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[ProCricketer1982]

Guys,
  I've brought myself a bowling machine and 50 balls for it. Now I've been training hard on grooving the basic shots etc. However, are there any other sessions I could do to shake it up a little that would help? Does anyone know any different sessions to use as training other than working on specific shots and getting someone to mix it up a little as well.

Any comments appreciated.

[Buzz]

do a search on bowling machine as I think I wrote a thread on it...

[ProCricketer1982]

Not showing up Buzz I'm afraid. Have you got a link to it?

[Buzz]

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=9558.msg150392#msg150392

enjoy - it is a little rough and ready

[Vitas Cricket]

What model is it? If it's got a random mode, then thats the way i like to practice. You are never going to get a juicy half volley at 45mph followed by a 75mph headhunter, but there is a decent amount of variation on swing, length and pace to keep me on my toes.

[ProCricketer1982]

I'll take butchers Buzz, cheers.

It's the Pro version and I've got a feeder so it's got the 'random' mode on it. I've done sessions where the feeder has 'mixed it up' to sharpen reactions up and not allow pre meditation etc. I noticed last year that it made my reactions a lot better and instinctive so now I'm working even harder this year and doing double the amount of sessions to keep improving.

[123*]

Set up areas a few yards apart with cones; you have to hit an area and miss the next one, hit the next etc etc, but you have to do this consecutively; if you miss one you have to go back to the start!

A bit different to help you maneuver the ball; aim is to imagine picking the gaps in nets!

Also if you have another person unscrew the silver screw underneath a bit so that it is easily movable; then the feeder has to hold the handle, he can then move the machine instantly rather then using the black screws to change the direction which you can easily pick up!

[Nickauger]

That sounds chuffing dangerous to me. If you do that make sure they have a play first because a few mm at the bowling machine will be magnified over 22 yards and a couple inches at 70+ mph could make the difference between a yorker and a beamer (exaggerate slightly)

[123*]

I thought it would be like that! But it really doesn't I've done it 5 or 6 times now and its really been fine! Obviously have a test first so you know the parameters!

[Nickauger]

Yeah fine if you can trust the bloke at the other end lol

[wilkie113]

Yeah fine if you can trust the bloke at the other end lol

The bowling machine at my club fired a full toss at my mate and hit him in the chest, luckily he was laughing as I was wetting myself.

needless to say the next bucket I got were all yorkers are bouncers haha

[ProCricketer1982]

Ok, so something I've tried over the past two days is this.

Get the feeder to bowl in overs and spells. So basically he tries to bowl like an opening bowler (so pace higher etc) for spells. Then he changes it up and bowls 'first change' type of bowling etc etc. He basically tries to bowl 50 overs worth of stuff.

Obviously my aim is to score runs (so he sets a field to each fielder and then I have to call like normal etc) and not get out.

Seems to be a great little game as the feeder enjoys trying to get me out and I have to actually play properly because if I get out it's his turn!

Do people think this is a reasonable training sessions if used just occasionally? (to train shot selection and patience mainly). Oh and I brought  myself 48 more balls so I'm upto 100 ish. Means a couple of large collection sessions rather than little and often. Seems to be quicker as I'm facing far more balls in an hour now than before, tiring too!