The Flick Shot in Cricket: Playing the Leg Side with Wrists
The flick shot deflects balls aimed at the pads toward the leg side using wrist rotation. Learn how the flick differs from other leg-side shots and which batters mastered it.
What Is the Flick Shot?
The flick is a leg-side batting shot played predominantly with the wrists rather than the full swing of the bat. When a delivery is directed at the batter's pads or onto the body, the batter uses a quick roll of the wrists to deflect the ball through the mid-wicket or square leg region. It is a compact, wristy shot.
Flick vs Glance vs Leg Glance
The flick, glance, and leg glance are related but distinct. The glance is typically played very fine — angling the ball past the leg stump toward fine leg. The flick is played squarer — through mid-wicket — using more wrist rotation. Both use the legs or body as a pivot but in different directions.
Famous Flickers
Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Azhar Ali are celebrated for their wristy flick shots. Tendulkar's flick off his pads through mid-wicket was so reliable that teams often stationed two fielders in that region to contain his scoring. The shot is associated particularly with subcontinental batters whose wrists are more prominent in their technique.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flick a safe shot?
The flick is generally a safe, controlled shot when played to a ball on the leg stump or pad. The risk comes from flicking a ball that is too straight — this can result in an LBW or a glove-edge to the wicketkeeper.
Can you be caught behind off a flick?
Yes. If the ball takes the glove or a fine inside edge while flicking, it can go to the wicketkeeper or fine leg for a catch. LBW is also possible if the pad is struck on the stumps' line.