On Drive in Cricket
How to play the on drive — the stroke that hits a full delivery on middle or leg stump through mid-on. Technique, footwork, and when to use it.
The on drive is played to a full-length delivery on middle or leg stump, directing the ball between mid-on and mid-wicket. It is technically demanding because the batsman must swing the bat across the line slightly without losing balance, and the shot requires excellent footwork and strong wrists.
When to Play the On Drive
- Full delivery on middle or leg stump.
- When the ball is not swinging into the body — an inswingers requires great care.
- After the batsman has set their foot correctly so they can swing through freely.
- When mid-on is up and the gap is inviting.
How to Play the On Drive
- Stride the front foot across and toward the pitch of the ball — aim for 'inside the line'.
- Point the front shoulder toward mid-on (not straight ahead).
- The bat swings across the body slightly — from off side to leg side — in a controlled arc.
- The bottom hand provides the power as the bat sweeps through.
- Follow through with the bat pointing toward mid-on.
- Keep the head still throughout.
Risk: The Inswinger
The on drive is one of the most dangerous shots to play against a bowler who can swing or seam the ball back in. If the batsman commits to the drive and the ball swings late into the bat, it can take the inside edge onto the stumps or pad. The safest time to on-drive is when the bowler is not threatening inward movement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an on drive and a flick?
An on drive uses the full face of the bat in a driving motion. The flick is a wristy deflection of a ball that is too straight or onto the body — it deflects rather than drives.
Is the on drive harder than the off drive?
Most coaches consider the on drive harder because the batsman must swing across the line and control the bat face more carefully. The off drive is more in the natural arc of a straight-bat swing.