Hi Coach,
I am an 18 year old fast bowler. I am having difficulty in controlling my line and length. I used to run up and bowl the ball without any intent to pitch it in the right areas, but now I am trying to control where I bowl the ball. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi, in learning to control where you bowl the ball it is important to get the balance right between the intent of bowling fast and the trade off in control that comes with seeking to bowl at full pace.
A simple way of training control of line and length is to put a marker the size of a piece of paper (A4) on a good length. I regard a good length for a fast bowler as being four walking strides from the crease, down the wicket, put your marker down on the line of off stump. You can use a plastic coke bottle with some water or sand in it or a piece of old carpet as a marker.
This drill can be done in season or for pre-season : You will also need a notebook to mark yourself on success rate for overs bowled.
Six balls times six overs.
Make sure you have fully warmed up with a run around and stretch.
You are going to bowl 2 overs off your normal run up to warm up.
Then I want you to bowl 6 overs twice a week, with a days rest in between.
The first 3 overs will be off a half run where you will keep your eyes focused on your target. Bowl the ball with full intent each delivery
Mark every time you hit your target.
You are then going to bowl 3 overs off your long run, again with full intent to bowl quick.
Again monitor your accuracy, as you practice this your control will improve as each week goes by, aim to improve from week to week.
You can use this for each delivery you want to work with, yorkers, slower balls etc.
kind regards Richard
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About Richard Pybus
I'm Richard Pybus, I've coached Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middlesex, Titans and the Cape Cobras in South Africa and the goal of this site is to help you to play winning cricket.