Bowling action

Bowling techniques
Bowling strategy Fast bowling Seam bowling Swing bowling Medium pace bowling Spin bowling Finger spin Off spin Left-arm orthodox Wrist spin Leg spin Left-arm unorthodox Throwing
Deliveries
Full toss/Beamer Fast bowling Bouncer Inswinger Leg cutter Off cutter Outswinger Reverse swing Slower ball Yorker Spin bowling Arm ball Doosra Teesra Flipper Googly Carrom ball Leg break Off break Slider Topspinner
Historical Styles
Underarm Roundarm Overarm Lob

In the sport of cricket, the bowling action is the set of movements that result in the bowler releasing the ball in the general direction of the batsman.

The bowling action can be broken down into a number of parts:

• Grip
• Approach (run up)
• Bound (pre delivery stride)
• Back foot contact
• Front foot contact
• Point of release
• Follow through

Components of a typical bowling action.

There are certain principles that apply to all parts of the bowling action, such as balance, athleticism and keeping the movement flowing in a narrow corridor directed towards the batsman.

Coaching books describe idealised bowling actions. But good coaches are well aware that many successful bowlers employ their own unique styles and some give birth to new, improved technique. The above links all describe the most commonly taught techniques.

See also

• Cricket terminology