Backlift

Whilst the majority of people (professionals and amateurs alike) have a defined backlift before the bowler delivers the ball, I was wondering about my technnique the other day.  Basically I don't think I have a backlift before the bowler bowls the ball, as I play the shot directly from when my bat is still on the ground.  So in effect I tap the bat on the ground, then play a shot from a stationary position without any pre-fixed backlift.  I was wondering if anybody else bats like this, or does everyone on here make a pre-determined backlift movement a few seconds before the bowler releases?

Perhaps I was a little unclear in the first post.  It's not that I don't have a backlift, as I must do otherwise I wouldn't generate any power as you rightly say.  But rather, the backlift and shot must come as one when the bowler releases the ball.  For example, a Michael Vaughan will tap his bat on the floor a few times, then make a purposeful backlift around 1 second before the bowler releases.  Whereas my backlift and shot come as one from a position where my bat toe is still on the ground (if that makes sense).  I guess the nearest person I could compare too is somebody like Doni of India, who plays the shot without any clearly defined backlift that is held for a second or so.

If it works for you then why change it.  Only if you feel you're a bit late on the ball or have trouble against quick bowling do you need to lift it earlier.

Well it's possible to 'punch' the ball effectively with a small backlift. I do it all the time against a particularly fast bowler aiming full. I don't want to open up to much and be bowled. My usual backlift is about 45 degrees to 2nd slip. I know other batsmen with a large backlift. It doesn't feel right for me so mine is much more limited.

My backlift is high and straight.

picking the bat up may ruin your timing!

just becuase he doesnt pick the bat up, doesnt mean he has a small back lift, nathan astle does this!

There are pros and cons of high and small BL.  Its all physics, the more momentum from the bat the harder the ball is hit, this is true from the high back lift as you would have swung the bat in a bigger pendulum.  But of course the time it takes for the bat to get to the ball is longer, and it can get you in trouble, just look at Lara at the beginning of his innings.  A small back lift is obviously quicker to get to the ball, but you could be playing the ball too early which means less power, or worse, hitting the ball in the air too often in the infield.  Physics aside, BL is about rhythm, do whatever you are comfortable with i say :)

i have picture of back lift

Most batsmen will raise their bat as the bowler approaches.

Taking the bat back and stepping to the ball sets the batsman up for playing the correct shot properly.

The bat is taken back towards the stumps and at the top of the backlift the face should open towards second slip.

The front shoulder should roll down as the bat is lifted, with the head kept as still as possible.

Keep the hands close to the back hip, so that toe of the bat is at around shoulder height.

Ensure any movement forward or back is completed before the downswing of the bat begins