Bowling speed is one of the most exciting elements in cricket. Fans love watching bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, or Jasprit Bumrah break through batsmen with sheer pace. If you are an aspiring cricketer or just curious about your own bowling speed, knowing how fast you bowl is essential. Modern technology has made this process easier, and you can measure bowling speed in several ways depending on your budget and available resources.
Why Measuring Bowling Speed Matters
Performance Tracking: By knowing your speed, you can see if you are improving over time.
Skill Development: Some bowlers focus on pace, while others rely more on swing and accuracy. Speed measurement helps you balance these skills.
Competition Prep: If you want to play professionally, coaches often want to see consistent bowling speeds.
Motivation: Tracking numbers motivates you to push harder in training.
Method 1: Using a Speed Gun
A radar speed gun is the most accurate tool. This is the same device broadcasters use during live matches.
How it works: A radar sensor detects the ball’s motion immediately after release.
Setup: Place the gun behind the wicketkeeper or at the side of the pitch.
Reading: The gun instantly shows the ball’s speed in km/h or mph.
Pros:
Very accurate (used in international cricket).
Real-time readings.
Professional standard.
Cons:
Expensive (good quality guns cost several hundred dollars).
Not always available in local practice sessions.
Method 2: Mobile Applications
Smartphones have made measuring speed much easier. Apps use the phone’s camera and software algorithms to calculate bowling speed.
Popular apps include:
My Bowling Speed
Speed Gun App
Cricket Speed Radar
How to use them:
1. Install a speed app on your phone.
2. Set up the phone on a tripod to record your bowling.
3. Input the pitch length (22 yards or 20.12 meters).
4. Bowl normally and let the app calculate your speed.
Pros:
Free or cheap.
Easy to use anywhere.
Good for practice.
Cons
Not as accurate as radar guns.
Depends on camera quality and proper setup.
Method 3: Stopwatch and Manual Calculation
This is the oldest and simplest way. You only need a stopwatch and basic math.
Formula:
Speed (km/h) = Distance (m) ÷ Time (s) × 3.6
Example Calculation:
Distance: 20.12 meters (from release point to batsman).
Time: 0.55 seconds.
Speed = (20.12 ÷ 0.55) × 3.6 = 131.6 km/h.
Steps:
1. Have a friend hold a stopwatch.
2. Start the timer as soon as you release the ball.
3. Stop it when the ball reaches the batsman.
4. Apply the formula to get speed.
Pros:
Free.
Works without technology.
Cons:
Requires very quick reflexes.
Less accurate because human reaction time affects the measurement.
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Method 4: Online Bowling Speed Calculators
Several websites offer calculators for free.
How they work:
1. You enter the distance of delivery (usually 20.12 meters).
2. You input the time taken by the ball (measured using a stopwatch or slow-motion video).
3. The website automatically calculates the speed.
Pros:
Very simple.
No need to memorize formulas.
Cons:
Depends on accurate time measurement.
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Method 5: Video Recording and Frame Analysis
This method is popular with coaches and analysts. You record the delivery in high frame rate, then analyze it.
Steps:
1. Record the ball using a high-frame-rate camera (like 120 fps or higher).
2. Use video editing software to calculate how many frames it takes for the ball to travel from release point to batsman.
3. Convert frames to time (frames ÷ frame rate = seconds).
4. Apply the distance ÷ time formula to get speed.
Pros:
More accurate than a stopwatch.
Provides playback for technique analysis.
Cons:
Requires a good camera.
More time-consuming.
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Factors That Affect Bowling Speed
Even if you use the best tools, your speed can vary due to:
Pitch length: Shorter practice pitches may give misleading results.
Ball type: A new cricket ball may travel faster than an old one.
Bowler’s action: Release point and stride length matter.
Environmental factors: Wind direction and weather can affect ball speed.
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Tips to Improve Bowling Speed
Build Strength: Focus on fitness, especially shoulders, arms, and core.
Perfect Your Run-up: A strong, balanced run-up adds momentum.
Work on Release: Proper wrist and finger action at release improves speed.
Flexibility Training: Stiff muscles reduce pace, stretching increases performance.
Practice Consistency: Bowl at target speeds regularly to improve stamina.
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Comparison Table: Best Ways to Measure Bowling Speed
Method Cost Accuracy Ease of Use Best For
Radar Speed Gun High Very High Medium Professional matches
Mobile Apps Free/Low Medium High Practice sessions
Stopwatch & Formula Free Low Medium Beginners
Online Calculators Free Medium High Quick checks
Video Frame Analysis Medium High Low Coaches and analysts
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Final Thoughts
Checking bowling speed is easier today than ever before. If you want accuracy like professionals, a radar speed gun is the best option. If you just want an idea of your pace for practice, mobile apps, calculators, or stopwatch methods work fine. Using these methods regularly helps you track progress and improve performance over time.
Bowling speed is not the only factor in cricket. Control, line, length, and swing are equally important. But when you know your
speed, you can set realistic goals, impress selectors, and motivate yourself to keep improving.
