Full Toss Delivery in Cricket
What is a full toss in cricket? Learn how it differs from a yorker, when it becomes a no ball, and how batsmen play it.
A full toss is a delivery that reaches the batsman without pitching — it travels through the air the entire distance from bowler's hand to bat or body. While the term sounds simple, its legality depends critically on the height at which it arrives at the batsman.
Definition
A full toss passes the batsman below waist height and is a legal delivery. It is generally easier to hit than a good-length delivery because the batsman can see it clearly and has time to position. However, an unintentional full toss can be dangerously easy to hit for six, so it is widely regarded as a mistake in bowling.
Full Toss vs Beamer
| Delivery | Height at batsman | Legal? |
|---|---|---|
| Full toss | Below waist | Yes — legitimate delivery |
| Beamer | Above waist (head height) | No — no ball (dangerous) |
When Is a Full Toss Called a No Ball?
Under the Laws of Cricket, a full toss above waist height from a fast bowler is an automatic no ball. A slow-bowler full toss above shoulder height is also called no ball. The umpire signals no ball immediately and the bowler receives a first warning; a second offence triggers an official warning; a third can result in the bowler being taken off.
Tactical Full Toss
Some spinners deliberately bowl slow full tosses to deceive batsmen who are prepared to sweep or cut. A well-disguised slow full toss at off stump can tempt a mistimed slog. Fast bowlers, by contrast, rarely bowl intentional full tosses as they are too easy to hit.
How to Play a Full Toss
- Watch the ball from the hand — no pitch to read, so stay watchful early.
- Get into position quickly; the ball will arrive sooner than a pitched delivery.
- Drive firmly through the line — the ball is above stump height so the arc is wide.
- Avoid over-hitting; the simplest error with a full toss is mistiming through trying to slog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get out to a full toss?
Yes — you can be caught, bowled, or LBW off a legal full toss. You cannot be out off a no ball (except run out, hit ball twice, obstruction, or timed out).
Is a full toss harder or easier to hit than a yorker?
Generally easier, because there is no late movement off the pitch. A yorker cramps the batsman's swing; a full toss below the waist gives full room.