Ramp Shot in Cricket
What is the ramp shot in cricket? How to play this audacious stroke that redirects the ball over the wicketkeeper's head for four or six.
The ramp shot is an audacious stroke that redirects the ball — usually a short or back-of-a-length delivery outside off stump — over the wicketkeeper and backward point region for four or six. It uses the pace of the bowler against them, deflecting the ball over a fielder-free area.
When to Play the Ramp
- Back-of-a-length delivery outside off stump coming into the body.
- When third man and fine leg are positioned up, leaving the aerial zone empty.
- Death overs in T20 when taking the game on is essential.
- Against pace bowling — the ramp uses the bowler's pace so faster deliveries suit it.
How to Play the Ramp
- Move outside the line of the ball — step to off side or get across.
- Open the face of the bat to almost horizontal.
- Let the ball hit the bat face high and angle it over the slip/keeper area.
- Minimal swing required — deflect rather than drive.
- The ball's own pace carries it over the fielders.
Ramp Variations
| Variation | Direction | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Upper ramp | Over keeper, fine leg region | Back-of-a-length from leg side |
| Ramp over third man | Backward point direction | Short, wide outside off |
| Ramp over slip | Backward point or gully | Seam delivery moving away |
Frequently asked questions
Who invented the ramp shot?
The ramp was pioneered by Kevin Pietersen and popularised widely in T20 cricket. Today it is played by Jos Buttler, David Warner, and almost every T20 specialist.
Is the ramp the same as the scoop?
Similar but not identical. The ramp deflects the ball backward using the face; the scoop cups the ball more deliberately and flips it over fine leg. The paddle scoop is a variant between the two.