The first person to start play is the bowler. We start therefore with this aspect of the game but going back one step as it were - the run up.
Few bolwers can begin to concentrate on the more complicated demands of bowling while they are nervous or uncertain about their run up.
The longer the run up, the more important to establish rythm. Therefore fast and medium pace bowlers will need to focus carefully on getting their run up right. Spin bowlers also need to establish poise and balance but because their run ups are shorter and their action slower it should be easier.
This is a very mechanical aspect of the game which is often overlooked. A short period of several weeks practice concernintrating on the run up can easily sort most problems. Once a good routine is established the bowler can then concerntrate on the more demanding aspects of bowling.
A common error which players make is failing to bowl to the crease line, sometimes given a metre away to the batsman. Ths effectively gives the batsman more time to decide what shot to play and is more distance for the ball to travel which is going slower and slower the further it has to travel.
It is not usually until game day that players have someone standing at the stumps telling them that their front foot is going over. Even then the umpire will say nothing when the bowler is giving away this advantage to the batsman.
The clinic will offer bowlers an opportunity to gather feedback where the front foot is landing and how to bring it to the crease line without bowling a no ball. Bowlers will also be assisted in making this consistent and clockwork by learning how to set and adjust their run up approriate to their action and speed.
Another common fault is overly long run ups. Coaches will assist bowlers in determing and experimenting with run up lengths which serve their action best.
The vital last steps, the action itself and the follow through will all be examined. Players will be video recorded and have the opportunity to discuss what they see of themselves with coaches who may suggest improvements and offer encouragement.
1. Rhythm and Consistency
2. The Run Up (Practical)
3. Front on actions / Side on Actions
4. Height and Angle of Arm
5. Different actions for different balls
Practical
Measuring Run Ups
Video Footage
Review of Video
