Finger spin fundamentals

Setup

1. Stumps at both ends of a pitch or net (junior pitch length for younger groups; check your association's junior format).
2. Four cones make a box on a full length just outside off stump for a right-handed batter.
3. A wicketkeeper stands up to the stumps. With a hard ball, the keeper wears a helmet with a faceguard; start with incrediballs.

How it runs

1. Grip first: the top joints of the first and second fingers sit across the seam, spread comfortably, with the thumb resting lightly.
2. Spin to self: from standing, flick the ball up a short way, turning the first finger down and the wrist clockwise (for a right-arm bowler), and catch it. Watch the seam spin.
3. Partner spin: pairs 8 m apart spin the ball to each other along the ground on one bounce.
4. Then bowl from a few steps at the box, one ball at a time. Two points for landing in the box, one more if it turns back towards the stumps.
5. Bowl sets of six with a short break, and rotate the keeper.

Coaching points

• Short, rhythmic approach; arrive side-on at the crease with the front arm leading.
• Brace the front leg and pivot hard over it, so the bowling hand finishes past the opposite hip.
• The first finger does the work: rip it down the side of the ball as the wrist turns.
• Give it air: release slightly above the eye line so the ball dips onto a full length.
• Arm stays straight through release, the same as for a fast bowler.
• Look after the spinning finger; stop if it blisters or splits, and build up the number of balls bowled gradually.

Common mistakes

• Rolling the ball out of the hand with no real spin on it.
• Stopping at the crease with no pivot, so the ball floats and doesn't dip.
• Pushing the ball flat and fast to land it, instead of trusting flight.
• Front foot landing over the popping crease (a no-ball for spinners too).