How to Bowl a Googly – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Introduction
The googly is one of cricket’s more difficult deliveries to play and is often referred to as the “mystery ball”. Traditionally executed by leg-spinners, it can be a real head-scratcher for good batsman. If you are a new sportsperson who is keen to learn spin bowling, understanding how to bowl the googly well is essential.
In this article, we will explain the grip, wrist position, step by step process of delivery and practice routines you can take to become a great googly bowler.
—
1. What is a Googly in Cricket?
Before learning how to bowl a googly, it’s useful to understand how it differs from a leg-spin delivery.
• The googly turns the opposite way of a normal leg break.
• It is usually bowled by a leg-spin bowler but when the bowler has bowled a normal delivery before, batsman instinctively play the wrong shot.
2. The Correct Grip for the Googly
Having the correct grip is the first step to bowling an effective googly:
• The cricket ball must be held by using the index and middle fingers across the seam.
• You should only lightly rest the thumb on the side or bottom of the ball for balance.
• Keep your ring finger and little finger relaxed.
SEO Tip: To truly engage users; have a labelled diagram/image of the grip.
⸻
3. Wrist and Finger Position for a Perfect Googly
The googly relies heavily on wrist rotation and finger position:
• Wrist: at point of release, flick your wrist to bring the back of your hand to face the batsman.
• Fingers: apply a small amount of pressure with the index finger to determine the spin.
• Ensure you practice some wrist flexibility exercises to improve wrist control.
⸻
4. Step-by-Step Process to Bowl a Perfect Googly
Follow the below steps to deliver a perfect googly:
1. Run-up: take a smooth and comfortable run-up (same as leg-spin delivery above).
2. Pre-Delivery position: correct wrist and fingers position when approaching the crease,.
3. Delivery stride: as you push off the back foot release the ball while rotating your wrist.
4. Release: let that ball leave your hand with back-of-hand rotation whilst spinning the opposite direction.
5. Follow through: keep your balance whilst watching the ball to identify it’s spin.
5. Common Mistakes Beginners Make While Bowling a Googly
• Over-rotation of the wrist → affects your accuracy.
• Pitching the ball too slowly → when this happens a batsman can hit it with ease.
• Not practicing enough → you need to be consistent.
• Hand position can be ‘telegarphed’ → better quality/experienced batsmen can pick the deliveries.
⸻
6. Practice Drills for Beginners to Perfect the Googly
• Mirror: take your bat make a few of these with wrist action in front of the mirror. You want to make sure that you are flicking your wrist.
• Targets: Set up cones or marks to aim for a specific area and be consistent.
• Catch and Record: Just catch your deliveries (even with a mobile) and then check spin or the area of the delivery.
Tip: Practice just 20 – 30 balls per on this to start and then build up.
⸻
7. Famous Bowlers Known for Bowling a Googly
Encouraging professionals may inspire beginning bowlers:
- Bernard James Tindal Bosanquet– He was the one who invented googly, an English cricketer who played for Middlesex and the England national team, in 1900.(Read here, how by accident he invented googly)
• Shane Warne – Australian, leg-spinning King, and has plenty of Googles variations.
• Anil Kumble – India’s true spin wizard.
• Stuart MacGill – The master of deception and leg-spin variations.
(Top 10 all time Googly Bowlers in the world)
8. Summary: How to Bowl a Googly Like a Pro
• Grip and wrist position are the two most important elements.
• Practice consistently to improve your accuracy and spin.
• When watching professionals, try and understand the probably minute changes between their deliveries.
• You must always be deceiving, because you do not want the batsman to ever read your delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to Bowl a Googly
What is a googly in cricket?
A googly is a leg spinner's delivery - it is spinned in the opposite direction compared to the normal leg break. A googly is pitched with the idea to deceive the batsman.
What is the way to bowl a perfect googly?
When bowling a perfect googly, focus on the perfect grip, perfection in your wrist rotation and perfect maintaince of finger pressure. Also be sure to have a good run-up, a good follow through and try to release the ball using back of hand wrist rotation.
Can a beginner bowl a googly?
Yes, a beginner can bowl a googly, with regular practices. I would recommend that they begin wrist exercises, practice spinning the ball in front of a mirror, then gradually do unit runs/and increase their bowling speed in practice, while remaining accurate.
What is the difference in playing a leg cant to a googly?
With leg cant the ball will spin away from the batters bat (if the batter is right handed), while the googly will turn in toward their bat, therefore it will have confused the batter.
Who are a list of bowlers who are extremely well known for a googly?
Great bowlers Like Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and Stuart MacGill are known for their ability to bowl a googly.
What should I do to get better with my googly?
Practice with a focus on grip, wrist position, and follow-through consistently. Find target drills, record your bowling, and practice regularly and you will improve your accuracy.
How long will it take me to master the googly?
For most, as a beginner, it will take roughly 2–3 months of practice for them to be able to bowl a controlled and deceptive googly. It may take longer or shorter depending on your skill level and how much you practice.
Can I bowl a googly in T20 and Test cricket?
Yes, the googly is a weapon in all formats. In T20, it surprises aggressive batsmen, while in Test cricket, it allows you to deceive your opponent's skill levels.