Reverse Sweep
A cricket batting shot in which the batter reverses their hands to sweep the ball to the opposite side from a normal sweep.
Definition
The reverse sweep is an unorthodox cricket stroke played mainly against slower and spin bowling. The batter drops into a sweep position but reverses the wrists and turns the bat face so the ball is deflected to the off side (for a right-hander) instead of the leg side — effectively hitting to the opposite side from a conventional sweep.
It is used to counter fielding placements and spin by opening up areas of the field that are usually protected. The shot carries risk because the batter plays across the line with an unusual grip, but skilled players use it, and its close relative the switch-hit, to manipulate the field and disrupt a bowler's plans.
Where you’ll hear “reverse sweep”
Sports that use this term:
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Reverse Sweep to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Disciplines
- Sweep RowingSweep rowing is the discipline in which each rower handles a single oar with both hands, driving one side of the boat as part of a crew.
- SlopestyleSlopestyle is a freestyle snowboarding discipline in which riders descend a course of jumps and rails, performing tricks on features of their choice.
- Parallel (Alpine)Parallel is an alpine snowboarding discipline in which two riders race side by side down gated courses, carving turns on stiffer alpine boards.
- ScullingSculling is the discipline in which each rower uses two oars, one in each hand, propelling the boat symmetrically from both sides.
Equipment
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
- VolleyballA soft, inflated ball struck with the hands and arms in volleyball.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
- TacklingThe skill of legally challenging an opponent to win the ball or stop their progress.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
Exercises
- Bird dogA core exercise on hands and knees where you extend opposite arm and leg while staying steady.
- Side plankA core hold on one forearm and the side of the foot that targets the muscles along your side.
- Dead bugA floor core exercise where you extend opposite arm and leg while keeping your back settled.
- Russian twistA rotational core exercise where you twist your torso from side to side while seated and leaning back.
Rules
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
Techniques
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.