How to Hit Big Sixes in Cricket: Tips, Exercises, and Drills

News Delhi/ Richa S Kakkar

Hitting a big six in cricket is one of the most thrilling moments for any batsman. Whether you’re playing a casual match or in a professional game, the roar of the crowd as the ball sails over the boundary is unforgettable. But hitting consistent sixes requires more than just luck. It takes strength, technique, and practice. Here’s how you can train to hit those massive sixes.

The Key to Big Sixes

To hit a six, you need a combination of power, timing, and proper body mechanics. While brute force can help, the key is in your technique. Here are some key factors to focus on:

1. Good Timing: Timing the ball well is more important than just hitting it hard. When the ball meets the sweet spot of the bat at the right moment, it travels further.
2. Strong Body: Power in your legs, core, and arms is essential to generating the force needed for big hits.
3. Footwork: Moving your feet quickly and getting into the right position is crucial for connecting the ball properly.
4. Bat Swing: A smooth, full bat swing helps generate momentum and power. The follow-through after hitting the ball should be natural and controlled.

Exercises to Improve Your Six-Hitting

To hit sixes consistently, your body needs to be strong and flexible. Here are some exercises that can help:

1. Squats: Strong legs are the foundation of powerful shots. Squats help build leg strength and stability, giving you the power to drive the ball.
   • How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your hips as if sitting in a chair, then stand up. Start with bodyweight squats and gradually add weights as you improve.
2. Core Exercises: Your core muscles (abs and lower back) play a huge role in stabilizing your body and generating rotational power. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises will strengthen your core.
   • How to do it: Hold a plank position for 30-60 seconds, and try Russian twists with a weight or medicine ball for added resistance.
3. Push-ups: Upper body strength, especially in your arms and shoulders, is important for controlling the bat and generating power.
   • How to do it: Start with regular push-ups, keeping your body straight and engaging your core. Increase repetitions as you get stronger.
4. Medicine Ball Throws: This exercise mimics the explosive motion of hitting a six. It helps train your body to rotate powerfully through the shot.
   • How to do it: Hold a medicine ball at chest height, rotate your torso, and throw the ball against a wall or to a partner. This builds power in your core and shoulders.
5. Deadlifts: This compound exercise strengthens your entire lower body, back, and core, which are essential for generating the power to hit sixes.
   • How to do it: Using a barbell, bend at the hips and knees, then lift the barbell while keeping your back straight.

Drills for Six-Hitting

Once you’ve built up your strength, you need to practice hitting sixes with these drills:

1. High Catch Drill: This helps you practice lifting the ball off the ground and hitting it into the air, which is key for six-hitting.
   • How to do it: Get a coach or partner to throw high, slow balls to you. Focus on getting underneath the ball and hitting it upwards, using your full body for power.
2. Range Hitting Drill: The goal is to hit the ball as far as possible. Use different types of balls—tennis balls, leather balls, or rubber balls—to vary the difficulty and challenge your shot-making.
   • How to do it: Practice hitting the ball into open space and try to improve your distance with each hit. Focus on timing and follow-through rather than just brute force.
3. Footwork Drill: Footwork is key for positioning yourself to hit sixes. If you get your feet in the right place, you’re more likely to time the ball well.
   • How to do it: Place cones on the ground in different positions (like forward, backward, and to the sides). Practice moving quickly between the cones and hitting balls in each direction.
4. Bat Swing Practice: Improving your bat swing is crucial to hitting big shots. Practice your swing regularly without a ball to get comfortable with the full range of motion.
   • How to do it: Stand in your batting stance and practice a full, smooth swing. Focus on a controlled follow-through and imagine hitting the ball for a six every time.
5. Boundary Target Drill: Set up targets near the boundary and practice hitting balls to those areas. This helps improve your ability to clear the boundary consistently.
   • How to do it: Set a target or place a cone near the boundary and try to hit it during practice. Focus on timing and aim.

Final Tips for Hitting Big Sixes

• Stay Relaxed: Tension in your body can throw off your timing and power. Stay relaxed and let your natural swing do the work.
• Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Watch the ball closely until it hits your bat. This helps with timing and ensures better contact.
• Practice Regularly: Hitting sixes is not just about raw power, but muscle memory. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Hitting big sixes in cricket takes a combination of strength, technique, and practice. By working on your fitness through exercises like squats, push-ups, and core training, and by practicing with targeted drills, you can improve your ability to hit massive shots. With consistent effort and the right mindset, you’ll soon be sending the ball over the boundary with ease!