The Flick Shot in Cricket: Power from Full Balls on Leg Stump
What the flick shot is, how to play it through mid-wicket and mid-on, the difference between a flick and a glance, and players famous for their leg-side flick.
The flick shot is a powerful leg-side stroke played against full deliveries on middle or leg stump, sending the ball through mid-wicket or mid-on. Unlike the glance (which is delicate and fine), the flick has genuine power — it generates bat speed through the ball rather than deflecting it, making it a boundary-scoring shot rather than a touch shot.
Flick vs Glance
Both shots are on the leg side against on-stump deliveries, but they differ in intent and execution. The glance is fine — the bat angle directs the ball past the keeper toward fine leg, with minimal power. The flick is through or in front of square — the bat drives through the ball toward mid-wicket or mid-on, with significant power generated by the hips and bottom hand.
Technique
For a right-handed batter: the front foot moves toward the ball (or the batter stays back for a slightly shorter delivery), hips rotate toward the off side, and the bat drives from inside-out through the ball. The bottom hand generates power; the top hand guides direction. Contact is made with the bat face pointing toward mid-wicket, and the follow-through is across the body.
Famous Flick Players
Virat Kohli's flick through mid-wicket is one of the most replicated shots in modern cricket. MS Dhoni used the flick as a primary scoring option — particularly against good-length balls on leg stump that other batters would be unable to score from. Kumar Sangakkara and VVS Laxman were also renowned for their elegant, powerful leg-side flick.
Frequently asked questions
What is the flick shot in cricket?
The flick shot is a powerful leg-side batting stroke played against full or near-full deliveries on middle or leg stump. The bat drives through the ball toward mid-wicket or mid-on with power generated by the hips and bottom hand. It differs from the glance in that it generates power rather than deflecting the ball fine.
When should I use the flick instead of the glance?
Use the flick when the ball is full (or near-full) on middle or leg stump and you want to score with power through mid-wicket or mid-on. Use the glance when the ball is full on leg stump and you want to score fine (past the keeper, toward fine leg) with minimal risk. The flick is more aggressive; the glance is more controlled.
How do I hit the flick harder?
Flick power comes from hip rotation, not just arm strength. Ensure your hips rotate toward the off side as you swing through the ball — this adds body mass to the stroke. Also ensure bottom-hand grip pressure is firm at contact — the bottom hand generates the power in the flick.