Seam position and wrist behind the ball

Setup

1. Bowlers in pairs, about 10 m apart, with a flat marker on the ground about two thirds of the way to the partner.
2. Use balls with a seam that is easy to see; a ball with one half coloured makes the spin even clearer.
3. Keep pairs side by side with plenty of space between them, all throwing in the same direction.

How it runs

1. Stage 1: hold the ball with the first two fingers either side of the seam and the thumb underneath. From standing, flick the ball up to the partner so it lands on the marker and the seam spins backwards in an upright line.
2. The partner catches it and calls what they saw: 'upright', 'wobbling' or 'scrambled'. Swap after each ball.
3. Stage 2: after about ten good ones each, the bowler steps back to the start of a three-step approach and bowls through the same marker.
4. Stage 3 (in a net): the same check off a short run at a set of stumps, staying within your association's fast bowling guidelines for the session.

Coaching points

• Seam points straight at the target, fingers on top of the ball and slightly apart.
• Wrist stays firm and directly behind the ball, with the palm facing the target at release.
• Release with the fingers pulling down the back of the ball so it spins backwards along the seam.
• A tall, straight bowling arm close to the head; no bending and straightening at the elbow.
• Relaxed grip: hold it in the fingers, not the palm.

Common mistakes

• Wrist cocked to the side, so the seam tilts and wobbles.
• Squeezing the ball deep in the hand, which kills the backspin.
• Rushing to the longer stage before the seam is consistently upright.
• Using saliva to shine the ball (not allowed under the Laws); use a cloth or the trousers for sweat instead and check your competition's playing conditions.