bowling intermediate

How to Improve Bowling Accuracy

Accurate bowling puts the ball where you want it. Practice a target and a repeatable action.

1 min read 15 min practice
How to Improve Bowling Accuracy
Table of Contents
  1. Start with a repeatable action
  2. Pick a target
  3. Practise under a little pressure
  4. Common causes of losing line
  5. Fatigue
  6. What You Need
  7. Step-by-Step Instructions
  8. Important Tips
  9. Common Mistakes

Accuracy is the difference between a bowler who contains and one who leaks runs. It is a trainable skill, not a talent you either have or do not.

Start with a repeatable action

Inconsistent accuracy usually comes from an inconsistent approach. Measure your run-up and mark it. Land in the same place at the crease every ball.

Pick a target

Bowling “at the stumps” is too vague. Put a marker on the pitch at the length you want and aim at that. A small target sharpens the aim more than a large one.

Practise under a little pressure

  • Bowl six balls and count how many land in your target area.
  • Repeat the over and try to beat the previous score.
  • Note the score so you can see progress across weeks.

Counting turns aimless net bowling into practice with feedback, which is what actually changes a skill.

Common causes of losing line

Falling away in the action pushes the ball down leg side. Overstriding shortens the length. Bowling too fast for your control level costs more runs than it takes wickets.

Fatigue

Accuracy drops when you are tired, so practise in short blocks with rest between them. Bowling long spells with a tired action grooves the errors instead of the skill.

What You Need

  • A cricket ball
  • A target such as a cone or a marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Place a target on a good length.
  2. 2Bowl at the target with the same action each time.
  3. 3Watch where each ball lands.
  4. 4Make small changes and try again.
  5. 5Bowl in short sets and rest between them.

Important Tips

  • Keep your run-up the same length.
  • Aim at one clear point every ball.

Common Mistakes

  • Changing your action too often.
  • Bowling too many balls without rest.

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