How to Play the Reverse Scoop in Cricket: Full Technique Guide
The reverse scoop scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper or third man by reversing the bat. Learn the footwork, grip, and when this T20 shot is worth the risk.
The reverse scoop is a premeditated attacking stroke where the batter rotates their bat face upward and scoops a full delivery toward third man, backward point, or over the slip cordon for four or six. It is played to off-side or straight deliveries and demands excellent hand-eye coordination and confidence.
The Concept
Most fielding setups in limited-overs cricket leave the third man region open during powerplays or when the captain sets attacking fields. The reverse scoop exploits that by sending the ball backward and away from the conventional on-side and off-side fields. A right-hander effectively plays a shot resembling a left-hander’s ramp, redirecting pace back over the off side.
Footwork
- Stand tall, slightly open in your stance so you can see the full pitch of the ball.
- As the ball is released, step across to the off side — your front foot moves toward off stump, getting your body behind the line of the ball.
- Bend the front knee to lower your centre of gravity. This lets you get under the ball and scoop upward.
- Your head should be over the ball, not falling away to the leg side.
Grip and Bat Rotation
This is the technical core of the shot:
- As you move into position, rotate the bat handle so the face opens toward the sky and points in the direction of third man.
- Many batters loosen the bottom hand significantly and allow the top hand to control the direction.
- The V-grips effectively rotate so the right-hander’s bat handle points toward point.
Execution: Step-by-Step
| Phase | Action |
|---|---|
| Read early | Identify full delivery outside off stump — trigger for the shot |
| Step across | Front foot moves toward off, getting in line |
| Rotate bat face | Open the face upward, toward third man/backward point |
| Bend and scoop | Get low, meet the ball in front of the body |
| Aim the direction | Decide: over keeper’s head (finer) or over third slip (squarer) |
| Follow-through | Upward, in the direction of the target gap |
When to Play It
- Powerplay overs when third man and backward point are inside the circle.
- Against off-pace or cutters at full length outside off stump.
- When the field has packed the leg side and off side; the backward region is empty.
- As a change of gear stroke when the bowler is building pressure with line and length.
Risks and Mitigation
| Risk | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top edge to slip | Bat face not fully open | Commit to rotating the face completely |
| Caught at short third man | Not enough loft | Aim higher; bend lower to create more angle |
| Bowled | Missing the ball entirely | Only play it to full deliveries; yorkers make it near impossible |
| LBW | Playing across the line to a straight ball | Step across early to get bat between ball and stumps |
Practice Drill
Use a bowling machine set to full, off-stump line at medium pace. Stand close to the machine (reducing reaction time gradually) and work on the bat rotation drill first without trying to hit hard — just feel the face opening. Then progress to scooping toward a target you’ve set at fine third man. Aim for consistency of contact before maximising height.
Quick summary: The reverse scoop rotates the bat face upward and scoops a full off-stump delivery over third man or the slip cordon. Step across, open the face, get low, and scoop upward. Most effective during powerplays when the backward region is unguarded.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reverse scoop in cricket?+
The reverse scoop is played by a right-handed batter as if scooping to the left — the bat is rotated so the face points upward and toward third man, scooping the ball over the slip cordon or backward point region.
Who plays the reverse scoop best?+
AB de Villiers was renowned for the reverse scoop and similar innovations. Jos Buttler, MS Dhoni, and Brendon McCullum also used variations of the shot to devastating effect in T20 cricket.
Is the reverse scoop different from the ramp shot?+
Yes. The ramp is played to pace bowling, using the bowler's speed to carry the ball over fine leg or the wicketkeeper. The reverse scoop is typically played to fuller deliveries and relies on the batter actively scooping the ball toward third man or point with a rotated bat face.