A power ramp is a shot in cricket that was popularized in the 21st century. It was an adjustment made by the batters to keep up with the increasing pace of the game and to widen the range of shots that they could hit around the ground. This shot is also known as the scoop shot and was popularized by Zimbabwe’s Douglas Marillier.
The success of the power ramp depends on the precision with which the batter angles the bat. Moreover, this angulation should be such that the batter utilizes the pace of the incoming ball to clear the field. Usually, a full length delivery aimed slightly outside the off-stump is a good candidate for a counter with the power ramp. An ideal time to hit this shot would be when the fielder at fine leg is within the 30-yard circle.
The ramp shot’s popularity exponentially rose in the T20 era. In the death overs, bowlers aim to bowl wide off the off stump (but within the wide lines) to keep the ball away from the batter. The field set for such a delivery is heavily dominated on the off side than the leg side. The fine leg fielder is usually placed inside the inner circle, thus making the power ramp a safe shot to opt for.
A ramp shot is played by the batter such that they swoop the bat in an upward and backward motion towards the leg side. But before this, the batter has to ensure that they are positioned in line of the ball.
To play the ramp shot, a batter positions himself in line of the ball. This shot relies heavily on the pace of the ball. The batter himself or herself does not exert any force of his or her own as evident from the restricted or negligible follow through of the bat.
A power ramp differs from the conventional ramp shot in that batters exert their own brute force and complete a follow-through to hit the shot. Batters may need to stride forward to hit this shot. The ideal time to hit a power ramp is when the pace of the ball is slow and is targeted outside the off stump. Though rarely seen, but a power ramp can also be hit against spinners.
In modern era, a power ramp has almost become a mandatory technique to master. It is especially crucial for the ones walking in at number five, six, and seven batting positions to learn the power ramp to ensure that an avenue of run-scoring is open at the tail-end of the innings.
