Cricket · Pace bowling

Swing bowling: in and out

Seam bowlers learn to swing the ball both ways: the coach calls in or out before each ball, and points come for pitching on a good length and moving the ball the called way.

BwCOWk
Start / 6
Time
25 min
Players
2–6
Age
U16+
Area
Net or centre pitch
Equipment
4 newer hard cricket balls2 set of stumps4 flat markers for the length box1 dry cloth for polishingwicketkeeping gloves and pads

Setup

  1. Use the newest balls you have; conventional swing is easier with a ball that still has a good shine on one side.
  2. Mark a good-length box on the line of the stumps at the batting end. A keeper stands back, or a coach with a catching mitt.
  3. A coach stands near the bowling crease to call the ball and watch the wrist.
  4. Polish the shiny side on clothing or a dry cloth only. Saliva may not be used on the ball, and nobody scratches or picks the seam.
  5. Bowlers have already warmed up and bowled a few build-up balls. Count balls against your association's workload guidelines.

How it runs

  1. Grip check first: every bowler shows the coach the outswing grip (seam angled towards first slip, shiny side towards fine leg) and the inswing grip (seam angled towards fine leg, shiny side towards the slips), both to a right-handed batter.
  2. Over 1, outswing only: pitch in the box and move away towards the slips. 1 point for the box, 1 more for visible swing the right way.
  3. Over 2, inswing only, scored the same way, with a bonus point for anything that would hit the stumps.
  4. Over 3 and after: the coach calls 'in' or 'out' quietly to the bowler before each run-up. The keeper calls back which way it went.
  5. Finish with the keeper not told the call, so the bowler's grip and action have to do all the work.

Coaching points

  • Seam upright at release with the wrist firm and behind the ball. A wobbling seam won't swing reliably.
  • Point the seam where you want the ball to start moving towards, and let the fingers come straight down behind it.
  • Pitch it up. Swing needs time in the air, so a fuller length gives the ball the chance to move.
  • For outswing, stay more side-on and follow through across your body. For inswing, a slightly more open chest helps.
  • Keep your run-up, pace and arm speed the same for both, so the batter can't read the change.
  • Look after the ball as a team: one shiny side, kept dry, polished between deliveries.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping the wrist or cocking it to one side at release, which tilts the seam.
  • Bowling short of a length and getting no swing.
  • Changing the run-up or slowing down when trying to swing it.
  • Holding the shiny side the wrong way round. Check the grip before every run-up.

Say it: “Seam up, wrist behind it, pitch it up.”

Make it harder

  • Add a batter in full kit with a helmet who plays every ball on its merits.
  • Start the outswinger on middle stump and finish it past off; start the inswinger outside off and hit the stumps.
  • Use an older ball so the movement has to come from seam position and action.

Make it easier

  • Bowl off a shorter run at controlled pace.
  • Practise only one direction until the grip and wrist are grooved.
  • Use a two-colour training ball so bowler and coach can see the seam spin.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.