an opportunity to hit the ball and score runs (= points) without the possibility of being out, after a no-ball has been bowled (= a ball has been thrown in a way that is not allowed)
Example:
- He smashed a four off the free hit.
an opportunity to hit the ball without any opposition, which is given to one team when the other team commits a foul (= breaks the rules)
Example:
- The referee awarded a free hit for obstruction.