SWING BOWLING
LEARN HOW TO SWING THE BALL BOTH WAYS
Swing Bowling in cricket is where the ball moves sideways through the air after it has been released by the bowler. This happens because of how the seam on the cricket ball is positioned and how air moves around the ball as it travels towards the batsman.
WHY PRACTISE SWING BOWLING?
When the cricket ball swings, it becomes difficult for batsmen to commit to their shots early because they are unsure where the ball will end up. Even if you can only swing the ball a small amount, batsmen are more likely to make a mistake, giving you more chances to take wickets.
If you can swing the ball both ways at good pace, scoring runs becomes extremely difficult for batsmen. The weather does not need to be cloudy or overcast for you to be able to swing a cricket ball – you just need knowledge and practice!
HOW DO YOU GET THE BALL TO SWING?
There are three main types of swing bowling:
Your bowling action and the way you release the cricket ball will determine how the ball will swing. If you have an excellent fast bowling technique, you will have more chance of being able to swing the ball both ways at good pace because you can release the ball with your wrist and the seam in a good position.
IN-SWING (Right-Hand Batsman)
-
Grip the cricket ball so that the seam is upright and pointing to fine leg
-
The shiny side of the cricket ball should be facing the off-side
-
The cricket ball seam should stay vertical and angled as it moves through the air
-
The ball will swing from off-side to leg-side, moving in to a right-handed batsman
OUT-SWING (Right-Hand Batsman)
-
Grip the cricket ball so that the seam is upright and pointing to third man
-
The shiny side of the cricket ball should be facing the leg-side
-
The cricket ball seam should stay vertical and angled as it moves through the air
-
The ball will swing from leg-side to off-side, moving away from a right-handed batsman
REVERSE-SWING
-
One side of the cricket ball should be very scuffed, old and dry
-
The other side should be shiny, smooth and heavy from moisture/shining
-
The cricket ball seam should stay vertical and angled as it moves through the air
-
At high speeds, the ball will move towards the shiny side rather than away
For example: with a new cricket ball you may bowl out-swing to a right handed batsmen. When the ball becomes older and ready to reverse, you will start bowling in-swing despite no change in your grip or your fast bowling action.
COMMON ISSUES WITH SWING BOWLING
You may experience some of the following issues when trying to swing the cricket ball, and you could potentially be missing out on taking more wickets and becoming a more effective fast bowler in cricket matches:
THE SEAM DOES NOT COME OUT UPRIGHT
When the seam comes out scrambled, the cricket ball is unlikely to swing. This makes it easier for batsmen to judge the line and length of the delivery. Work on developing a fast bowling action that allows you to bowl with your wrist behind the ball and the seam in a good position.
THE BALL ONLY SWINGS IN ONE DIRECTION
Being able to swing the ball in only one direction often happens because your fast bowling action does not allow your wrist to be in a position where the ball can swing both ways. Develop your fast bowling technique so that your wrist is upright and behind the ball at release, and then practise bowling in-swing and out-swing during your cricket training sessions to give yourself more opportunities to take wickets.
SWING BOWLING DRILLS
SEAM PRESENTATION DRILL
1. The aim of this drill is to help you develop a better feel and understanding of your wrist and seam position
2. Start by flicking the ball out of your hand to a partner or into a net
3. Explore how to grip and release the ball so that the seam is pointing in the direction you want it to swing
4. Progress to bowling the ball to your partner or into a net
5. Focus on releasing the ball so that the seam is in a position where it can swing in the direction you want
6. Using 2-colour cricket balls can be very helpful to see the quality of your seam presentation
SUMMARY - SWING BOWLING
-
Swing bowling is an important skill to help you take wickets
-
Point the seam in the direction you want the cricket ball to swing
-
Keep your wrist upright and behind the ball as you release it
-
Aim to keep the seam steady as it moves towards the batsman
-
Spend time shining one side of the cricket ball to keep it swinging
-
Work on improving your fast bowling technique so that you can swing the ball both ways at pace
WE CAN HELP YOU
BECOME A BETTER FAST BOWLER!
High Quality Drills to Improve Your Technique
Safety Tips to Help Avoid & Fix Common Issues
Advice from International Fast Bowling Coaches
Video Analysis & Coaching Support*
Examples & Information to Help You Bowl Faster
Already a member?
Start your journey to become a better fast bowler TODAY with our online coaching packages. Our Speedbolt Plan and PRO Series content gives you access to:
*Applicable to Speedbolt Plan purchases only.