I think Ian Pont either at junior or development level would be good within the England setup. By the time they reach the England setup they should be near the finished article. The coaching should then consist of tactics against oppo batsman and practising skills. For me somebody like Saker is better than a Pont in the current setup. The fundamentals of a bowlers action should not be tampered with during a test series. Who is to say bending that front leg on delivery helps minimise stress on the knee joint? Could be many reasons for bowlers actions during tests, most likely down to staying on the park. I heard a story that Jimmy Anderson reduced the pressure going through his front foot from x5 to x2 his own bodyweight. Some people might say it's reduced his pace but it's probably extended his career.
The issue is that if you make a drastic change to a bowler's action, it takes time to get used to. A lot of players assume that because they don't have instant success, what they're doing doesn't work, so they get into a negative frame of mind, and the downward spiral starts there. If they persevere, then assuming the change was thought through, 9 times out of 10 they will become better. The issue is though that they are professionals so they can't be away from bowling from too long or they'll lose their job.
In my understanding, bending your front knee will reduce the weight going through it, but it is also more likely to cause injury because your ligaments will have to cope with the stress rather than the joint as a whole. Ligaments have a habit of snapping whereas the joint kept straight would channel the force through to your hips where it would dissipate. And, from a cricketing perspective, you'll bowl significantly slower, and with less accuracy because you are less supported in your action.
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Topic: Ian Pont taking aim (Read 10375 times)