Subtle changes in pace can undo a batsman just as easily as variations in spin. In order to produce variations in pace you need to understand which components of your action allow you to do so. This is different for all players, but there are obvious and subtle ways in which you can vary your pace. Elongating your run up and increasing your momentum before a delivery are effective but very obvious to the batsman, allowing them to predict your delivery. A more subtle approach is to use levers in your action, such as using your arms, legs and hips-through-body action. 

1. Use of speed gun or coach to measure speed variations
2. Observe change in action to make change of pace happen
3. Suggest components of action that could be changed (i.e. front arm, hip rotation, more momentum in run up)

5. Develop heavy overspin

Training Method:

Overspin creates a drop in the flight of the ball (a necessary part of the spinners bag-of-tricks).

1. Conduct a session without a batsman
2. Have the bowler deliver 6 top spinners
3. Observe the flight, and also the point where the ball begins to drop
4. Place a rope across the practice wicket at the height in which you observed the ball begin to drop
5. Place a mat (on the batsmans side of the rope) where you would like the ball to land
6. Attempt to bowl the ball over the rope and onto the mat
7. If you have well placed topspin on the ball, it will go over the rope and land on the mat
8. Observe seem on ball to establish wrist position
9. (If you are struggeling, adjust the rope and examine your wrist action more closely)

6. Understanding flight and how to vary it

Training Method:

Flight is the trajectory of the ball in a two dimensional sense. It is the line of the ball from point of release to landing, and the shape the ball takes in flight from hand to landing. The subtle variations created by flight, when added to the spin varaition, can deceive even the best batsman. 

1. Similar to the overspin method, place two ropes across the practice wicket. One rope at a height of 9 feet and another at a height of 7 feet
2. Bowl 6 standard deliveries, first above the top rope, second between the two ropes and thirdly under the lower rope
3. Next, place 3 mats at landing points between across the wicket near the batsman's end
4. Again, try and bowl above the first rope, between the two ropes and under the lower rope, and onto the designated mats

7. Understanding and utilizing the bowling crease and 

bowling around the wicket

Training Method:

As per point number (6) but then adding a specific point on the bowling crease from which to deliver the ball.

8. Understanding the batsman's strengths and weaknesses

Training Method:

This is primarily about player assessment, in which you assess the batsmen then formulate a strategy in order to take his wicket. The initial evaluation of a batsman is crucial in setting strategy and tactics. For example, how does the batsman move to the ball, does it look like the batsman is trying to "hit big" or is he being conservative.

If a video camera is available, use it to examine the movements of the batsman to assist in identifying his strengths and weaknesses.

If a video camera is not available, watch the batsman in the nets. First examine lower grade players, as their faults will be more obvious and their "favourite" shots will be attempted more often. This will hone your skills in being able to identify a batsman's strengths and weaknesses.

Finally, you will need to be able to evaluate a batsman whilst bowling to them. This is a difficult technique to master as you must be thinking about your own actions and movements as well. Practice will make perfect.

9. Combine deliveries at will

Training Method:

Once you have assessed a player, you must now focus on being able to combine your deliveries that allow you to attack the batsman's weaknesses, and at times, their strengths. You need to be able to appropriately decide which strategy you will need to employ to shift the odds in your favour to dismiss a batsman. Once decided, you need to deliver. 

Much like in boxing, simple combinations should be utilized. I.e - 3 stock balls followed by a stock ball delivered wide on the crease or a variation on a top spinner.

The feedback to you as a bowler is if a batsman miss hits, misses or sky's the ball. If this is occuring, and you are landing the ball with the speed, flight and in the vicinity which you have predetermined, then you are well on your way. 

Remember to share your intentions with a coach or fellow bowler and they can work with you to give you the necessary feedback you need to take the batsman.

10. Understanding of field placements in relation to strategies, 

batsman types and game contexts

Training Method:

Once you have assessed the batsman, established a strategy and are about to deliver, you must set the appropriate field.

Communication with your captain is essential, if you know your stance regarding your strategy, you must tell your captain. Your captain may have an alternate approach or wish you to bowl a certain way, you will need to discuss the strategy in more depth with your captain.

Centre wicket training provides the best circumstances to trail field placements. Net training can also be useful but you will need to have a sound sense of where you have placed the field and where the batsman has hit the ball. You should keep score in your head as to the outcome of each delivery.

Again, teammates or a coach can help you keep score and measure the outcome for each over.  

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed our exploration in to some of the skills, techniques and training methods that can be utilized to improve your spin bowling. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to Contact Us. Coming up next... Spin Bowling Part 3 - Measures for Core Skills