How to Play the Helicopter Shot in Cricket: Full Guide

MS Dhoni turned a yorker into a six by rolling his wrists over completely after contact, sending the bat into a high arc above his head. That follow-through, not the power of the swing itself, is what makes the helicopter shot the shot it is. It stays the definitive answer to a full delivery aimed at the base of the stumps in the closing overs.

Why the Shot Exists

A yorker or full ball into the stumps in the death overs leaves limited options: dig it out defensively, or slog and risk a top edge. The helicopter shot gets around both by using a strong wrist roll to get under the ball and clear the rope while still connecting cleanly with a delivery arriving near the batter’s feet.

Grip

Exceptionally strong wrists and a specific grip make this shot possible.

• Hold lower on the handle than usual, which frees up wrist action.
• The bottom hand stays firm through contact, then rolls over completely.
• The top hand guides, but the bottom-hand wrist rotation supplies the power.

Footwork and Stance

1. Stride the front foot toward the pitch of the ball, or, against a yorker, toward the crease to get in line.
2. Keep the body slightly open; a closed stance restricts the high follow-through.
3. Drop the back knee to get low and under a yorker. That’s what creates the lift angle.

Execution: Step-by-Step

Phase	Action
Identify the length	Spot the full or yorker line early from hand position
Step forward	Front foot toward the ball; keep weight forward, not falling back
Get low	Back knee drops toward the crease for yorker-length balls
Swing through	Full bat swing from low to high, through the line of the ball
Wrist roll	At contact, the bottom-hand wrists roll completely over; this generates lift and the characteristic follow-through
Follow-through	Bat continues rotating high above the head; don’t check the swing

The Wrist Roll: The Core Skill

Most batters can hit a full ball over midwicket. What separates the helicopter is complete wrist rotation at and after contact. That roll does three things:

• Converts a low swing into one that lifts the ball steeply.
• Allows connection even on yorker-length deliveries that would otherwise jam into the base of the bat.
• Creates the high, spinning follow-through that names the shot.

Practice the roll on its own first: hold the bat at thigh height with the face pointing down, then roll the wrists so the face turns upward and the bat finishes above the head. Add the swing once that motion feels natural.

When to Play It

• Death overs, roughly 17 through 20, against pace bowlers targeting yorkers.
• Full, straight deliveries on leg stump or coming into the body.
• When deep midwicket or long on is the best gap available.
• As a planned shot against a bowler known to go full into the stumps late in the innings.

Who Can Play It

Honestly, it requires above-average wrist strength and it’s genuinely hard. Batters with strong wrists, a low grip, and quick reactions pick it up fastest; it isn’t a shot for beginners. Most recreational players will get more consistent results from a conventional slog or a chip over midwicket. That said, the wrist-roll component itself can be trained.

Comparison: Helicopter vs Other Leg-Side Shots

Shot	Best Delivery	Wrist Action	Difficulty
Helicopter	Full/yorker, leg stump	High wrist roll	High
Flick	Full/good length, on leg	Wrist roll, smaller	Medium
Slog sweep	Spin, full	Minimal wrist	Medium
Conventional slog	Short of a length	Minimal	Low–Medium

Practice Drill

Use a tee or a bowling machine set to yorker length on leg stump. Start with the tee so you can focus entirely on swing path and wrist roll without worrying about timing. Hit at around 70% power and check that the wrist rotation finishes above your head, then gradually increase pace. Once contact is consistent, move to bobble feeds and eventually live bowling.