Pace Bowling Development

BALANCED AND ALIGNED ACTION TO RELEASE UPRIGHT SEAM
Pace bowlers need to focus their attention and direct all body movements through the target, as the aim is to bowl each delivery past the batsman to the wicketkeeper or to hit the stumps. The direction of the upright seam determines the shape of the delivery.

FAST, MEDIUM-FAST AND MEDIUM CATEGORIES
Pace bowlers are generally classified in one of the three categories, based on their speed:

• A fast bowler is usually athletic, strong and physically explosive; aims to hit the pitch hard and surprise the batsman with pace and bounce, and their change of pace can be very damaging
• A medium-fast bowler is generally strong and physically assertive and should develop subtle variations of pace, combined with swing and cut
• A medium-pace bowler is typically strong with good endurance and should develop accuracy combine with subtle variations of pace, swing, cut and tactics 

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF PACE BOWLING

To maximize their chances of succeeding, pace bowlers need to:

• Have an economical run-up to build momentum to the delivery stride, with a smooth follow-through
• Be able to bowl a stock ball with accuracy and variation
• Develop weapons for wicket-taking balls, which may include accuracy, change of pace, swing, cut and surprise
• Assess each batsman to identify their preferences, preliminary movements, concentration levels, strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities
• Have a strong concentration and focus
• Make use of a physical training program and practice program

INTENDED TARGET AREAS

The basic area at which a pace bowler should aim just short of a good length on off stump. However, because all batsmen are unique, the bowler must be able, depending on the preferences, preliminary movements, strengths and weaknesses of the batsman. The area considered a 'good length' may vary for each individual batsman.

VARIATION

USE OF MOVEMENT IN THE AIR

Swing is a very important weapon for a pace bowler but the bowler must also realize that some conditions will make it difficult to swing the ball. The bowler's accuracy and control of pace must be developed so that he/she can contend with each batsman and each situation. While accuracy and the ability to consistently bowl a stock ball are important in building the pressure on the batsman, subtle changes of pace are essential to keep the batsman guessing. Any plan must be supported by a well-placed field to apply pressure- catches and run-outs often result from the pressure that the bowler and the fielders exert.

When the conditions to allow for swing bowling, it is important that the bowler maintains an upright seam. The seam acts as a rudder and helps to direct the swing.

SWING BOWLING

OUTSWING

To bowl outswing (for a right-arm bowler) the ball should be gripped with a seam angled to point at third slip. At release, the first finger leaves the ball last to keep the seam steady and upright. The bowler should then follow through in the direction of the desired swing.

INSWING

To bowl inswing (for a right-arm bowler) the ball should be gripped with the seam angled to point at to fine leg. At release, the second finger leaves the ball last to keep the seam steady and upright in the direction of fine leg. The bowler should then follow through through the back leg (right leg) in the direction of the desired swing.

Swing bowling aids should be introduced to demonstrate the importance of the upright seam and to enable the bowlers to experiences methods to keep the seam upright throughout its flight. These can include wooden discs, flat boot-polish tins (to simulate the upright seam), waffle balls, airflow balls or tennis balls with one side taped to facilitate the swing.

STANDARD FIELD PLACEMENTS FOR SWING BOWLING

Standard field placements for swing bowling should be based upon normal 5/4 off-side balance, with more close-catching fielders on the side of the wicket to which the ball is more commonly swinging.

USING LINE TO RESTRICT SCORING OPPORTUNITIES

Pace bowlers can restrict scoring opportunities for the batsmen by bowling outside off stump with a strong off-side field

Another option is to bowl middle and leg, with a strong leg-side field. This is especially useful for a batsman who has difficulty with deliveries pitched in this area, in some cases because they make an early commitment forward and have to play around their front leg.