The Warm Up helps your body get ready for physical activity and is done in order to increase your heart rate, body and muscle temperature through easy exercise, whole-body movement, stretching, and games. 

Nottingham CCC players warm up at Trent Bridge before a match (original) - CC2.0 Photo by John Sutton

WHY IS A WARM UP IMPORTANT?

A good warm up before cricket training sessions and matches will:

• Give you the best chance to train and play at your potential

• Allow you to bowl fast because you are physically and mentally ready

• Reduce your risk of getting injured by getting your body prepared

New Zealand cricketers take part in a team warm up (original) - Embedded from Bruce

If you are serious about becoming the best fast bowler you can be, it is important to work on your athleticism and physical preparation. The fastest bowlers in the world work hard to stay fit and healthy, and ensuring you warm up fully before training sessions and cricket matches is an important starting point. 

HOW TO WARM UP PROPERLY

A good way to warm up for bowling fast (and any sport in general) is by following the R.A.M.P method. R.A.M.P stands for:

Raise (heart rate, breathing rate, temperature)

Activate (joints, muscles, brain & mind)

Mobilise (joints, muscles)

Potentiate (complete movements that are similar to bowling, at a progressive intensity so that you are ready to go when you actually start training or playing) 

It is important to understand that an effective warm up involves preparing the body towards 100% match