Bowling comes in two categories: either fast or spin (slow) bowling. The videos and drills below show the technique required to do both types of bowling.
Fast bowlers aim to get the ball to the batsman as quick as possible and have a longer run up. Fast bowling aims to either swing the ball toward (inswing) or away (outswing) from the batsman while it is in the air, bounce off the ball's seam to make it move when it hits the pitch, land the ball half way up the wicket (a bouncer) or at the batsman's feet (a yorker).
Slow bowlers look to put as much rotation on the ball as possible to make it move off the pitch toward the bowler (off-spin) or away (leg-spin). A spin bowler will try to vary their speed and how the ball arrives (its flight) to the batsman. Depending on the amount of spin the ball can move in the air, known as drift.
When the first pass breaks down, most teams collapse into a high ball straight into the opposing block. The best 2026 sides are building structured out-of-system offences that turn broken plays into scoring chances using libero sets, left-side options and disciplined hitter routes.
The modern pipe attack has evolved from a high middle-back set into a flat, fast weapon that arrives at quick tempo. Coaches at every level are now drilling it as a primary scoring option, forcing blockers into impossible decisions and unlocking four-hitter offences.
The back row attack adds a powerful offensive dimension that stretches the opposing block and creates scoring opportunities from unexpected positions. This guide covers the rules, approach footwork, setter-hitter timing, and progressive training methods for introducing back row attacks to developing teams.