Swing Bowling: Inswing and Outswing

In this lesson you will learn the basic idea behind conventional swing. When the ball is released with the seam angled slightly and held stable in flight, the air flows differently over the two sides of the ball. The side with the seam disturbs the airflow, while the smooth, shiny side lets the air flow more smoothly. This difference creates a sideways force that pushes the ball towards the seam side. That is why conventional swing moves in the direction the seam is pointing. A stable, angled seam and a well-maintained shiny side are the key ingredients. You do not need to be the fastest bowler to swing the ball effectively.

• Swing comes from different airflow on each side
• Conventional swing moves towards where the seam points
• Stable, angled seam is essential
• You do not need express pace to swing it

In this lesson you will learn to bowl the outswinger, which moves away from a right-handed batter towards the slips. Hold the ball with the seam angled towards first or second slip, with the shiny side facing the leg side. Your index and middle fingers sit either side of the seam, and your thumb rests on the seam underneath. At release, keep your wrist firm and behind the ball, pointing the seam towards the slips, and let your fingers come through straight. A side-on action can help some bowlers, but the wrist position matters most. The outswinger can draw edges to the wicketkeeper and slips, so it is a classic wicket-taking delivery.

• Moves away from a right-hander
• Seam angled towards the slips
• Shiny side faces the leg side
• Firm wrist keeps the seam angle stable

In this lesson you will learn the inswinger, which moves into a right-handed batter from off to leg. Hold the ball with the seam angled towards fine leg and the shiny side facing the off side. The fingers sit either side of the seam, and the wrist stays firm behind the ball at release, keeping the seam pointing towards fine leg. Some bowlers find a slightly more open, front-on position helps them deliver the inswinger. The inswinger is dangerous because it attacks the stumps and pads, bringing bowled and lbw into play. Bowled too full or too straight, though, it can drift onto the pads and be clipped away easily.

• Moves into a right-hander
• Seam angled towards fine leg
• Shiny side faces the off side
• Attacks stumps and pads, bringing bowled and lbw into play

In this lesson you will learn how fielding sides help the ball to swing within the Laws. One side of the ball is kept shiny by polishing it on clothing, while the other side is allowed to wear naturally. Under the Laws, polishing is allowed provided no artificial substance is used, and you may dry a wet ball with a towel under the umpire's supervision. You must not apply any substance, rub the ball on the ground, scratch it or lift the seam. Doing so is unfair and can lead to penalty runs and the ball being replaced. Agree as a team who looks after the ball so that the shiny side stays consistent.

• Polish one side without artificial substances
• Let the other side wear naturally
• No substances, scratching or lifting the seam
• Agree who looks after the ball as a team

In this lesson you will learn which conditions tend to help swing. Many bowlers find the ball swings more in cool, humid or overcast conditions, although the science is still debated. A newer ball with a prominent seam and good shine usually swings more than an older one. Wind direction can also help or hinder, so consider which end you bowl from. On some days the ball simply will not swing, and that is when your accuracy, seam movement and change of pace become even more important. Watch the first few deliveries carefully, ask your wicketkeeper what they are seeing, and adjust your plan quickly rather than chasing swing that is not there.

• Cool, humid or overcast days often help
• A newer, shiny ball usually swings more
• Use the wind when choosing an end
• Do not chase swing that is not there

In this lesson you will meet reverse swing. When the ball becomes older, with one side very rough and the other side kept smooth, and is bowled at a good pace, it can swing in the opposite direction to conventional swing, towards the shiny side rather than the seam side. Reverse swing usually needs a dry, abrasive surface and quick bowling, and is often seen later in an innings. It can produce late, dramatic movement, which makes it a powerful tool at the death. It must only ever be achieved by natural wear and legal polishing. Any attempt to roughen the ball artificially is unfair play and is penalised under the Laws.

• Older ball, one side rough, one side smooth
• Moves towards the shiny side
• Needs pace and a dry, abrasive surface
• Only through natural wear and legal polishing

In this lesson you will learn how to use swing in a T20 match. Swing is most likely in the first few overs, so new-ball bowlers often attack with full lengths that give the ball time to move, supported by slips or a catching fielder. A common plan is to set up the batter with several outswingers and then bring one back with an inswinger, or the other way round. However, swing makes the ball harder to control, and in T20 a ball that swings too far can become a wide or be easy to hit. Bowl full enough to swing but straight enough to make the batter play, and agree fields that match your plan.

• Swing is most likely early in the innings
• Pitch it up to give the ball time to move
• Set up with one swing, surprise with the other
• Swinging too much can bring wides