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[TangoWhiskey]

Ever since I was a kid I have been a bowler. In my late teens and early twenties I was even regarded as a quickie, but a series of relatively serious knee injuries have rendered me physically unable to bowl with any kind of pace or accuracy. I have been told medically that my bowling career is over so I have turned to spin for nets. My problem is that I don't seem capable of imparting any kind of spin on the ball and no matter how much I try, I just can't get my fingers to work.

Has anyone got any tips or videos that will highlight what I should be doing? I hate bowlers like Yardy, Tredwell and Briggs who bowl what I regard as step and fetch but I can't turn up to winter nets just for a bat really can I?

[Kieron_BT]

Could you put a picture on of your grip on the ball?

[TangoWhiskey]

Could you put a picture on of your grip on the ball?

I will try take one tonight. I would say my fingers aren't hugely spread across the seam because I find that if I spread them too far then the ball could go absolutely anywhere other than the general directon of the batsman, if that's what you are getting at...

[TangoWhiskey]

Excuse the rubber band ball, fairly sure I could get that to turn!

[GarrettJ]

nice drawing

im no bowler but i think you need a bit more spread so you can really rip it. you needs the revs to make the ball dip, thats what really troubles batsmen

[TangoWhiskey]

nice drawing

im no bowler but i think you need a bit more spread so you can really rip it. you needs the revs to make the ball dip, thats what really troubles batsmen

Haha thanks, I'm just glad I didn't get the big veiny (No Swearing Please) i drew earlier in the background!

The problem is that when I spread them too far I literally can't bowl a straight one. Is there not some fancy flick of the fingers or wrist that will get it going?

[DiscoStu]

The orthodox method is to imagine turning a doorknob at the top of your action to get the spin. I personally prefer the "click your fingers" analogy as that encourages you to rip it harder. As for grip, I find that if I grip too tight then the revs are much lower so I try to concentrate on just getting the spinning finger in the right spot on the seam and hold the ball in the rest of the hand comfortably.

It is still worth learning to rip the ball before trying to bowl straight. Try to get the hands spinning the ball consistently before attaching it to your bowling action.

Love the elastic band ball by the way.

[Buzz]

Have you tried taking your thumb off the ball - that can act as a massive break to the revs you are trying to put revs on the ball.

see:


and

[TangoWhiskey]

It is still worth learning to rip the ball before trying to bowl straight. Try to get the hands spinning the ball consistently before attaching it to your bowling action.

Love the elastic band ball by the way.

Yes I agree, unfortunately the guy who is getting his 10 minutes batting doesn't!

Have you tried taking your thumb off the ball - that can act as a massive break to the revs you are trying to put revs on the ball.

see:


and

I'll give this a go tonight, that looks very different to what I do.

[Blazer]

A good rotation after you have braced the knee and getting side on pre delivery is also important. I am an off spinner and turn it miles despite having small fingers. Just let it go and impart some serious revs to it and watch it spin. I really suggest having a look at this video by Mark Lawson, arguably one of the best spin coaching videos on youtube.

All Out Cricket Coaching - Generating Spin

[brokenbat]

a few things to try.
1. front foot should point to leg slip. this allows you to really pivot hard (no other way to get the right line)
2. arm speed should still be quick. murali's arm speed was that of a medium pacers.
3. follow through should be complete. pivot hard, over your front foot, shoulders and hips join the pivot. bowling arm should finish past your left hip - show the back of your shirt to the batsman (just an exaggeration to help you get the right feel).

[Blazer]

Just to add a few things I have learned over the last three seasons.
1) It's a sheer joy when you get a nice one to drift outward and turn it back in sharply and shatter the stumps ( Visualise ).
2) Some days and in some pitches you just can't turn it ( Adapt and find the right pace ).
3) Even if you spin it miles , you can be clobbered  .

[TangoWhiskey]

A good rotation after you have braced the knee and getting side on pre delivery is also important. I am an off spinner and turn it miles despite having small fingers. Just let it go and impart some serious revs to it and watch it spin. I really suggest having a look at this video by Mark Lawson, arguably one of the best spin coaching videos on youtube.
All Out Cricket Coaching - Generating Spin

Interesting, can't help but feel like it went over the top of my head though. I should probably get some coaching.

[fros23]

[cesare_in]

I presume you are bowling off-spin.
Being an off spinner myself-

You got to have more finger spread.
Use your wrists by being able to rotate them at the point of release to get more tweaks.

These have worked for me