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Quick Explanation

At this level we are not going to talk about Doozras, Flippers, Wrong 'uns, Googlies - I doubt one percent of people who read this would know the difference anyway! Let's get the ball to actually spin first, then worry about fancy stuff.

There are two basic spin bowling actions (right-handed bowlers remember) to think about; off-spin and leg-spin. I always think these are confusing as they spin the opposite way to the way they sound. Off-spin turns from off to leg - or from left to right; leg-spin turns from leg to off - right to left.

With spinners grips there are two main differences from seam or swing bowling grips. First, the ball is turned through 90 degrees so the fingers are across the seam rather than either side of it. Secondly, the thumb plays very little part - it's all in the fingers!

Let's look at the two grips.

Off Spin

Hold the ball with the first and second fingers of the hand spread fairly wide across the (vertical) seam, the first (top) joints of the fingers on the seam, the ball resting on the third finger. The palm of the hand should face forwards.

At the point of delivery the wrist turns, or 'snaps', clockwise (left to right) and the first and second fingers pull down sharply, placing as much left-to-right spin as possible. The ball should be aimed at the batsman's off stump, or just outside it.

With this type of spin bowling, turning the wrist, but keeping the fingers in the same place, so the seam points straight down the pitch, gives the bowler the option of the 'top-spinner' - making the ball spin straight at the batsman, rather than across him.

Leg Spin

This is the tough one. There ain't many Shane Warnes about, and this is why.

The top joints of the first and second fingers are again across and on the seam, as with the off-spin, but this time the third finger is bent so that it rests along the seam. This is very important, as it is the third finger, along with the wrist, that does all the work in leg spin.

At delivery, the wrist turns or 'flicks' anti-clockwise (right to left) and the third finger is pulled along the seam, causing the ball to spin right-to left. Aim to pitch the ball on leg stump. This makes the batsman play at the ball, and gives a very good chance of close in catches.

Again, twisting the wrist allows the leg spinner to vary how the ball will spin - into the batsman or straight at him.

In my opinion this is the most difficult bowling skill to master; it also happens to be the hardest to bat against.