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General Cricket => Cricket Training, Fitness and Injuries => Topic started by: 123* on March 06, 2013, 11:10:01 AM

Title: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: 123* on March 06, 2013, 11:10:01 AM
Anyone got any ideas on how to freshen things up on the bowling machine? Normally just go down there have a hit groove a couple of shots without really thinking too much about it! Any advice would be great, also I've already read Buzz's section on this and it is very interesting! There was a topic like this previously but can't for the life of me find it!
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: Buzz on March 06, 2013, 11:42:18 AM
here are a few more ideas...
Various different other things you can do.
Starting with using a training bat, or just one hand on the bat.

Then trying some spin, but putting the bowling machine at 45 degrees? that is relatively effective if you get the settings right.

Have you tried varying the speeds too? Practice against a 50-60 mph dot ball bowler for a session then a proper quick – the change in speed and length will mean you get a different challenge.

What about working in some fitness, so face 10 balls then do some fully kitted up shuttles, then face another ten balls etc. Batting is tough when you are knackered.

Also work game situations, think having the bowler bowling around the wicket to a leg side field of a deep set off side field.

You could also use cones to try to hit 'gaps' making them smaller and smaller.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: Liam-SCCC on March 06, 2013, 11:52:22 AM
Auto variant, you set it up on a basic line, length and speed. Ten you press the 2 swing buttons simultaneously and the green lights will flash. The bowling machine will then vary the speed and swing of the ball itself
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on March 06, 2013, 11:58:43 AM
Auto variant, you set it up on a basic line, length and speed. Ten you press the 2 swing buttons simultaneously and the green lights will flash. The bowling machine will then vary the speed and swing of the ball itself

Wait.....wut? On a Bola yeah? This is incredible, I never knew this.....
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: petehosk on March 06, 2013, 12:43:57 PM
I didn't know this either!
Pedals....we both know what's going to take place on Thursday now, don't we!!  :(
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on March 06, 2013, 12:45:40 PM
We do Mr H! And I think this Auto Variant setting is going to get a heavy workout! Bruce will love it!  :D



Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 01:12:33 PM
It's in the little blue booklet/manual that comes with the bowling machine. Plus if you go on bola's site and look up the auto feeder it says there too. It is good fun and adds enough variations that its less predictable .
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: 123* on March 06, 2013, 01:13:51 PM
How much variation are we talking here? Don't want a 50mph outswinger changing at a 85mph inducker ha!
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 01:15:09 PM
I've only noticed slight variations tbh. Nothing out landish :)
So from 1 out swing to 1 in or 65 mob to 70 or 60 etc
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: 123* on March 06, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Is this on any bola?
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: PedalsMcgrew on March 06, 2013, 01:44:58 PM
It's in the little blue booklet/manual that comes with the bowling machine. Plus if you go on bola's site and look up the auto feeder it says there too. It is good fun and adds enough variations that its less predictable .

Cool..............although I cannot believe you read the manual! that's cheating!  :D
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 01:46:34 PM
Is this on any bola?

As far as I'm aware any club or pro version yes (only when the auto feeder is used though!!)

Haha, I didn't until someone said you could do spin and I didn't know how so cheated.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: trypewriter on March 06, 2013, 02:23:51 PM
Cool..............although I cannot believe you read the manual! that's cheating!  :D

It's certainly not manly to read the manual... :D
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: uknsaunders on March 06, 2013, 03:01:41 PM
I have used bowling machines in the past to target weak areas in my batting or things normal net bowlers can't do ie. bouncers aimed directly at your head ball after ball or working the ball away through the legside. Once you reckon you have all the shots down to a tee, ramp it up 5 mph and start all over again.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: toenails97 on March 06, 2013, 03:24:28 PM
I didn't know about the auto variant either :o
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: Vitas Cricket on March 06, 2013, 03:31:07 PM
The auto variant (or random mode) is only on the top of the line model from BOLA.

Its a good test to be honest, the slower ball is the one that is noticeable. Other than that you'll notice the odd one swing in or out a little bit more.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 03:52:11 PM
I have no idea if its on only the top ones etc. I know mine has it as I got the top one (might as well huh) :)

It's good fun though
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: Fezballoh on March 07, 2013, 07:25:46 PM
We use our one outside which seems to have given it mind of its own! Possibly because the balls get a bit dusty but it gives you enough variation to keep you honest. Also if you buy balls from different suppliers I think they are slightly different sizes which come out differently from each other.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: Vitas Cricket on March 07, 2013, 08:04:36 PM
We use our one outside which seems to have given it mind of its own! Possibly because the balls get a bit dusty but it gives you enough variation to keep you honest. Also if you buy balls from different suppliers I think they are slightly different sizes which come out differently from each other.

We change our balls every 3-4 months (they are in near constant use) and the more nicks/dents/scratches/chips etc that they have, the more unpredictable they get.

We only use BOLA balls.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 08:08:04 PM
Yep same as Vitas. I brought 7 new packs of Bola's this winter and even though I mainly use it alone they'll all be changed come mid/late summer for new batches. As Vitas said, they lose their shape and although not bad just lose that accuracy which is one of hte reasons you have a bola in the first place.

I've tried cricket balls in the machine but they don't seem to come out like the real thing.. oh and it destroys them very quickly.
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: procricket on March 07, 2013, 08:13:23 PM
Fielding machine is much kinder on balls and is what I have used and is quality
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 08:20:02 PM
Fielding machine is much kinder on balls and is what I have used and is quality

Is is the Bola one? I'm thinking of getting one as it would make fielding training that much more productive but haven't really used one so don't know how much real value they provide. The bowling machine has been probably the best training aid possible so I'd have high hopes for it :)
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: procricket on March 07, 2013, 08:22:46 PM
Is is the Bola one? I'm thinking of getting one as it would make fielding training that much more productive but haven't really used one so don't know how much real value they provide. The bowling machine has been probably the best training aid possible so I'd have high hopes for it :)

Yes it is mate it similar to the normal one bar different spinners and has a different type of over handle..

I use one with a katchet for my keeping


Agree the bowling machine is a great tool if used correctly and it limitations are understood
Title: Re: Using the bowling machine?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 08:25:07 PM
Yes it is mate it similar to the normal one bar different spinners and has a different type of over handle..

I use one with a katchet for my keeping


Agree the bowling machine is a great tool if used correctly and it limitations are understood


Cool. I am still not totally sold on getting the fielding one but I'll keep mulling it over. Can't really get out regularly for fielding yet. I've got someone who's willing to spend hours doing training so it might be worth it.