Leg-Spin Bowling

In this lesson you will learn what makes leg-spin special. A leg-spinner is a right-arm wrist spinner whose stock ball, the leg-break, turns from the leg side towards the off side, away from a right-handed batter. Because the wrist creates the spin, leg-spinners can generate a great deal of rotation, drift and dip, and they have several variations that look similar from the batter's end. Leg-spin is often considered the hardest bowling skill to master, as control can be difficult. In T20 cricket, wrist spinners are prized as wicket-takers in the middle overs. Patience and practice are essential, so be prepared to learn steadily.

• Right-arm wrist spin turning from leg to off
• Wrist creates big rotation, drift and dip
• Hardest skill to control, so be patient
• Prized as a T20 wicket-taker

In this lesson you will learn how to hold the ball for leg-spin. The ball sits in the fingers with the seam running across them. The first two fingers are spread comfortably across the top of the seam, and the third finger is bent and lies along the seam, providing much of the spinning force. The thumb rests lightly and does very little. Keep the ball loose enough in the hand that you can flick it out. At release, the wrist is cocked and turns from right to left, while the third finger flicks up the right side of the ball, sending it spinning anticlockwise with the seam pointing towards first slip.

• Seam runs across the fingers
• First two fingers across the seam, third finger bent along it
• Thumb rests lightly and does little
• Wrist turns and third finger flicks the ball out

In this lesson you will learn the leg-spinner's action. Like other spinners, leg-spinners use a short, rhythmic run-up. You land side-on, with your front arm high and pointing towards the batter, then rotate your body powerfully through the crease, pivoting on your front foot. A high bowling arm helps you get the ball to dip and bounce, while a strong rotation of the hips and shoulders adds revolutions. The bowling hand finishes low, past the opposite hip. A common error is to bowl with a low, round arm, which can make the ball skid flat without dip. Use slow walk-throughs and video to build a repeatable, balanced action.

• Short, rhythmic run-up
• Land side-on with a high front arm
• Strong pivot and rotation through the crease
• High bowling arm for dip and bounce

In this lesson you will focus on accuracy, the biggest challenge for any leg-spinner. Start by spinning the ball over short distances to a partner, then progress to half a pitch, and only then to the full twenty-two yards. Aim to land your stock ball on a good length around middle and off stump, so that it turns towards the off stump or just outside, drawing an edge or a false shot. Accept that you will bowl some loose balls while learning. Keep your action relaxed and your head steady. Recording how many deliveries you land in a target zone over weeks will show you that control is improving, even when it does not feel like it.

• Progress from short distances to the full pitch
• Stock ball: good length around middle and off
• Accept loose balls while learning
• Track target-zone success over weeks

In this lesson you will learn why wrist spin can be so deceptive in the air. A ball spinning hard with lots of revolutions can drift sideways in flight, usually into a right-handed batter for a leg-break, before turning the other way after pitching. It can also dip, dropping shorter than the batter expects, and bounce more sharply because of the overspin and high release. Together these effects make the batter misjudge the length and line. You do not have to understand all the physics. Focus on putting genuine revolutions on the ball and releasing from a high arm, and the ball will start to do more in the air.

• Spinning ball can drift in flight
• Dip makes the ball drop shorter than expected
• High release and overspin add bounce
• Revolutions and a high arm create these effects

In this lesson you will learn how leg-spinners take wickets in T20 cricket. Batters often try to attack wrist spin, which creates chances for stumpings, catches in the deep and bowled dismissals. Bowl a little quicker and flatter to reduce the batter's time to come down the pitch, but keep enough revolutions to turn the ball. Against right-handers, the leg-break turning away can bring edges and catches at long-off and deep cover. Your variations, such as the googly and top-spinner, which you will learn in WFA415, add to the threat. Work closely with your captain on fields and with your wicketkeeper on reading your deliveries.

• Attacking batters create wicket chances
• Quicker and flatter reduces the charge
• Leg-break turning away brings edges and deep catches
• Variations come in WFA415

In this lesson you will learn how to practise leg-spin sensibly. Wrist spin puts load on your wrist, fingers, shoulder and side, and long practice sessions can cause soreness and blisters. Warm up properly, start with gentle spinning drills, and build up the number of balls gradually. Look after your spinning finger, keeping the skin in good condition. Practise in supervised nets, bowl to targets and get regular feedback from a coach. Stop if you feel sharp pain in your shoulder or side and seek advice from a qualified professional. This module is guidance only and is not a substitute for accredited coaching or professional medical advice.

• Wrist spin loads wrist, fingers, shoulder and side
• Warm up and build volumes gradually
• Look after the skin on your spinning finger
• Stop and seek advice if you feel sharp pain