Wrist spin fundamentals

Setup

1. Stumps at both ends of a pitch or net. Four cones make a landing zone on a full length in line with leg stump.
2. A batter takes guard and plays a forward defence to every ball; a wicketkeeper stands up to the stumps.
3. Start with incrediballs. With a hard ball, the batter and the keeper wear helmets with faceguards and full protective gear.

How it runs

1. Grip: first two fingers across the seam, third finger bent along the seam, thumb resting lightly; the ball sits in the fingers.
2. Spin to self: with the palm facing the body, turn the wrist and flick the third finger so the ball spins anticlockwise (right-arm bowler), and catch it.
3. From one knee, spin the ball up to a partner 6 to 8 m away so it lands and turns; then from standing.
4. Then bowl at the zone from a few steps, one ball at a time. The batter defends; the keeper takes anything that beats the bat.
5. Six balls each, then rotate bowler, batter and keeper. Count balls that land in the zone and turn.

Coaching points

• Back of the hand faces the batter at the top of the action; the wrist uncocks and the third finger rips up and over the ball.
• Bowling shoulder rotates through hard, with the hand finishing low past the front hip.
• Put plenty of revolutions on the ball before worrying about accuracy; accuracy comes with repetition.
• Bowl with an upright arm close to the head, and keep the elbow straight through release.
• Wrist spin is hard on the shoulder and the spinning finger: build up volume across weeks and stop if anything hurts.

Common mistakes

• Turning the wrist too early, so the ball comes out as a slow full toss.
• Gripping tightly in the palm, which stops the fingers spinning it.
• Opening up too soon and spraying the ball down the leg side.
• Trying the googly before the stock ball turns consistently.