Marking the Run Up

Getting the length of the run up right is important to get a proper bowling rhythm. Each bowler has judge for himself, how long his run up will be, according to what he intends to bowl (fast or spin) and according to what suits his bowling action.

One of the best way of marking the length of the run-up is :

Mark a line in the outfield and start the run up with the right toe touching this line (for a right arm bowler). As explained earlier, jog, stride and accelerate listening to your body all the time, and where you feel you have reached the optimum speed, hop or jump to set your action as your right foot lands, and then bowl.

Ask one of your friends to mark the point where your front landed. Bowl at least 10-15 balls, repeating the above procedure, and every time marking the landing of the front foot. The point where the front foot lands most often is measured by walking-length strides or a string. That’s the length of your run-up!

If you find that the length of the run-up suits your bowling rhythm and co-ordination stick to it, and if not, go back to the procedure as explained earlier. lan Donald says, “Timing you run-up speed with a stop watch can be of great help, for if you lose your rhythm, you can always ask somebody to check whether you are running in faster or slower.”