Bowling
Like many of the other areas of cricket, bowling requires patience and discipline. Cricket can be very much like a game of chess - not everything happens at once, it can be a tactical game and the bowlers can dictate the way the result turns out. It is crucial to the team that the bowler has a plan when he/she bowls. If your bowling is inconsistent then your team captain will have a tough job making sure the fielders are in the right positions for the shots the batsmen will play.
There are many different ways to bowl (Pace Bowling, Off-Spin, Leg Spin etc) and these will be discussed below. No matter what action you have, here are some tips that might help you:
Rhythm: If you watch the professionals will see that they have the same run up (approach) to the wicket for every ball. Consistency: Maintain a good bowling action. Try to bowl your action every ball - you are more likely to make mistakes if you vary your action through frustration. Bowling Line: Look to bowl a good bowling line. Bowling at middle stump may not always get you the best results. Look for ways in out-thinking the batsman and making him/her make a mistake.
These techniques are described below. You will see that all the bowling images show a right- handed bowler. If you are a left-handed bowler you will adjust your action accordingly. If you need help with this then please ask one of the coaching team to demonstrate for you.
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Bowling Grip Basic Bowling Action Bowling Action Off-Spin/Left Arm Orthodox Leg-Spin/Chinaman Buzzwords
1. Bowling Grip
Introduction :
This is the bowling grip for a medium or quicker paced bowler.
Coaching Points:
The seam should be vertical, the side of the thumb on the underneath of the ball, resting on the seam. The index (first) and middle fingers on either side of the seam, as shown. Don't grip the ball in the palm of your hand, but fairly loosely as pictured here.
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2. Basic Bowling Action
Introduction :
The bowling action is the sequence of movements which take place just before and just after the ball is bowled. The images on the left show you the basic bowling action, with no run up, but simply from a standing position.
Coaching Points:
Your back foot should be parallel to the bowling crease. Your front foot should be pointing forward towards the target with a comfortable stride. Your hips and shoulders should be in line with your body weight going slightly forward. Your Target Arm should be up and in line with the target. Your bowling arm should be up in front of your face. You should have the ball in the bowling grip illustrated above, with your wrist directly behind the ball. In the bowling action, your target arm pushers out towards the target. Your bowling arm pushes out and down, there should be a full arm swing and shoulder rotation. The back leg steps through. Importantly, keep your head steady throughout and keep looking at the target. Your arm must be straight at the point of delivery.
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3. Bowling Action
Introduction :
These illustrations show you the bowling position. It is important to remember that whether you bowl side on or chest on that either are fine.
Coaching Points:
Your hips and shoulders MUST be in line. Please seek advice from the coaching team if you are unsure.
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4. Off-Spin/Left Arm Orthodox
Introduction :
For the right-handed bowler, the Off-Spin delivery spins from a right-handers off-side to leg-side. For a left-handed bowler, the ball will spin from the batsman’s leg-side to off-side. A left-handed Off-Spin bowler bowls a ball called Left Arm Orthodox.
Coaching Points:
Grip of the ball is the important factor. Hold the ball across the seam under your index and second fingers. Spin is created as you roll the ball out of your hand, using your thumb. The aim is to bowl the ball in a way that it hits the seam and then spins as described in this introduction. You should aim to get extra spin by rotating the shoulders and following through with the back leg. Keep your head up and your eyes on the target.
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5. Leg-Spin/Chinaman Introduction :
For the right-handed bowler, the Leg-Spin delivery spins from a right-handers leg-side to off-side. For a left-handed bowler, the ball will spin from the batsman’s off-side to leg-side. A left-handed Leg-Spin bowler bowls a ball called a Chinaman.
Coaching Points:
Grip of the ball is the important factor. Hold the ball with your first three fingers as shown. Spin is created as you roll the ball out of your hand. The ball should come out of the side of the hand. You should aim to get extra spin by rotating the shoulders and following through with the back leg. Keep your head up and your eyes on the target.
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Buzz Words to Remember
Target Arm: Your target arm is your non-bowling arm. Side On: This is the position the body is in on release of the ball. You should be able to see behind your target arm. Chest On: This is the position the body is in on release of the ball. You should be able to see in front of your target arm