Coaching Bowling Actions for Young Players

Posted by on Sep 18, 2008 in Articles, News | 4 comments

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Please find below a brief outline and some key points involved in developing sound and effective bowling actions in young cricketers and an accompanying practice activity.

Bowling Actions

In general there are 3 acceptable positions for a bowler to deliver the ball:

  • Side on
  • Front on
  • Semi open

The main thing to look for in young bowlers to ensure their safety and maximise their effectiveness is that their hips and shoulders are pointing in the same direction at delivery. For instance, in a front on position, the bowlers back foot lands pointing down the wicket and their hips and shoulders are both pointing down the pitch. In a side on delivery, the back foot lands pointing across the wicket, while the hips and shoulders are pointing across the wicket. The key to a safe action is the hips and shoulders pointing in the same direction.

Bowling Drill

Target Practice

  • Bowlers bowl into a hula-hoop that has been placed on a good length
  • As bowlers become increasingly competent at this task, the coach can put smaller targets into place
  • Keep score and see who hits the target the most
  • Bowlers can progress from taking one step, to a few steps, to their full run-up when bowling to these targets

Cheers

Mark

To date Mark has amassed extensive professional experience as an elite player with the Tasmanian, the Prime Ministers XI, Australian XI and Australia ‘A’ teams and an array of clubs in the United Kingdom and New South Wales. Mark’s elite level cricket experience is complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in physical education, which has enabled him to apply his knowledge of bio mechanics, skill acquisition, sport psychology and learning methodologies to his own career as a professional player and coach. His coaching credentials and expertise have been further enhanced through the attainment of his Level 3 cricket coaching accreditation from Cricket Australia. Mark has a Master’s degree in Business Administration, from Southern Cross University, Australia.

4 Comments

  1. 11-2-2008
    Jon Cincotta says:

    Hi Mark
    My son Matt is 11 & enjoys his cricket.He can bat & bowl
    quite well but i believe he could benefit from some one on one coaching,to improve his confidence as well.
    Could you email me the cost & duration of the coaching.
    Regards jon cincotta.

  2. 11-2-2008
    Mark says:

    Hi Jon
    Thanks for your comment. It would be great to work with Matt and I will email you with all the details.
    Cheers
    Mark

  3. 9-25-2010
    Joel Harris says:

    G’day mark I’m
    Joel I’m a young bowler(15) I’m looking for ways to improve my action and swing of the bowl is there any tip you might be able to give me cheers Joel

  4. 9-25-2010
    Mark says:

    Hi Joel
    You can start by checking out the following articles – http://www.elitecricket.com.au/2009/08/the-science-of-swing/ and http://www.elitecricket.com.au/2009/08/masterclass-the-art-of-fast-bowling-brendan-drew/
    Good luck

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