So, you want to get into cricket and master the art of bowling – but where do you begin? In our view, the best place to start is by brushing up on your theoretical knowledge. The better you understand the various techniques professional bowlers use, the easier it will be for you to practice them and progress your skills for real.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to cricket bowling basics. Below, we’ll introduce you to the art of bowling, covering common techniques and strategies that the pros use. Then, we’ll offer some pointers to help you get started, recommending ways to practice and hone your skills.
The aim of bowlers in cricket
You don’t need us to tell you how important bowlers are in the game of cricket. If you’ve ever watched a match before, you’ll know that the bowler is every bit as crucial as the batter in determining the outcome. In a way, a cricket match is a battle of wits between the bowler and batter: both are continually trying to outmanoeuvre and outsmart each other, and subtle variations in technique and approach can make all the difference.
It’s important to remember this when you’re learning about bowling techniques, because every single one shares the same goal – to get the batter out (or at least to limit the number of runs they can score). Being a successful batter is as much about psychology as it is about technique; it’s your job to think about what the batter is expecting and then deliver the ball in a way that takes them by surprise. That’s what separates good bowlers from great ones.
With all that in mind, mastering the art of bowling is an immense challenge. To help you get started, let’s cover the essential techniques you need to know about.
Bowling techniques you should know about
Most bowlers usually tend to fall into one of two categories: spin or pace. Spin bowlers do just what you’d expect: apply spin to the ball that makes it bounce unpredictably, making it tricky for the batter to land a perfect hit. Pace bowlers are all about speed, delivering the ball so quickly that the batter is forced to react in an instant, leaving them precious little time to strike the ball.
Although most bowlers eventually tend to specialise in either pace or spin bowling, when you’re just starting out it’s important to work on both strategies. Both pace and spin bowling can work more effectively in different scenarios, so knowing when to utilise each technique to your team’s advantage is key.
Pace (or fast) bowling
Otherwise known as fast bowling, pace bowling is all about sheer speed. Sometimes, there’s no substitute for a blindingly fast delivery, because it leaves the batter very little time to process it, react and deliver a perfect hit. Fast bowling is a proven technique that works well in most scenarios, but it’s very difficult to master: pro fast bowlers can slingshot the ball at speeds of over 90 mph! If that’s not daunting for a batter, we don’t know what is.
Spin bowling
As we mentioned above, spin bowling is another popular technique that can be every bit as effective as pace bowling in the right scenario. Again, it’s difficult to master – you need to use your fingers and wrist to subtly alter the attitude of the ball as it leaves your hand, causing it to spin mid-air and land in an unpredictable fashion. A well-delivered spin bowl can make the batter’s job very difficult.
Seam bowling
This technique is all about using the seam of the ball to your advantage. Purposely delivering the ball so that the seam strikes the ground first often results in an unpredictable bounce, again giving the batter a hard time.
Swing bowling
Another advanced technique to be aware of, swing bowling involves using the asymmetrical shape of the ball to alter its arc. A well-executed swing bowl gives the ball an unpredictable flight path, catching the batter off guard at the last second.
How to master the art of bowling in cricket
One word: practice. There’s no substitute for training and real-world experience, so if you’re looking to become a skilled bowler you’ll have to get out there and get practicing! You’ll find all of the equipment you need to do exactly that here at 3D Sports.
As one of the UK’s leading cricket retailers, we stock a vast range of quality products from big brands like Kookaburra. From cricket match balls to ground equipment and training gear like cricket nets, our lineup caters for everyone from beginner players to club owners and pros. Discover our complete range today or check out our buying guides and blogs to learn more.
