Cricket bowling differs from throwing a ball, according to Purdue University. A bowler must bowl overhand and keep the arm straight throughout the bowling action, instead of putting energy behind the ball by bending and then straightening the arm. Practicing cricket bowling drills is a good way to improve your cricket bowling.
String Flight Drill
Changing the flight of a cricket ball can be done by adding spin to the ball in one of several different ways, according to Pitchvision. Top spin, back spin, and side spin all create balls that deceive the batsman by looking easier to hit than they actually are. To begin understanding how spin works, bowling coach David Hinchliffe recommends running a string horizontally across the net at approximately the batsman's eye level, then attempting to bowl over the string. Adding spin to the ball will carry it over the string in different ways. Adding a piece of cardboard on the ground beyond the string provides a target for the ball.
Stumps Drill
Once the bowler is comfortable bowling over a string, Hinchliffe recommends removing the string and placing a pair of stumps in front of the cardboard "target." In this drill, the bowler's goal is to clear the stumps and land the ball on the target. Have the bowler practice using each type of spin with which he is comfortable.
Body Alignment Drill
Keeping the hips and shoulders aligned while bowling is crucial, according to Cricket Web. Proper alignment puts the maximum force behind the ball and also prevents injury to the back and spine by eliminating repeated twisting. While the hips and shoulders do not have to be square to the batsman, they must be in line with one another. Have bowlers practice aligning their hips and shoulders, and practice the bowling action without moving. You can use tape running from the shoulder to hip to remind the bowler to stay aligned and to show when the bowler has twisted; if the back twists, the tape will also twist, rip or detach.
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