subject: Blind Bowling the solution for bowlers run up [print this page] Blind Bowling the solution for bowlers run up
As a coach of under 15's Cricket clubs, our first league match finished with undesirable results. We batted for around half an hour in the dark but lost. After the match we sat down at the next training session to figure out ways to get through our overs quicker, without losing our bowling power. We tried to prompt our players at the end of the over to get the batsmen to ready earlier. Therefore, we decided that we should try to at least minimize the length, of some our quicker bowlers run ups.
How to do this?
I have inquired from many coaches from Level 4 and below how they would approach this problem. Most understood the reason to try to change the length of run ups but, also stressed that it was not in the bowlers best interests to do so. Having said that, though, they did offer one solution.
Blind bowling.
In pairs, get one player to mark the starting point of the run up and the delivery stride, with cones. The bowler runs with the ball, with his eyes fully closed. When he feels it is time he enters his delivery stride. Now he counts the paces in between the two cones, which were placed by his partner. It was notable that all bar one bowler cut around 25% off of their run up without losing their pace or accuracy. This drill is beneficial for all ages from under 11's up to adults.
When is the right time, to enter the delivery stride in this drill? Well, the right time is when you have reached a balanced, rhythmical stride pattern. As a bowler, it is easy to know when this is, it is all about feel.
Though there was one exception, one player counted 16 strides, as he ran blind, he really didn't understand what we were trying to achieve.
One word of warning make sure the area is big and free of obstructions, as the bowler will be running with his eyes closed. Also, do not instruct the bowler to release the ball when in the delivery stride, as he will not know where to aim.
If you have any thoughts on this or if you have another suggestion, to shorten the run ups of bowlers, with unnecessary long run ups let me know.
