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[MJB3]

I know for a fact that Sachin never faced the bowling machine any faster than 85mph, under the arguments around how much harder it is to pick up, the machine adding on 10%.

[ProCricketer1982]

It's amusing watching this one lad who uses the same facility as I do, he's constantly banging it up stupidly quick and then coming over saying mine is slow. It is slower than yours but who is getting the best actual training??? Not you you idiot.. Go away and buy a BMW or something if you want to measure groin areas.

sorry.. he just annoys the crap out of me. Wouldn't mind but he's utter crap!

as Buzz said, everyone is different. Some people don't net much at all, some doing 'club' style nets.. some do other things. Find what works for you, try all the different ways and then stick to it. After all, all training will help in some way shape or form and it's better than doing nothing! Even just hitting under arm throws will help in a small way

[Kippa2209]

Totally agree John, I find  70 about my limit on the machine - there are no visual clues and your reaction time is slower.

It is great for grooving shots though.

I agree the machine is all about muscle memory and technique. It's just about learning the right positions to be in. I've also tried the machine up at 80-83 ish and it's pointless. You don't get the visual clues, and an indoor surface is about 10mph quicker  as the ball flies through and bounces sharply.

I find a more realistic approach if you don't have a bowler is the sidearm (dog thrower type thing)

[acko109]

depends what your actually using the machine on as in pitch.. we have a rather naughty astro net so anything above 80 your going to get pinned at some point.. but its useful if you know your going to be playing someone quick to get used to the pace

[Gingerbusiness]

It's amusing watching this one lad who uses the same facility as I do, he's constantly banging it up stupidly quick and then coming over saying mine is slow. It is slower than yours but who is getting the best actual training??? Not you you idiot.. Go away and buy a BMW or something if you want to measure groin areas.

sorry.. he just annoys the crap out of me. Wouldn't mind but he's utter crap!

as Buzz said, everyone is different. Some people don't net much at all, some doing 'club' style nets.. some do other things. Find what works for you, try all the different ways and then stick to it. After all, all training will help in some way shape or form and it's better than doing nothing! Even just hitting under arm throws will help in a small way

He's probably the same bloke who thinks the heavier weights you lift - the bigger you get!

People like that are ignorant and I think most of them are happiest that way. That's why the 'smile and nod' was invented!

[wilkie113]

He's probably the same bloke who thinks the heavier weights you lift - the bigger you get!

People like that are ignorant and I think most of them are happiest that way. That's why the 'smile and nod' was invented!

And 'Smile and wave boys, smile and wave' haha!

[Gingerbusiness]

A well known coach at a well known minor county got into a bit of trouble for setting the bowling machine @ 95mph and pinning an U19 on the top hand, breaking two of the kids fingers a few years ago.

The general reaction - what's the point?!

Will he ever face 95mph? Very unlikely!
What does he stand to learn? Probably not to trust that coach again?!
Will it improve his technique? No. Not even slightly!

I for one, these days, face a few who can push 75mph but mostly 65-70mph. For me, I can still face 80-85mph but muscle memory and instinct takes over. With a bowling machine at those higher speeds, you can't pick up on those little tells which all bowlers have when they are going to dig one in (or at least I can't!)

IMHO It's good for 'grooving' shots, but that's it.

[wilkie113]

Have to agree with that mate, nothing worse than when you get some idiot on the bowling machine who decides to drop it short without telling you.
Bowling machines have no tells at all haha

[Gingerbusiness]

Have to agree with that mate, nothing worse than when you get some idiot on the bowling machine who decides to drop it short without telling you.
Bowling machines have no tells at all haha

I'd argue with that!!

We all know what's coming when the thing starts shaking!!!!!!!

[wilkie113]

I'd argue with that!!

We all know what's coming when the thing starts shaking!!!!!!!

Haha! or when it's pointing at your head

[steyn92]

Have to agree with that mate, nothing worse than when you get some idiot on the bowling machine who decides to drop it short without telling you.
Bowling machines have no tells at all haha

Strangely, I find it much easier to pick length and line on the bowling machine.