielders, the captain cannot have both backward square leg and fine leg at the boundary simultaneously without sacrificing coverage elsewhere — the specific choice between fine leg and backward square leg depends on the batsman's primary scoring zone in the hook/glance/fine area.
Frequently asked questions
Is backward square leg the same position in all formats?
The backward square leg position varies by format in its standard depth: in Test cricket, backward square leg can be at catching depth (25-30 metres) when a bouncer attack is in progress — the primary use in Tests is catching from top-edged hooks; in T20 cricket, backward square leg is typically at the boundary (65+ metres) as one of the 5 permitted outfield fielders — its primary use in T20 is boundary prevention from the slog sweep or the hook shot that is well-timed and needs a boundary fielder; and in ODIs, backward square leg moves between catching depth and boundary depth based on the match phase (powerplay: closer to the bat or at 30 metres; death overs: at the boundary to save sixes from the attempted hook or pull). The position's specific depth is directly tied to its tactical function — catching vs boundary-saving — which changes by format and match phase.
Can a batsman be LBW to a delivery that would otherwise go to backward square leg?
Yes — deliveries aimed at the leg stump that would travel to backward square leg after passing the batsman can produce LBW decisions: a delivery pitching on middle and leg stump aimed to hit the leg side of the stumps, if blocked by the pad with the pad in front of the stumps, is LBW; the delivery's projected destination after the stumps (backward square leg area if it had continued) doesn't affect the LBW calculation — only whether the ball was pitched in line, hit the pad in line, and would have hit the stumps matters; and bowlers who bowl deliberately at leg stump (the classic leg-stump attack) use this specific LBW risk — the batsman who misses a delivery aimed at their leg stump is both at risk of being hit on the pad in front of the stumps and at risk of a bottom-edge caught by backward square leg or fine leg. This dual risk (LBW or caught behind) makes the leg-stump attack a specific wicket-taking plan.
What shot specifically targets the backward square leg boundary?
The fine glance (a delicate deflection of a delivery off the edge of the bat toward the fine-backward leg area) is the primary shot that specifically targets the backward square leg boundary: the batsman plays the ball fine off the front or back foot, angling the bat face so the ball deflects toward the fine/backward square leg region; the leg glance is a more open-faced version (angled less finely — toward square leg) while the fine glance is angled more behind square; and in T20 cricket, the 'ramp shot' specifically targets the backward square leg boundary — the batsman opens the bat face dramatically and ramps the ball backward over the wicketkeeper and backward square leg fielder, aiming to land beyond the outfield at fine or backward square leg. The ramp requires the backward square leg boundary fielder to run back quickly, and a well-executed ramp carries over their head for six.