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[Sloggerz]

What are your opinions on using the bowling machine over the winter. What is better? Are players better off with throwdowns or a mixture of the two.

[Kulli]

Depends what you want to train (and how good your thrower is!)

[ProCricketer1982]

Depends on what you wish to achieve

[gazr5]

Use bowling machines to work on shots. I'm weak at cuts so when I get chance I try and work on shots I'm weak at to improve my confidence. Throw downs I use on match days or just as a general simulation of match variable bowling

[Sloggerz]

Balance work and weight transfer

[InternalTraining]

What are your opinions on using the bowling machine over the winter. What is better? Are players better off with throwdowns or a mixture of the two.

I find throw-downs to be pretty useless.

It takes lot of practice to learn to use a bowling machine properly (and I don't mean speed setting, swing degress etc. but actually  the kind of bowling for specific shot practice or eliminating weaknesses) but if you are able to invest the time (and money) into it, it will be the best thing you did for your batting! Gary Palmer has some great "how to" videos on bowling machines - highly recommended.

One simple tip: keep a practice log, it will change your results.

Good luck!

[SLA]

Ok, from the coaches POV:

Bowling machines are next to useless. As a coaching tool, I get much better results giving throwdowns  to teach specific shots. They're more visually realistic for the player, you can add swing, cut and spin as necessary depending on what you're working on, and you can throw the ball into the exact spot you need. With the bowling machine there's always a surprisingly large margin of error.

[WalkingWicket37]

@SLA and @DorsetDan

I get what you're saying about the bowling machine being unrealistic (and totally agree).

However, there are now machines with a screen on that shows a bowler running in and "delivering" the ball. Would these be of more use than a traditional machine?

[KettonJake]

Ok, from the coaches POV:

Bowling machines are next to useless. As a coaching tool, I get much better results giving throwdowns  to teach specific shots. They're more visually realistic for the player, you can add swing, cut and spin as necessary depending on what you're working on, and you can throw the ball into the exact spot you need. With the bowling machine there's always a surprisingly large margin of error.

I maintained my machine well and always replaced worn out balls and was able to repeatedly land it on an area the size of a small dinner plate.

As mentioend by Cam, the trueman machine has alleviated the concern about realism.

[InternalTraining]

Ok, from the coaches POV:

Bowling machines are next to useless. As a coaching tool, I get much better results giving throwdowns  to teach specific shots. They're more visually realistic for the player, you can add swing, cut and spin as necessary depending on what you're working on, and you can throw the ball into the exact spot you need. With the bowling machine there's always a surprisingly large margin of error.

I couldn't disagree more.

- Bowling machine do take time to get used to but it is not impossible. Absence of a "realistic" bowler actually improved my batting as my ball-tracking (with eyes) improved.
- Maybe there are plenty of human ball throwers in England who can "swing, cut and spin" a ball using SideArm. Zero in my location.
- Machine is available when humans are not.
- My Bola JR can land a ball anywhere I want! I have yet to meet a club cricketer who can land the ball on the same spot like McGrath! None. You are completely wrong here.
- There is no "large margin of error" with a bowling machine. The balls are not dropped on a dime but between the speeds of 55-65, the pitch is accurate enough. I can practice all my shots with a Bola JR. To build muscle memory, all you need is a machine set on low speed.
- How many balls can you throw in an hour session or longer? Bola JR never complains about shoulder aches or pains.

[alexhilly1492]

I couldn't disagree more.

- Bowling machine do take time to get used to but it is not impossible. Absence of a "realistic" bowler actually improved my batting as my ball-tracking (with eyes) improved.
- Maybe there are plenty of human ball throwers in England who can "swing, cut and spin" a ball using SideArm. Zero in my location.
- Machine is available when humans are not.
- My Bola JR can land a ball anywhere I want! I have yet to meet a club cricketer who can land the ball on the same spot like McGrath! None. You are completely wrong here.
- There is no "large margin of error" with a bowling machine. The balls are not dropped on a dime but between the speeds of 55-65, the pitch is accurate enough. I can practice all my shots with a Bola JR. To build muscle memory, all you need is a machine set on low speed.
- How many balls can you throw in an hour session or longer? Bola JR never complains about shoulder aches or pains.

You're forgetting one thing.. hes the best coach ever and can throw perfectly forever!

I am yet to meet anyone who can throw more accurately than a bowling machine can land the ball! this includes county coaches.
both have there purpose and i find a bowling machine can mess timing up but not so badly if you have a decent feeder (auto feed can be difficult)

[Cover_Drive]

I feel you can premeditate on bowling machine as you know where it will come.

Throwdowns or SideArm has some unpredictability in terms of length, line, pace etc.

[InternalTraining]

i find a bowling machine can mess timing up but not so badly if you have a decent feeder (auto feed can be difficult)

I agree.

I don't recommend bowling machine to :
- newbies.
- people who are getting ready for a big/final match for the division championship but don't regularly use it or have never used it.
- anyone who things that a one-time use of  a bowling machine will miraculously improve their batting skills.

I only recommend bowling machine when:

- you have easy access to it and can regularly use it.
- Can learn to use it and learn to coach yourself.

I have had uninitiated nag me into letting them use a bowling machine and it just messed up their timing! Why? Human bowlers they normally face totally suck and can't throw with the accuracy and "skill" of a bowling machine.

[InternalTraining]

I feel you can premeditate on bowling machine as you know where it will come.

The premeditation factor depends on you as a batsman and a practitioner of the skill. A serious batsman who's aware of his technique will never premedidate.

I have had friends barge in and use my bowling machine. It is basically a "look, I am a clown" act when they start pre-mediating and cutting all outswingers instead of trying to play with a straight bat.

The question you need to answer is how serious you are about practicing your technique and what exactly are you practicing. Over coming fear of a good bowling? Fear of being hit (body shots)? Swing? Seam? The beauty of a bowling machine is that you can drill body movements into muscle memory and you need some cognizance/deliberation around your practice.

[cricketbadger]

Decent way to measure it, what do the pros use more? A machine or a sidearm and coach?