The Lofted Drive in Cricket — Hitting Over the Infield
The lofted drive is one of cricket's most spectacular attacking shots — launching the ball over mid-off, mid-on, or extra cover for a six or four. Here's how it works and when to use it.
The lofted drive is an attacking batting shot in which the ball is hit in the air — over the top of the infield — rather than along the ground. In limited-overs cricket, the lofted drive is one of the primary boundary-scoring shots during the powerplay, when only two fielders may be stationed outside the circle. A well-timed lofted drive clears mid-off or mid-on for six; a well-placed one beats the infield for four.
Technique
To loft a drive: the batsman gets to the pitch of the ball (front foot forward, ideally making contact before the ball rises) and swings through with an open bat face — angling the bat slightly upward at contact to send the ball into the air. The follow-through goes high. Unlike a conventional drive (keeping the ball along the ground), the lofted drive requires the batsman to deliberately tilt the bat to generate height.
Lofted Drive vs Slog
A lofted drive is a controlled, technically sound shot with specific footwork and timing. A slog is a less controlled, harder-hit shot — maximum power, less precision. Elite T20 batsmen can disguise their shot selection until late, making it difficult for bowlers to set appropriate fields. The lofted drive tends to be used against slower bowlers; the slog against pace bowling in the final overs.
The Lofted Drive Over Extra Cover
One of cricket's most beautiful shots is the lofted drive over extra cover — played against an off-side full delivery, the batsman drives through with a slightly open face to clear the short extra cover fielder and send the ball into the stands at extra cover. Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have played this shot superbly against spin bowling, using the spinner's loop and flight against them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lofted drive and a slog?
A lofted drive is a controlled, technically correct shot with proper footwork and deliberate ball-lifting technique. A slog prioritises maximum power over precision — typically a hard swing at the ball with less footwork.
When should you play a lofted drive?
The lofted drive is most effective during powerplays (limited fielders outside the circle), against slow deliveries that can be reached on the full, and when mid-off or mid-on is in the ring rather than on the boundary.