Lofted Drive in Cricket
What is the lofted drive? How to play this aerial attacking shot over the infield in T20 and ODI cricket, and when it is the right option.
The lofted drive is an attacking shot deliberately hit in the air over the infield. Unlike the ground-level drives, the lofted drive aims to clear the ring of fielders and reach the boundary or hit for six. It is central to T20 and powerplay batting and requires confident shot selection.
When to Loft the Drive
- Powerplay in T20/ODI when only two fielders are allowed outside the ring.
- When the long-on and long-off fielders are not stationed.
- Against spinners on flat pitches who toss the ball up — use the flight.
- When a quick score is needed and the batting team has wickets in hand.
How to Play the Lofted Drive
- Position the front foot toward the pitch of the ball.
- Get under the ball — the bat face tilts upward at impact to give elevation.
- Follow through high — arms extend up and the bat finishes pointing at the sky.
- Pick the gap — aim for the region between long-on and long-off, or directly at those positions if absent.
- Commit fully — a half-hearted lofted drive goes straight to the fielder.
Risk Management
The lofted drive is high-risk against balls that are shorter than expected — the batsman gets under a short ball and skies it to a fielder. Reading the length early is critical. Only loft to balls that are truly full enough to drive safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lofted drive the same as a six?
Not necessarily. A lofted drive can be hit over the infield for four, or cleared to the boundary for six. The intention is elevation over the ring — the outcome depends on the shot's timing and placement.
Should beginners practise lofted drives?
Yes, but only after mastering the ground-level drive. The lofted drive is a variation of the standard drive — the same fundamentals apply with the addition of a tilted bat face at impact.