The Run-Up: The Key to Unlocking Your Bowling Potential

Master the Art of Rhythm, Energy, and Precision to Elevate Your Bowling Performance

When we think about bowling, it’s easy to focus on the delivery itself, the pace, swing, or spin that challenges the batter.

But behind every great ball is an often-overlooked ingredient: the run-up.

Yes, the run-up!

It’s personal, it’s dynamic, and it’s absolutely critical to your performance as a bowler.

Let’s talk about why your run-up matters and how mastering it can take your game to the next level.

What’s the Purpose of the Run-Up?

Think of the run-up as your launchpad. It’s where everything begins, setting the tone for what’s to follow.

It’s purpose is simple: to generate the right amount of speed and energy, all while staying balanced and in control, so you enter the crease at your optimum pace.

Every bowler's action is unique, and so is their run-up. Some need a long, rhythmic approach; others prefer a shorter, sharper burst. But the goal is always the same: reach that "sweet spot,” the ideal pace and rhythm where you’re primed to transfer energy seamlessly into your bowling action.

Why Every Day Feels Different

Here’s the thing: your optimum run-up isn’t set in stone. It changes. Why? Because no two days as a bowler are the same.

• Fresh vs. Tired Legs: Your first spell on Day 1 feels nothing like your third spell on Day 3.

• Ground Conditions: Hard pitches, soft outfields, uneven surfaces—all these influence how you run.

• Weather: Tailwind? Headwind? Humidity? They all play a part.

Great bowlers know this. They don’t treat their run-up as a rigid formula. Instead, they adapt. They understand that their sweet spot shifts with their energy levels and the match conditions.

The Effortless Grace of Michael Holding

If ever there was a masterclass in the art of the run-up, it was Michael Holding.

Known as ‘Whispering Death,’ his nickname says it all—his approach to the crease was so smooth and silent that batters hardly heard him coming.

With his long run-up, Holding gave batters a clear view of him gliding in from a distance, he had an almost hypnotic rhythm to his running.

It was effortless, mesmerising, and undeniably effective. And to match this aesthetic perfection, Holding bowled fast, very fast.

His run-up was a work of art, a perfect example of how rhythm and flow can amplify raw speed and power.

Lets all remind ourselves of what run up poetry looks like. Click the link to see Holding in action: Click here

A new run up after injury - Jon Lewis

Another example is Jon Lewis, who I worked with during my time at Gloucestershire. I knew Jon before he became a top-class professional cricketer, and back then, his bowling was no-where near what it became.

He played at Northamptonshire, but after suffering a stress fracture, he stepped back from the game.

When he returned, he had changed big time. During that time, Jon worked on his physical fitness and did specific work with a high jump coach.

When I saw him bowl again, he was very impressive.

His run-up, once unremarkable, was now rhythmical, smooth, and efficient.

Words like "easy," "bounce," and "flow" immediately came to mind when I watched him bowl.

Jon used to talk to himself when he ran in:

“one two three, one two three, one two three, hold.”

That cue—developed with the help of the high jump coach—allowed him to hit his mark and flow seamlessly into his action.

The result? A physically stronger action, more consistent performances, and an extraordinary career with hundreds of wickets in county cricket and international caps for England.

These stories show the power of recognising the run-up’s importance and being willing to work on improving it.

The Sweet Spot: Energy Without Wastage

An effective run-up is all about efficiency. The goal is to create as much usable energy as possible while wasting as little as possible. Think of it as a balancing act:

• Too Slow? You won’t generate enough momentum for a strong delivery.

• Too Fast? You won’t be able to control what you do through the crease.

The sweet spot is somewhere in between. It’s that perfect balance where your legs, arms, and rhythm come together to maximise power and control.

Nail this, and you’re setting yourself up for success at the crease.

The Science of Energy Transfer

Here’s where things get exciting. A good run-up isn’t just about speed, it’s about what happens when you get to the crease. It’s about energy transfer.

1. Build Momentum: The run-up is where you generate energy.

2. Harness It: As you jump forwards into the crease, this energy transitions seamlessly into your delivery.

3. Explosive Release: From back foot to front foot, your body channels that momentum into the ball.

This is where efficiency matters most. The better your bowling technique, the more of that energy you can use. And when your body works like a slingshot, storing and releasing energy in perfect harmony, you’re unstoppable!

What High Performers Do Differently

Top bowlers don’t leave their run-up to chance. They treat it as a core part of their craft, constantly refining it to make it faster, smoother, and more efficient. Here’s how they do it:

• Efficiency Is Key: They focus on running drills and techniques that save energy while maintaining speed.

• Adaptability Matters: They adjust their run-up to suit conditions, match scenarios, and physical state.

• It’s All Connected: They see the run-up as an extension of their bowling technique and not a separate step.

This mindset separates the good from the great. Elite bowlers know that the run-up isn’t just a means to an end, it’s the foundation of every great delivery.

How to Improve Your Run-Up

Want to take your run-up to the next level? Here’s where to start:

1. Analyse Your Technique: Look for areas where you’re wasting energy. Are your movements smooth and efficient?

2. Practice Consistency: Work on finding your rhythm under different conditions.

3. Stay Adaptable: Remember, every day is different. Be ready to tweak your run-up based on how you’re feeling and what the game demands.

4. Make It Yours: Your run-up should compliment your bowling action. It’s your launchpad so make it work for you.

Final Thoughts: Why the Run-Up Matters

Your run-up is so much more than just the approach to the crease. It’s the engine that powers your delivery, the rhythm that sets you in motion, and the foundation that lets your action shine.

High-performing bowlers don’t take their run-up for granted, and neither should you.

So next time you’re practicing, don’t just focus on the ball. Spend time on your run-up. Experiment. Adjust. Refine.

Master this often-overlooked element of bowling and everything else falls into place.

Here’s to finding your sweet spot!

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Got questions or tips about bowling? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Stuart