The Jump and Gather connects your Run Up to the start of your fast bowling action. It gives you time in the air to help get your body into position ahead of Back Foot Contact.
Chris Jordan bowling for Sussex CCC (original) - Photo © Danny Simpson
WHY IS A GOOD JUMP & GATHER IMPORTANT?
A good Jump and Gather continues the momentum from your Run Up into your bowling action, and allows your body to self-organise into an aligned position before you bowl. The more momentum you can transfer into your bowling action - and the better the position you get into - the faster and straighter you can bowl.
Strictly speaking, a "jump" is not necessary. They key point is to continue the momentum gained from the Run Up into your fast bowling action. However, many bowlers feel that "jumping" helps with rhythm and provides hang-time to get into position ahead of Back Foot Contact, especially for MIDWAY or SIDE ON bowlers.
Shivam Mavi (IND) Jump & Gather @ 1:53
HOW DO YOU JUMP & GATHER EFFECTIVELY?
An effective Jump and Gather should:
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Continue the momentum and straight line from your Run Up
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Jump forwards toward your target, rather than up
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Keep your arms and legs within a body-width channel
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Use your "hang-time" to turn your body into position (if you are a Side-On or Midway bowler)
Right Handed Bowlers - jump from your LEFT foot and land on your RIGHT foot
Left Handed Bowlers - jump from your RIGHT foot and land on your LEFT foot
Another important technique that many fast bowlers use in their Jump is called a "Shin Lead". This is where the bowler moves into Back Foot Contact with the shin of their back leg leading the movement, ahead of their body. This can often help with sequencing of the action, allowing the lower body to move ahead of the upper body.
JUMP & GATHER PRACTICE DRILL
STRAIGHT JUMP DRILL
1. Create a straight channel using cones or pick a line on the floor
2. Run Up in a straight line towards your target
3. Jump forward towards your target in a straight line between the lines/cones
4. Keep your arms and cricket ball close to your body while in the air
5. Bowl the ball and follow through towards your target in a straight line
COMMON ISSUES WITH THE JUMP & GATHER
You may experience some of the following issues with your Jump and Gather which could prevent you from bowling fast or put you at risk of an injury during practice or cricket matches:
JUMPING TOO HIGH
Jumping too high slows you down and reduces the transfer of momentum from your Run Up into your fast bowling action. This makes your bowling slower or, in order to still bowl fast, your body may compensate later in your action which can increase your risk of injury.
JUMPING IN OR OUT AT AN ANGLE
Jumping in or out at a big angle can make it harder to bowl fast and straight as your body is not moving in a straight line towards your target. Your body may have to bend sideways to help your arm move in a straight line, putting you at higher risk of lower back injuries.
HOPPING
Hopping slows you down as you enter your fast bowling action which limits how much momentum you can transfer from your Run Up. As a result your bowling may be slow and erratic as this is not the most efficient way to bowl.
SUMMARY - JUMP & GATHER
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The Jump and Gather sets your body into position ahead of Back Foot Contact
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Jump towards your target in a straight line - avoid jumping in or out
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Jump and land on different feet
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Jump forwards rather than up to continue the momentum from your Run Up
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Keep your arms and the ball within a body-width channel
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