We all know how good a bowling machine is for improving batting technique. But just using it to hit balls is not the best way. That's where a good review and PitchVision's PV/VIDEO comes in.

This video shows you how you can use video analysis for instant feedback on your bowling machine session. This allows you to tap into the proven power of deliberate practice and effective review.

A bowling machine is not a bowler, so you have to practice with one differently. There are two ways to get the most from a bowling machine session.

Use this simple adaptation to a normal net to add pressure and realism and improve your batting average.

More turn is the ultimate improvement for spinners. The clue is in the name. So, here is a case study from a young spinner who doubled his turn in 10 weeks training.

Even better, he had never bowled spin seriously before last year.

Here's what happened, and how you can emulate his achievement.

Cricket nets can easily become "just a hit" without any focus or improvement. Using this game from PitchVision, you can make them fun, competitive and useful when you play in a match.

"Mixed" bowling actions are a common cause for concern in fast bowlers. Using this case study subject as an example, you can learn about dealing with a mixed bowling action.

Iain Brunnschweiler is on tour, coaching England Under 19s in Sri Lanka. This is the second part of the diary, you can read part one here.

After this epic case study article, we got a comment from Facebook saying, "You could realistically be drilling/bowling close to 500 reps per week, which would get improvement.". Yet our case study players averaged a mere 38 reps per week, despite putting in 20 hours of sessions. The highest in any one week was 114. Miles away from 500.

Have we wasted our time?

More importantly, are you wasting your time if you can't put in 500 reps a week?

When training for difficult operations, the US Navy SEAL commanders insist on "situations that are exponentially more stressful, chaotic, and dynamic than any combat operation".

They train hard so they can win easy.

This is a superb principle for cricket too.

Iain Brunnschweiler is on tour with the England Under 19 side Sri Lanka. Here's his diary: It's a mixture of great stories and lessons for players and coaches at any level.