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[ammo]

Right, being injured at the moment (torn quad) I have had quite a bit of time to analyise how i bowl and what im not quite doing right.
1.My front arm is not pulling down it seams to just drift into position without generating much pace (I am a "fast" bowler), are there any tips on introducing the pulling motion into the action?
2. Secondly what is the role of the thumb when bowling because i may be gripping the ball to hard with my thumb, is the thumb just supposed to support the ball or apply pressure on it.
3.And are you supposd to hold the ball with the side of your thumb or the base (flat part) (as i am not getting consistant swing so i thing its my thumb)
Sorry if the questions don't make any sense, but hopefully some of them will be answered
Thanks,
Ammo

[Manormanic]

1.My front arm is not pulling down it seams to just drift into position without generating much pace (I am a "fast" bowler), are there any tips on introducing the pulling motion into the action?

Imagine the action you would use to bounce a heavy medicine ball into the ground in front of you.  This strengthens the core muscles on your side, and teaches you to pull the arm through with a crisp motion. 

[Vulcan Cricket]

hi ammo were do u live ??

[ammo]

@ Vulcan: Australia, why?
@ Manormanic Thanks gives a clear idea of the movement/motion
any more tips from anyone greatly appreciated

[tim2000s]

With regard to your front arm, in your delivery, throw your front arm up as though you are reaching up for something, and then pull it down as hard as you can. It will feel really odd at first if you are not using it properly, but after much practise you'll get there.

As for holding the ball, have a read of Bob Woolmer's coaching guide. He explains about how to hold the ball very well.

[ammo]

Tim for Bob Woolmers guide you mean the art and science of cricket? He doesn't quite explain the thumb position
And yeah i think ill have to intoduce the arm with a walking run up at first.
Anyone help with the thumb in the grip?

[Manormanic]

I don't actually think the position of your thumb matters too much, its more about getting the level of pressure right - if you are looking to bowl swing, you want the thumb to hold the ball in place as gently as possible so that the fingers can brush over the back of the ball on release.

[tim2000s]

I don't actually think the position of your thumb matters too much, its more about getting the level of pressure right - if you are looking to bowl swing, you want the thumb to hold the ball in place as gently as possible so that the fingers can brush over the back of the ball on release.

As Manor says, lightly holding the ball is key, and then use of your fingers and wrist is how you manage swing.

[ammo]

That answers alot been trying to do too much with my thumb or so it seems,
Cheers for the help everyone