Fast bowling is one of the most popular delivery styles when it comes to bowling in a cricket match.
Some of the world’s most well-known cricketers are famous for being proficient fast bowlers, including Australia’s Brett Lee, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, and New Zealand’s Shane Bond.
However, fast-bowling is a tricky skill to master. The skill in itself takes a lot of practice to achieve. So, to help you get started, we’ve compiled a few easy steps that’ll help you become a good fast bowler.
Work on your grip
First things first – before you attempt a fast bowl delivery, you’ll need to have an effective grip on the ball. To do this, place your fore and middle fingers along the seam that runs down the centre of the ball, and then wrap your thumb comfortably around the bottom (again, on the seam). Don’t squeeze the ball too tight, as this can cause your arm to seize up, and could negatively impact your delivery.
Work on your run up
Every bowler works differently, so experiment with length, speed and your approach angle to find out the most natural bowling run up for you. If you’re new to run ups altogether, start at 10 paces and adjust your approach accordingly. It’s key to figure out how many paces is comfortable to you, as it could be the difference between a powerful or average bowl.
Use your wrist to generate momentum
When practicing your run up, start to gradually release the ball. At the moment you release it from your hand, try to ‘snap’ your wrist and follow through with your entire arm. When you ‘snap’, it should give the ball a little extra push; allowing you to channel full power into the ball, and helping it speed up while in the air. Keep your wrist relaxed after the ‘snap’ movement to avoid potential injury or stress.
This activity can place a lot of strain on your wrist if done repeatedly, so be sure to take regular breaks to stretch and recover. If you feel excess pain, stop practicing and take time to fully recover.
Prioritise speed over precision
Though precise control of the ball is a desired outcome when you play in a game, make speed your priority during your practice session. Make every bowl as fast as you can, without worrying about where the ball ends up. You can worry about accuracy at a later stage – but as a beginner fast bowler, you’ll want to ensure you have your desired pace mastered before moving on to practicing precision and aim towards the wicket.
Enjoy this great game with products from Meulemans Cricket Centre
Meulemans Cricket Centre have you covered with all the equipment you’ll need for your next game – including cricket balls that’ll help you master your fast bowl. Browse our full range of cricket gears online, or head to our South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore for further assistance, or to view products in-store.