Pace Bowling | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Cricket Training Ideas: Halftime Bowling

Pre-match warm ups at the grass-roots level have transformed in recent years, but how would you like an often missed yet simple upgrade to get you more wickets?

What Type of Fast Bowler Are You?

This is a guest article from Steffan Jones

As you already know, there is no one type of fast bowler, but they all have one thing in common: all fast bowlers want to bowl faster.

So although the goal is the same, the way to reach that goal varies depending on the type of bowler. Training the right way for your type makes a huge difference to your performance.

When it comes to training there are 3 types of bowler:

The Surprisingly Little-Known Way to Boost you Bowling Speed

This is a guest article from former professional bowler, and current Strength, Conditioning and Fast Bowling Coach Steffan Jones.

There is no doubt in my mind that most fast bowlers ignore the best training method that exists for improving pace.

Today we can break that trend.

I remember in 1999 I was was at the start of my career and was searching for that X-factor that would help me add pace onto my bowling. I was currently being clocked at 78mph. In county cricket that is neither here nor there.

I needed more.

Is There Any Reason to Bowl No Balls?

Long jumpers don't overstep the foul line to get more distance.

Dart players don't stand closer to the board to get more accuracy.

Footballers don't practice penalties from in front of the spot.

So why is there such an "overstep-idemic" at cricket practice?

Here is a perfect example:

5 Coaching Lessons from the IPL Final

The IPL seems a long way from the cricket we play. But it is the same game with the same size pitch, balls and stumps.

It's just the players are a bit better.

So there is bound to be lessons guys like Dhoni, Malinga, Pollard and Morkel can teach us. Even if we may never play at Eden Gardens in front of 60,000.

Here are 5 universal things that I think we can take into our next game, be it a friendly or a vital final:

What Fountains of Wayne Can Teach You About Fast Bowling

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Being a rock n roll hero is a long way from ripping through batting orders, but the American band Fountains of Wayne seem to have found a link between the two.

Specifically the track All Kinds of Time, from their third album, gives an insight into the mind of a sportsman at the peak of his performance.

You should give it a listen

When you do, you understand what it's like to be perfectly in the moment and flowing with ease as if you are in complete control of the game:

Quick Tip: What Should a Fast Bowler Think About?

Mouseman asks,

"what should a fast bowler be thinking about before, during and after bowling the ball?"

There is a lot to think about, and no one answer to that question. However, there is a simple process you can follow to keep your mind clear of useless clutter than distracts you from bowling well.

It was told to me a while back by ace coach Stuart Barnes:

The Unexpected Truth About Match Day Training

This is a guest article from Steffan Jones.

Training on the day of a game is traditionally frowned upon coaches and players who are not aware of the benefits. But the truth is simple; the right kind of training on match day can make you a better cricketer.

Give me a moment and I'll explain why pre-game training is a great idea, and what you can do to boost your performance for your next match.

Swing Bowling Tip: How to Outsmart the Batsman

This is an exclusive preview of Swing Bowling Masterclass from Nathan Bracken

Swing bowling is about more than just tearing in and bowling as fast as you can. You need a more tactical approach.

In games you try and run the same routine and thought process from ball to ball. To me, it was understanding who I was up against. Different players played things differently.

Preseason Panic: Your Break Glass in Emergency Guide

Somewhere in the world right now is a cricketer panicking.

He's panicking because his season starts in two or three weeks and he has spent the winter doing anything but cricket.

He was too busy for nets, he forgot about the gym membership he paid for in January and pressure for his time comes from all sides; family, friends and work.

Maybe that guy is even you.

If it is, you're not alone. Life gets in the way of good intentions.