The SPEEDBOLT is the "Z" shaped position your body gets into just before you release the cricket ball. It is achieved when all the previous parts of an efficient fast bowling technique have happened correctly. If you achieve a Speedbolt, it is likely that you will be able to bowl consistently fast with a safe bowling action.

Mitchell Johnson (clocked at 156.8kph) showing the SPEEDBOLT position - CC2.0 Photo by Pulkit Sinha

WHY IS THE SPEEDBOLT POSITION SO IMPORTANT?

The SPEEDBOLT position shows that you have an efficient fast bowling technique, and that you are making the most of your body's ability to bowl the cricket ball fast and straight. All the parts of your fast bowling action are working together in the correct sequence.

Dale Steyn uses his Chest Drive to hit a Speedbolt Position (original) - Photo © John Fulton

Take a closer look at most of cricket's fastest bowlers and you will clearly see the SPEEDBOLT position just before they release the ball. It is no surprise that these cricketers can bowl faster than others, because they simply have better bowling techniques. If your want to bowl faster, you must invest time and effort to develop a fast bowling technique that will allow you to do so. 

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THE SPEEDBOLT POSITION?

​To get into a good SPEEDBOLT position, it is important to have:​

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• a fast and efficient Run Up towards the target

• a Jump & Gather that maintains your forward momentum

• an effective Back Foot Contact that allows your hips to quickly rotate forwards

• a strong Braced Front Leg that acts as a brake for your body

• a Delayed Bowling Arm that allows the big body parts to rotate first

• brilliant Separation between your hips and shoulders

• a powerful Chest Drive that catapults your upper body towards the target

Brett Lee achieves a SPEEDBOLT position to help him bowl fast (modified) - Photo © Trung Tran

The distinctive "Z" shape is made possible due to the correct sequencing and separations between different body parts. The picture above shows Brett Lee creating angles of almost 90 degrees between his legs, torso, and arm - all while facing forward and driving towards the target.

If you want to bowl faster and achieve the Speedbolt Position, you can learn what each part of an efficient fast bowling technique is and how to achieve it in the rest of this LEARN HOW TO BOWL FASTER series.

We can also help you develop your fast bowling technique and become a better fast bowler through our  Speedbolt Plan and PRO Series Drills!