Awesome Action - and Results. Michael Holding 1975

A great clip demonstrating how an efficient and athletic runup can make it easy to transfer your effort into your action and get all your energy going down the wicket and through the batsman! Apart from the magnificent running style (Mikey was a national 400m runner!) watch his delivery stride and the drive through he gets with his right knees and hip as he delivers the ball - right at his target!
Just beautiful - unless you are facing it!
Did I mention the time I scored 56 openning up against Mikey?...? Some other time maybe!...?

Analysing a Bowling Action for Safety - without video equipment

Tips for coaches who don't have access to video equipment but still need to satisfy the first rule of coaching fast bowlers - MAKE SURE THE ACTION IS SAFE!

Bowling Control Drill

This is a great drill for any bowler as it makes them concentrate on line and gives them immediate feedback about their "radar" That is, the relationship between where they aim and where the ball actually goes.
Remember - there is nothing that says the ball must go where you aim it! If you find that the ball CONSISTENTLY goes 10cms to the right of where you aim... Don't try and bowl differently, just aim 10cms to the left of your intended target! It is often the case that when a bowler goes for a little extra pace ie. his "Effort Ball", he will often spear it down the legside or bowl it too short. By using his radar, he can make the necessary corrections so that he does not waste the effort ball!

Key Points for this drill

1. Head still
2. Front arm and nose as rudder
3. Front arm and leg up and down at the target
4. Finish each delivery with a flick of the wrist
5. Run through the crease
6. Chase your ball down the wicket