The main purpose of the swing throw in cricket is to make the ball swing sideways as it moves toward the batsman. Some of the most important factors for a successful throw are the wear rate of the ball, the speed of the throw, and the grip of the thrower (bowler). Swing ball throwers can use the regular swing, back swing, or contrast swing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Throwing with a Regular Swing
Step 1. Use the new ball
A cricket ball swings best when it's new and hasn't worn out. The seams should still be strong, and one side still very glossy.
Step 2. Hold the ball along the seam
Grasp with your middle and index fingers on both sides of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and ring finger. The shiny side of the ball should be facing the bat.
Step 3. Release the ball with the seam pointing in the direction of the swing
A ball that swings from the side of the foot towards the near is an inswing, and a ball that swings from the side near to the side of the foot is an outswing.
- To throw a deep swing, release the ball with the seam pointing about 20 degrees toward the fine leg. The middle finger should be the end point of contact with the ball.
- To throw an outside swing, release the ball with the seam facing 20 degrees toward the slip fielder. The index finger should be the final point of contact with the ball.
- Regular swing is most effective at speeds between 50 and 110 kph.
Method 2 of 3: Throwing Back Swing
Step 1. Use 40 over or more used balls
The new ball will swing naturally in the usual direction, but at this age, the area on the ball will change its aerodynamics. The ball begins to swing in the opposite direction to the seam, towards the shiny part.
Step 2. Keep the ball in good condition
The reverse swing is most effective when the smooth side of the ball is still very smooth, and the rough side is still very rough, and the seams are still strong.
Continue to polish the smooth side of the ball as you play. However, keep in mind that scratching the rough side of the ball is illegal because you're fiddling with the ball
Step 3. Hold the ball along the seam
Grip with your middle and index fingers on both sides of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and ring finger. The rough side of the ball should be facing the direction of the swing.
Step 4. Throw like a regular swing throw, but the sides of the ball are reversed
This means that the shiny side of the ball is now facing away from the bat. The difference between a regular swing and a back swing is that in a regular swing the ball swings in the direction of the ball stitch, while in a reverse swing the ball swings in the opposite direction.
- To throw a deep swing, release the ball with the ball seam facing 20 degrees toward the slip fielder. The middle finger should be the end point of contact with the ball.
- To throw an outward swing, release the ball with the seam facing 20 degrees towards the fine leg. The index finger should be the end point of contact with the ball.
- Throw hard. The faster the throw, the more effective the back swing will be. The speed required also depends on the condition of the ball; the rougher the rough side of the ball, the less speed required.
Method 3 of 3: Throwing a Contrast Swing
Step 1. Use a ball with a tight seam
Like a normal swing and turn, one side of the ball should be very shiny and the other side very rough. Keep the ball as dry as possible.
Step 2. Hold the ball along the seam
Grip with your middle and index fingers on both sides of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and ring finger.
Step 3. Throw with the seam pointing straight to the pitch
The direction of the swing will be determined by the speed of the throw.
- At low speeds (less than 110 kph), the ball will swing to the rough side of the ball.
- At high speed (over 110 kph), the ball will swing towards the smooth side.
- Note that the exact speed required is the wear rate of the ball.
