How to Bowl Leg Spin

Co-authored by Rishabh Mehan

Last Updated: May 18, 2024 Approved

The leg spin is one of the most difficult bowling arts to master in cricket. Known as the art of spin bowling, 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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting Ready

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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.^{[1]
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2
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.^{[2]
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- 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.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Holding the Ball

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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.
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.^{[4]
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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.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Bowling the Ball

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At first, your body should not be facing forward, but turned to the side. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be in a straight line at this point. This position allows you to twist your body so you can gain momentum when you go to throw the ball.^{[6]
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Right before you bowl the ball with your bowling arm, lift your front arm up high. Bring your hands together in the gather phase of bowling the ball. Then, use your front arm to swing down and build momentum while you swing your bowling arm around. This will help your bowling arm gain speed as you raise your arm to bowl the ball.
As you lift your elbow and shoulder up, you will turn your body toward the front by bringing your back foot around, and stepping forward. Pivot your front foot to create drive through your hips.
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.
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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.^{[7]
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- 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.
Try to land the ball about six feet from the batting crease to prevent the batsman from picking it up.^{[8]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I get more leg spin?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

To spin the ball more you must use more flight and get more revolutions on the ball.

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Question

How do I do a fast ball directly at the batsman's legs?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

Change your grip to a seam bowlers grip on the ball and bring your arm over quickly when bowling the ball.

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Question

How should I grip the ball in seam bowling?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

Index and middle finger on the seam of the ball. Your thumb should be at the bottom of the seam, that is the general grip for a seam bowler

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Tips

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

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

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

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Try tempting the batsman to go for a big drive by tossing up a full toss. That may get him making false shots and give you a chance to catch him at slip or behind the wicket. But don't overdo it or you'll leak runs.
Check out videos of Shane Warne bowling on YouTube. He's considered the best leg spinner ever. Study his technique and how he fooled batsmen with his "magic balls". That'll help improve your own bowling.
When you're bowling poorly or out of form, try slowing things down and making the batsman wait. Also focus on putting extra work into spinning the ball. This can help you refocus and regain control.
Watch out for "googly syndrome" when you first learn leg spin. That's the urge to bowl googlies rather than proper leg breaks. Resist it until you've really mastered the stock leggie.
When you're out of form, try slowing things down and making the batsman wait. Also focus extra on putting more rip on the ball. That can help you refocus and regain control.
Leg spin takes a lot of energy and stamina, like fast bowling. So stay fit and healthy if you wanna become a successful spinner who can bowl long spells.

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