In the bowling section this week I am going to talk about the run-up.
For me as a fast bowler the run-up is a vital part of my game. It helps with rhythm, helps generate pace and, importantly, helps you keep your front foot behind the crease line so as not to bowl no balls.
It is an extremely individual thing and they do vary from person to person. I have the same run-up today as I had when was 14/15 years old.
It is important you find a distance that is comfortable for you, Some people like to run in thirty yards and some half that. Mine is 15 strides from the back crease line (level with the stumps). It is something that, as with most things in cricket, you need to play around with it in the nets. Then once you are happy with it you can take it into a game. Some players use a tape measure so they know the exact distance.
As I mentioned earlier, your run-up helps with rhythm. The rhythm of your run-up is important because it affects what happens when you get to the crease and then, ultimately, affects the ball that you bowl. This also needs to be worked on in the nets.
You should try and run as smooth as you possibly can. This means don’t try and run too fast or too slow. Everyone has their optimum speed. You should also gradually increase the speed you run as you approach the crease, again not too much, just a gentle acceleration.
