Distance is a distraction
A shot can travel a long way and still produce a four. The basic distinction is the ball's path relative to the ground and the boundary, rather than the effort of the swing. Under the usual boundary allowances, a four brings four runs and a six brings six. The umpires establish the boundary and any agreed allowances before play.
Look at the journey
For a boundary six, the ball must have been struck by the bat and first become grounded beyond the boundary without previously touching the ground inside the field. A ball that bounces inside before reaching the boundary is normally a boundary four. A delivery that has not touched the bat cannot become a boundary six simply because it passes over the rope in the air.
Do not combine every visible number
Imagine a batter sends a shot across the outfield, the batters start running, and the ball then reaches the boundary. Do not automatically add all visible running to the normal boundary allowance. The Laws specify how boundary allowances, completed runs and exceptional events interact. Overthrows require their own assessment, so a hurried screenshot can omit the decisive moment.
Trust a complete decision
Rope-side fielding involves further rules about the fielder's contact with the ground and ball. This short guide does not try to resolve an airborne catch from one frame. Watch the full sequence and wait for the official decision. For any particular competition, consult its current playing conditions alongside the MCC Laws. This is an educational explanation, with no claim about a current match.
Factual references
MCC official source 1 ↗Original explanatory writing. No official text, images, video or live-score feed is reproduced. References do not imply endorsement.