Q&A for How to Bowl in Cricket

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  • Question
    If I am a wrong footed bowler, will this affect my speed?
    Rishabh Mehan
    Cricket Coach
    Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).
    Cricket Coach
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily, as long as you have quick arm speed and a smooth run up, the pace will be there
  • Question
    How can I bowl where I want?
    Rishabh Mehan
    Cricket Coach
    Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).
    Cricket Coach
    Expert Answer
    Through doing practice drills, for example, bowling at cones in certain areas on the pitch.
  • Question
    How can I increase the accuracy of hitting the wickets?
    Community Answer
    First, point your non-bowling hand towards the wickets, then bowl the ball and swing your dominant knee (on the same side as your bowling hand) towards the wickets and follow through.
  • Question
    How can I bowl faster?
    Community Answer
    Shift the whole momentum of your body when bowling, and throw at least 20 overs daily with same action and same run up. After 3 week,s you will begin to notice a gradual improvement in your speed.
  • Question
    How to increase my accuracy?
    Community Answer
    You need to run a lot to increase your stamina level first. Then try to bowl slowly at first, then a bit faster, and gradually pick up your speed while maintaining your accuracy.
  • Question
    I can't extend my arms fully when I bowl. Does that mean that I must always throw the ball?
    Community Answer
    No. It would be considered a no ball if you were to throw the ball. I would recommend practicing bowling for 15 to 20 minutes a day to improve your ability to bowl straight without throwing the ball. You will just have to adapt your arm's position to your needs.
  • Question
    Should my wrist be bent while releasing a ball?
    Community Answer
    While it's normal to bend your wrist while releasing a ball, this is something that should be avoided due to the high risk of wrist injuries.
  • Question
    Should I run quickly in the run up?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should run quickly to get more momentum behind your bowl.
  • Question
    I always try to bowl correctly, but it ends up being a wide ball. How can I solve this?
    Community Answer
    You just have to practice, there is no shortcut. Concentrate on the area where you want to bowl, not on the ball. Snap your wrist while bowling a fastball. if you are a right-hander, use your left foot to generate weight on the ball and vice versa, this gives you power. Do not forget, practice makes a man perfect. Even bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram and Michael Holding did not bowl well at first go, their practice, determination, and hard work made them exceptional bowlers.
  • Question
    I am not able to keep my hand straight. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Exercise daily or if you are having some issue with your hand then go for doctor.
  • Question
    Where should I look just as I'm about to bowl the delivery, toward the batsman or downward or somewhere else?
    Community Answer
    This depends on personal preference, but you should aim to look at the spot where you would like to bowl the ball. However, some bowlers like to look at the top of the stumps when bowling a yorker and other bowlers look in different areas.
  • Question
    Should I keep my hand straight while I bowl?
    Community Answer
    Yes, when you are bowling just line and length. When bowling swing or spin, your wrist will probably be a bit off to the side.
  • Question
    I'm right hand bowler and right footed. Is it allowed to be a right hand bowler bowl with right footedness?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    How can I prevent bowl leg cutter if I am a right handed bowler and my wrist bends left when I release?
    Community Answer
    This is a common problem for any pace bowler when they grip the ball with the seam and unintentionally spin the ball. What you need to do is grab a friend and practice releasing the ball. Just flick your wrist back and forth with the seam straight; don't go in the action. Just stand with your elbow bent and practice.
  • Question
    I want to learn bowling, but I don't have a coach. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    You should start exercising your calf and arm muscles. The leg muscles will help you have a stronger pose and position, and you need the arm muscles to throw harder and faster. I recommend hiring a coach or find someone experienced in cricket bowling.
  • Question
    How do I bowl with a straight elbow in cricket?
    WING YIN LAI 黎泳贤
    Community Answer
    Fling the ball up from under, a little like underhand shots in badminton.
  • Question
    When I release the ball, it just goes up instead of heading straight towards the intended target. I'm short, so aiming the ball down just makes it stop faster. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Practice bowling in slow motion, and stop your arm where you would normally release the ball. Then adjust it so it makes a 45 degree angle. Most importantly, keep practicing!
  • Question
    Does the ball have to bounce?
    Community Answer
    No, but it is best if the ball bounces. Otherwise, the ball will be deemed as a no-ball.
  • Question
    Am I meant to bounce the ball?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should bounce the ball. It will help prevent no-balls due to throwing.
  • Question
    How do I correct a knee bend when bowling fast?
    Community Answer
    Just shift your weight correctly in your leaded foot to correct the knee bend and practice well.
  • Question
    What does "snap the wrist" mean?
    Community Answer
    It means to flick it quickly. This is a vital part of the bowl, as it generates the angle of the bowl.
  • Question
    Do I have to keep my head upright to bowl accurately?
    Community Answer
    Generally, yes. Try to maintain eye contact with your target at all times. You can still bend over, but try to keep your head up while bowling.
  • Question
    When somebody is bowling, should their elbow be folded in?
    Community Answer
    Your bowling arm should be straight to deliver the ball, or it would be a throw, which would be counted as a no-ball. You can have your non-bowling arm folded in, but it is recommended to extend it when you are releasing the ball, to increase speed and accuracy.
  • Question
    Will keeping my head level increase my accuracy? If so, how do I keep my head level?
    RU5T34ZY
    Community Answer
    Yes. When your head is not stable and falls away, so will your body, making you bowl down leg side. Try and keep your body straight up when bowling and have a straight follow-through.
  • Question
    When I bowl, my hand bends and stops a bit before release. My friends say that I am throwing. What's the solution?
    RU5T34ZY
    Community Answer
    As long as your elbow does not surpass 15° of extension while bowling, it is classed as a legal ball. If your had bends, it does not matter; most bowling uses hand movements for variation of deliveries.
  • Question
    How do I keep the ball from going up instead of heading straight when I release it? I am short, so aiming downward makes it stop faster.
    Community Answer
    Practice releasing the ball a little later.
  • Question
    I have pace and a good run up but aiming is my problem. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    Try aiming with your non-bowling hand at where you want the ball to land. This should ensure that your line is correct, that is, if your action is good.
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