Paddle scoop

A paddle scoop, Marillier shot, or ramp shot is a modern cricketing shot that reached prominence in the early 21st century, although its recorded origins trace back to the 19th century. Players have used it more and more often in One Day International and Twenty20 cricket matches. The player makes the shot by positioning the body square-on with the ball, both feet pointing towards the bowler. The player uses the bat to deflect the ball over the batter's leg side shoulder, thus guiding the ball towards the fine leg region.

The shot is considered unorthodox, and not usually included in coaching manuals and textbooks. Many purists suggest it is not a true, graceful cricketing shot. However, executed well, the paddle-scoop is useful—often because it can be used on a delivery that is usually considered a good "line and length" delivery, and otherwise difficult to score runs on.

Also, the area where the shot sends the ball is often not patrolled by a fielder—and since the bowler's pace on the ball (faster than the pace imparted by a batsman's hit) sends it to the boundary, fielders may still find it difficult to cover more than a couple of yards on either side of themselves to stop the ball, because of its momentum.

This shot requires good hand-eye coordination, especially against fast bowlers. It's a premeditated shot that is occasionally used as a calculated risk. It's not practical for the bowling side to prepare for it, because positioning a fielder to stop a paddle scoop creates gaps and scoring opportunities in other areas.