How to shorten a bowlers run up

All bowlers need a run up before delivering the cricket ball, to bring them up to the required speed and into the rhythm at which they are comfortable to bowl it. The run up for each bowler vary (from 2 to 3 strides to 30 or so) depending upon the speed at which the bowler bowls. Generally speaking, the longer the run-up, the quicker the delivery is likely to be. Sometimes the coaches and teams face the problem to longer run ups and they may look to shorten the run ups to get through overs quicker, without losing our bowling potency. So if you want to decrease the length, of some of your quicker bowlers run ups, here comes a solution.

Most of the coaches (from level 4 and below) offer one solution to change the length of run ups; blind bowling.

What is blind bowling?

One player should mark the run up and the delivery stride, with cones. With eyes fully closed, the bowler runs with the ball and he enters his delivery stride when he believes it’s the right time to do so. Now he counts the paces, placed by his partner, between two cones. This drill can be used for under 11's up to adults and interestingly notable all bar one bowler cut around 25% off of their run up, without losing any pace or accuracy.

The question here arises, how will bowler know when is the right time, to enter the delivery stride in this drill? As a bowler you will know when you have reached a balanced and rhythmical stride pattern, and so this is the right time. There may be some exception in case the bowler fails to count the right number of strides.

You should keep one thing in mind to avoid any inconvenience. Ensure the area is big enough for bowler and free of obstructions, as the bowler will be running with his eyes closed. Also do not get the bowler to release the ball when in the delivery stride, as he will not know where he is aiming.

Bowler should feel the exact distance where he feels natural to bowl, and then practice in nets. It is seen that many bowlers did not take very long time for it to feel ok, so all that it requires is practice.