Gary Palmers technical analysis on, SIDE ON verses a more OPEN stance 2021.

This video responds to Mike Atherton saying on TV, " There are coaches out there that think the game is not a sideways game; they are WRONG.” I am inclined to disagree with this statement because so many players I have worked with and encouraged to be more open, have responded with positive results in doing so. Sir Alastair Cook is a good example. Also coaches teaching a more open stance have been highly effective in developing young batters who play straight well. I am passionate about this because I have seen the data/results through actively coaching batters day in, day out over 30 years of coaching. I will always favour open stance over a side-on stance because it works and makes batting easier. The evidence is compelling to support this approach and in a practical coaching situation could prove it every time. There are many successful international players who stand open which is evidence that it works at the highest level. Steve Smith is a classic example. You can be side-on, or open in your stance, there are players that are successful at both, but I have discovered through years of coaching that an open stance is more effective. It stops batters tipping over and getting blocked off. It gives you better access to hit the ball in the v. It makes it easier to maintain alignment and balance It makes you less vulnerable to LBW when the ball swings in. It makes it easier to judge leaving the ball outside off stump. It allows you to play well through the off-side from an initial position of good balance and alignment. It makes it easier to get your head forward for the front foot drives which enhances your hitting zone and leaning into the shot. It's easier to access and play the swinging and turning deliveries on the stumps being more open. The key is to keep the front shoulder more open in the set up and during back swing so you can maintain good balance and alignment until you commit to the shot. When playing straight in the V you only need to engage the shoulder to hit through the off side which is easier to do from a more open stance than a side on stance. When the shoulder is too far round in stance or begins to turn too early before you know what line a delivery is, balance and alignment can be compromised. Try it and let the outcome decide whats works best for you. Test by results