Spin Bowling Success

The spin bowler is a key part in the bowling line up of any cricket team, the talent of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan has demonstrated the potential and the shear power and influence a high class spin bowler can have in the game of cricket. The spin bowler can be employed to slow the game, add pressure and most importantly attack batsmen. The spin bowler moves the ball off the pitch turning it sideways, as the spinning ball grips the pitch and turns and may also cause it to hop variably. A good spin bowler must be in a position to bowl a consistent line and length, is able to turn the ball, which needs tons of practice and dedication to achieve success.

There are two recognized kinds of spin bowlers, which are, finger spinners who are classed as the orthodox technique and use their index finger ( first finger ) to spin the ball and the wrist spinners who use the wrist more than fingers to spin ball. Leg spin : The leg spinner hopes to bowl the ball so it spins from a right handed batsmen's leg side to the off side. Again try and pitch the ball up to the batsman to get them coming forward. Pitch the ball inline with the wickets so the ball turns to hit the pinnacle of the off stump.

The grip : Leg spin : Use the 1st 2 fingers to hold the ball horizontally across the seam, your 3rd finger should be bent and running along the seam. Off spin : Again grip the ball with your first 2 fingers horizontally across the seam and attempt to spread as wide as practical apart the joints of index and middle finger. The ball then rests gently on 3rd finger and thumb, the spin is and produced and passed on typically thru the index finger. The delivery : The off spin delivery, should start with an angled and short delivery walk. You must then pivot on ball of the front foot keeping your bowling arm high. Cock your wrist inwards and drive your back leg thru to help revolve the body.

Release the ball by turning your wrist sharply from left to right and by pulling down on seam with the index finger to generate spin. The back of hand should face the off side or upwards at finish of the delivery, remember to follow thru correctly.

Keep your head as upright as feasible across the delivery and your eyes fixed on the target at every point. As you bowl you must raise your lead arm towards the target and bowl with a braced front leg ( your weight should be thru this leg ). Pivot on the ball of the lead foot and bring your bowling arm up high with your wrist cocked outwards.

Drive your back leg thru and release the ball. Generate the spin by revolving your wrist from right to left and by most importantly using the 3rd finger to give the most spin. Finish with your palm facing leg side. Follow thru by revolving shoulders thru the line of the wickets and driving your back leg thru the action so that your hips revolve over your front foot.