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[SixOfTheBest]

I'm a left arm quickie and have always had a relatively short run-up (14.5 paces, 14 into the wind and add a pace or so with it) and have generated a fair bit of pace through the crease which is all good but I'd start running pretty much at full pace from the top of my run. Last night I started experimenting with going off the what seemed ridiculously long run-up of a slightly older, more experienced quick. The first four balls I bowled off this run were wickets and I really had a nice rhythm up. The difference being I'd walk for a few steps, then get into a jog and build up momentum like it's recommended. Gave it another try tonight and have modified it from 24 down to 22 paces, walk the first four in from there then start building. Some coaches say whatever works for you whereas others I've spoken to say it's a waste of energy.

What are the thoughts of the CBF community?

[Old boy]

First thing I'd say is to go with what feels best. I believe you are much better off building into a run up rather than just exploding. Just look at the West Indian bowlers of the 70's & 80's, they all had perfect rhythm to the crease and then exploded. Give the longer run a go in a game, you will soon know if you are wasting energy. Talk to your wicket keeper, they are often very helpful in providing advice as to what appears to work best.

[uknsaunders]

In general most club bowlers have stupidly long run ups for the pace they generate. Too many club bowlers reach their top speed across the ground about 10 yards behind the umpire and start to slow down well before hitting the crease. That said, the key is be hitting the crease in a controlled way at your maximum speed. If a longer run up works then great.

[Red Ink Cricket]

in your current run up are you able to maintain the full sprint/pace into the crease? have you tried keeping the same length run up but starting slower and then really powering for the last 5-7 strides? maybe the length of your run up doesnt need to change but your approach/attitude to how you do it does?

[Manormanic]

A very interesting observation here; if you watch the great West Indian bowlers, when they ran in to bowl, they looked like guys running naturally, like a good distance runner, and would then add a natural bowling action at the end of it.  They rarely broke down, retained exceptional control, and hit higher average speeds than most bowlers could dream of. You could call this the advantage of a lack of coaching.

Too many bowlers have run ups that look nothing like any other kind of running based activity they would ever do - be they massive curves, arms thrown out at ridiculous, sometimes perverse angles, or effete hand movements.  Sure, these have an inherent rhythm for the individual bowler, but because of their idiosyncracies, they go wrong too easily whereas your West Indians greats had nothign to go wrong because they were *just running*

What to learn from this?  As Nick says, the key is to be at your maximum rhythmic pace as you enter your delivery stride.  What you need to do is find the most comfortable way to get to that pace, preferably in a straight line...

[tim2000s]

This is what always amuses me. I've never been a good distance runner. I'm much better as a sprinter. I always used to try and do the 18 yard run in and hated it. I shortened to a 12 yard sprint in and got a much better rhythm... Horses for courses.

[trypewriter]

I would imagine it's all about rhythm and what suits you. I always thought that pace was more about arm speed?

[Manormanic]

you can make up a certain amount of pace from the arm and wrist but without the right run up yo'll never get to the big numbers!

[paulkatich]

Good post OP.

[SixOfTheBest]

Thanks all for the replies!

In general most club bowlers have stupidly long run ups for the pace they generate. Too many club bowlers reach their top speed across the ground about 10 yards behind the umpire and start to slow down well before hitting the crease.

Yeah that's a pet hate of mine so I really make an effort to get through the crease/hit my top pace in my last few strides to the crease.

in your current run up are you able to maintain the full sprint/pace into the crease? have you tried keeping the same length run up but starting slower and then really powering for the last 5-7 strides? maybe the length of your run up doesnt need to change but your approach/attitude to how you do it does?

Yeah I am able to maintain the full pace into and through the crease in both run ups I feel. I don't explode out of the blocks from my shorter run I take a couple of little steps to steady myself first but that may be something to look at.

A very interesting observation here; if you watch the great West Indian bowlers, when they ran in to bowl, they looked like guys running naturally, like a good distance runner, and would then add a natural bowling action at the end of it.  They rarely broke down, retained exceptional control, and hit higher average speeds than most bowlers could dream of. You could call this the advantage of a lack of coaching.

Too many bowlers have run ups that look nothing like any other kind of running based activity they would ever do - be they massive curves, arms thrown out at ridiculous, sometimes perverse angles, or effete hand movements.  Sure, these have an inherent rhythm for the individual bowler, but because of their idiosyncracies, they go wrong too easily whereas your West Indians greats had nothign to go wrong because they were *just running*

What to learn from this?  As Nick says, the key is to be at your maximum rhythmic pace as you enter your delivery stride.  What you need to do is find the most comfortable way to get to that pace, preferably in a straight line...

That's a very good observation and one that we can learn a bit off too...that's why at the moment I think I might prefer my longer run up as I'm running at close to full velocity for a few steps longer than the other and this can help clear my mind, steady myself and make sure I have my balance right before really powering through for the last few steps. If there is one thing to be said about my bowling it is that I do like to keep everything in-line and as straight as possible, including my run up so that's not a problem.

Give the longer run a go in a game, you will soon know if you are wasting energy. Talk to your wicket keeper, they are often very helpful in providing advice as to what appears to work best.

This is where I have a bit of a decision to make, it's Friday morning here and I've got 2 games over Sat/Sun and still deciding which run-up to use. I'll probably use my normal one as I haven't had anyone check to see if I'm overstepping on the longer one yet. It doesn't feel I am but may go up to the nets tonight with a mate to make sure of it before using it in a game.

[Buzz]

make sure you decide what you are going to do in advance and stick to it, you don't want doubt in your mind.

you are talking a difference of eight paces, it sounds to me it may help you a little and it isn't a huge amount.

it might feel a big adjustment, but sometimes things click. keep trying it for me. you can always change back. it isn't like being a batsman when you only get one chance...

[SixOfTheBest]

Used it in a game yesterday and felt very good, felt I had some more pace and managed to pick up 3 (absolute sitter dropped at mid-off too so I'll put it down as 4  )