Bouncers are used tactically to drive the batsman back on to
his back foot if he has been freely playing front foot scoring shots, such as
drives. To this end, bouncers are usually directed more or less at the line
of the batsman's body. Aiming at the batsman is not illegal provided the ball
bounces on the pitch or is below the waist height, and is a tactically
important part of the game. Aiming at the batsman's head without bouncing on
the pitch, known as a beamer, is illegal.