Putting It All Together

Basic Bowling Drill 4 – Putting It All Together

There are five basic aspects of bowling:

  • The run-up
  • Bound
  • Coil
  • Release
  • Follow through

The Run-Up

As you set off from the top of your run-up, start by using small steps before changing to larger strides.  Keep your arms close to your body and your head steady – keep your eyes fixed on the target – the batsman. 

There are also some golden rules for run ups:

  1. Practise a set run up and get used to bowling off it – don’t keep varying it your bowling will be inconsistent of you do.
  2. Know what your run up is (how many paces you bowl off) and stick to it.
  3. Always pace out your run up first before you bowl.
  4. Always, always, always mark your run up.
  5. Don’t take a longer run up than you need to bowl at your chosen pace – it just wastes your energy and everyone else’s time.
  6. Don’t try zig zag or steeply angled run ups.  Keep it straight or just off straight for consistent line and length.

The Bound

As you approach the crease, turn your body to get side on and lean back slightly.

The Coil

The coil is the spring from which the ball is released. Keep the ball close to your chin with your head looking behind a high front arm.

As your back foot lands on the pitch, keep your body upright. Your back leg should remain stable and support the body while the front foot should be raised slightly.

Your front foot should be pointing to the batsman as it lands with the leg braced ready to take the full impact of the delivery.

Release

As the shoulders begin to rotate, push your bowling arm forward and down from the coil position, with your non-bowling arm pointing to the batsman.  The arms should rotate through with the ball released at the top of the delivery arc.

Follow Through

As you follow through, fold your bowling arm into your body and swing your hips around to finish .  Your momentum will take you towards the batsman but make sure you don’t run down the middle of the pitch.

Perfecting the bound and coil is not easy and many juniors find this diffcult to incorporate into their bowling action.  As your bowling develops your coaches will work with you to improve your technique.  If you can’t seem to do it at first, don’t worry – it will come with practice.