Scoop Shot in Cricket

The scoop shot is an unorthodox batting stroke that cups the ball and flips it over the wicketkeeper or fine leg for four or six. Once considered exotic, it is now a mainstream weapon in the T20 arsenal and a key score-accelerating shot during powerplays and death overs.

When to Scoop

• Full or yorker-length delivery on leg stump or middle and leg.
• When fine leg is not positioned on the boundary.
• During powerplay when aerial scoring is safer with fewer fielders outside.
• Against pace bowling — the bowler's pace provides the momentum to clear the wicketkeeper.

How to Play the Scoop

• Step across to outside the line of off stump (moving well across).
• Get the bat under the ball — cup the ball from below.
• Tilt the bat face almost horizontal — pointing upward.
• Allow the ball to travel in the direction it is coming from (toward fine leg).
• Keep the head still and eyes on the ball all the way.

Scoop Risks

• A mistimed scoop that goes straight up is the easiest catch in cricket — wicketkeeper has a free ball.
• If the bowler senses the scoop, they can bowl wider outside off to make it impossible.
• The stroke is difficult on slow pitches where the ball doesn't come onto the bat.