This article was produced in consultation with Owen Mottau - Batting Technical Specialist,
Sri Lanka.
The
glance strokes are simple extensions of the optimal defensive strokes
on the leg-side. For the front foot leg-glance, a short step is taken
with the front foot pointing to the off-side (Video
30; Figure 19). The rear hip opens up quickly to the front, and
contact is made with the ball in front of the pad by dropping the front
elbow to the left and pushing the wrists forward. For the back foot leg-glance,
a front-on position is obtained, and contact made in front of the body,
as the wrists turn at impact (Video 31).
Video
30 To play the front foot leg-glance,
follow the principles of all front foot on-side play: short step,
front foot pointing towards the off-side, and rear hip turned towards
the front. Before impact, start rolling the wrists, so that at impact
the ball is angled behind square leg. A short backlift is required
- the bat should be brought down early in front of the pad.
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Video
31 The back foot leg-glance is executed
when the chest is opened up to face the bowler. Contact is made in
front of the body, and the wrists rolled onto the ball.
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Figure
19 Sunil
Gavaskar executing a leg glance. Note how the front foot points towards
cover and the rear foot is lifted and turned, which opens up the hips.