How to Hold the Cricket Ball

Well really I should have started the first article with this, and I guess this epitomises the fact that you should get this point sorted first and foremost before you step out onto that green canvas.

Like a ship without a rudder, a car without a steering wheel, and a plane without a tail-fin, if you don’t hold the ball the right and comfortable way then you will be all at sea.

International fast and medium-pace bowlers generally hold the ball the same way, whereas spinners can hold the ball in a number of ways [check out Sri Lanka’s new sensation Ajantha Mendis who holds the ball practically by his fingertips- this guy will bamboozle many on his way through international cricket.].

In the picture alongside this article you will see the key basic points about holding the ball the right way: noting that the seam should be vertical, the side of the thumb should be on the seam underneath the ball [basically get your thumb underneath the ball on the seam], and get your index and middle fingers on either side of the seam. This will help direction with the ball, help the ball hit the seam when it pitches, and crucially, help generate swing and movement. However, as with anything in cricket- the most important thing is that you are happy and comfortable with how the ball sits in your hand. Peace of mind will bring you relaxation and the ability to work on the basics of getting wickets.

You must remember that the seam helps guide the ball in the direction that you want it to go. A key indicator of this is how the new-ball is respected in all forms and levels of cricket: it is hard yes and goes quicker through the air, but it also has a stiff and proud seam.

By getting the seam right, it will also help you get your wrist behind the ball and therefore help get a consistent direction, pace, and movement on the ball.

It’s not rocket-science, so get the basics right, practice them, and then shatter those stumps!