Flick Shot in Cricket
How to play the flick shot in cricket — the wristy leg-side stroke that turns a straight delivery into a boundary through mid-wicket or square leg.
The flick is a wristy attacking stroke that redirects a delivery aimed at middle or leg stump toward the mid-wicket or square-leg region. Unlike the glance (which uses minimal force), the flick involves an active roll of the wrists to powerfully direct the ball. It is a signature shot of wristy, attacking batsmen.
When to Flick
- Full delivery on middle or leg stump — the ideal flick ball.
- When mid-wicket is not stationed and the gap through leg is open.
- Against pace bowling that is straight but full.
- Against spinners bowling into the body.
How to Play the Flick
- Step into the line of the ball.
- Bring the bat through straight initially — as if driving.
- At the moment of contact, the wrists roll to redirect the ball toward mid-wicket.
- The bat face turns from pointing straight ahead to pointing leg-side.
- The follow-through sweeps across the body toward the leg side.
Flick vs Glance vs On Drive
| Shot | Wrist involvement | Ball line | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| On drive | Low | Middle to leg, full | Between mid-on and mid-wicket |
| Flick | High | Middle to leg, full | Through mid-wicket, square |
| Glance | Minimal | Leg stump, any length | Fine leg region |
Frequently asked questions
Who is famous for the flick shot?
Sachin Tendulkar's flick off the front foot was one of his most celebrated strokes. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni are all known for powerful flicks.
Can you flick on the back foot?
Yes — a back-foot flick is played to a short delivery on the stumps, rolling the wrists to redirect toward square leg. It requires very fast wrist action.