How to Bowl Leg Spin

The leg spin is one of the most difficult bowling arts to master in cricket. While it is controversial among captains and batsmen, it allows for the player to have amazing control over the ball. There is no question that it is one of the most devastating delivery methods. Even though everyone performs it a bit differently, with diligent practice and dedication, you can learn how to master this spin. 

[[Category:Cricket]]

== Steps ==

===Getting Ready===

#Commit to practice and hard work. In order to master this skill correctly, you need to be willing to practice long and hard. This skill takes work, and if you don't practice hard enough, it will show.<ref>http://www.pitchvision.com/how-to-start-bowling-leg-spin#/</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#Prepare to deal with disrespect. Since the leg spin is controversial, you may have to deal with a lack of respect from the batsman or other people who don't accept it.<ref>http://www.pitchvision.com/how-to-start-bowling-leg-spin#/</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#Work through the hard period. In the beginning, you may not have any control of your stock ball. You will eventually become better as you continue practicing.<ref>http://www.pitchvision.com/how-to-start-bowling-leg-spin#/</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Remember to keep spinning the ball hard. Even when you are not playing your best, or things seem to be working against you, keep going.<ref>http://www.pitchvision.com/how-to-start-bowling-leg-spin#/</ref>

===Holding the Ball===

#Grip the ball properly. Hold your first two fingers up, and your last two fingers down. Your thumb, first finger, and middle finger should be straight, with your ring and little finger bent down.[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#Place your fingers across the seam. Your first finger, middle finger, and thumb should be curved around the ball. The side of the ball should rest on the bent side of your middle finger. Try to hold the ball softly. If you hold it tightly, your control will be damaged.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/skills/newsid_3208000/3208899.stm</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#Cock your wrist. When you go to release the ball, your arm will be straight, and your wrist should be fully bent at your side. You don't want to bend it too hard as you want to keep flexibility.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 6.jpg|center]]

===Throwing the Ball===

#Align your shoulders, hips, and feet together. At first, your body should not be facing forward, but turned to the side. This position allows you to twist your body so you can gain momentum when you go to throw the ball.<ref>https://www.pitchvision.com/classic-bowling-dismissals-leg-spin#/</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 7.jpg|center]]

#Use your front arm for momentum. Right before you bowl the ball with your bowling arm, lift your front arm up high, and swing it down while you swing your bowling arm around. This will help your bowling arm gain speed as you raise your arm to bowl the ball.[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 8.jpg|center]]

#Rotate your body for accuracy and speed. As your lift your elbow and shoulder up, you will turn your body toward the front by bringing your back foot around, and stepping forward.[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 9.jpg|center]]

#Bring your arm back. Your bowling arm will swing around by going back and up over your head toward the front. You will need to use your whole arm and shoulder to perfect this motion.[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 10.jpg|center]]

#Release the ball. As you do this, you should unbend your wrist by flicking it over, and straightening your fingers. Allow your third finger to generate an anti-clockwise spin.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/skills/newsid_3208000/3208899.stm</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 11.jpg|center]]

#*Your arm will be extended in front of you when the ball releases. The ball will release from the back of your hand near your third finger.

#*Your palm should be faced downwards when your hand finishes. 

#Remember that line and length is important. Try to land the ball about six feet from the batting crease to prevent the batsman from picking it up.<ref>https://www.pitchvision.com/classic-bowling-dismissals-leg-spin#/</ref>[[Image:Bowl Leg Spin Step 12.jpg|center]]

== Video ==

{{Video:Bowl Leg Spin|}}

== Tips ==

*Work on your leg break more than anything as it is the most powerful weapon in a leg spinner's arsenal.

*Keep your wrist and fingers flexible and relaxed.

*Keep your non-bowling arm high when in delivery stride. Flight is an important aspect of spin bowling.

*A spin bowler is only as good as his stock ball.

== Related wikiHows ==

*[[Bat in Cricket]]

*[[Understand the Basic Rules of Cricket]]

*[[Bowl Fast in Cricket]]

==Sources and Citations==

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