📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Mastering performance without relying on rhythm

• The angles that matter from Babar Azam’s batting success

• The science behind Malinga’s slingy action

• Royals' match-day prep reveals the value of realistic simulation

• Can golf swing principles boost bat speed and stroke efficiency?

• The mental process to shift from overthinking to performance

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Why You Should Practice Out of Rhythm

Bowlers talk about rhythm all the time:

"I wasn’t feeling it."

"I was out of rhythm today."

It’s the go-to excuse for underperforming. But here’s the reality: most of the time, you won’t feel great. Rhythm will come and go — and if you’re relying on it to bowl well, you’re setting yourself up to fail.

Rhythm isn’t a requirement for performance — it’s a bonus.

So why not train for that? Set up your practice to make rhythm hard to find. Add a hurdle to your run-up. Bowl off the wrong foot. Throw off your timing on purpose.

The best bowlers aren’t the ones who only succeed when it feels good. They’re the ones who can hit a length and ask tough questions even when nothing feels right.

The Subtle Science Behind Batting Flow

Angles matter — and Babar Azam’s batting shows why. Here’s what stands out when he’s in full flow:

1. Consistent Knee Flexion – The knee bend at the point of release is remarkably similar across different deliveries.

2. Foot Alignment – Despite variations in the bowler’s angle (right arm over vs left arm over), his feet are aligned consistently in all examples.

3. Nose and Eye Tracking – How he tracks the ball depends on the release point:

   • Against the New Zealand bowler, his nose points to the left shoulder of the umpire.

   • Against David Willey, it aligns with the release point.

   • Against Arshdeep Singh and Mitchell Starc, the ball is released to the left of the nose — both dismissals.

A 90mph delivery reaches the batter in 0.38 seconds — faster than a conscious decision can be made. Success comes from subconscious reaction, not thinking.

The Science Behind Malinga’s Slingy Action

Lasith Malinga’s iconic slingy arm wasn’t just unorthodox — it was biomechanically efficient and tactically disruptive. His round-arm release reduced the batter’s reaction time by creating a flatter trajectory and hiding the ball for longer, especially against right-handers.

The key lies in how his hyperextended elbow, low release point, and late wrist snap combined to generate both pace and unpredictable movement. Unlike traditional seamers, Malinga didn’t rely on upright seam position or classical backspin — instead, he mastered unique release angles and subtle finger positioning to swing and seam the ball.

This action also forced batters to adapt their visual tracking and footwork, often leading to mistimed shots or poor judgment. Malinga’s style shows that biomechanics don’t need to conform to orthodoxy — they need to be repeatable, deceptive, and suited to the bowler’s natural rhythm. A masterclass in maximising individuality for tactical advantage.

COACH’S CORNER

Ever wondered what an IPL team's training session looks like?

Inside the Royals' dugout: Rajasthan coaches reveal their approach to gameday simulation.

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

In Case You Missed It - Power Principles Across Golf and Cricket

Maximising lever length in cricket batting increases bat velocity and power transfer, similar to golf's drive swing mechanics. The summation of forces from proximal segments (hips/trunk) to distal segments (forearms/wrists) enhances stroke efficiency. Weight transfer dynamics between back and front foot mirror optimal cricket technique, while understanding Magnus effect provides valuable insight for both batting and bowling execution.

How To Boost Your Bat Speed by 15% in Just One Month

The system uses a resistance-based training mechanism to develop muscle memory, enhance bat speed, and refine timing. It allows players to adjust the settings for different pitch conditions, helping them build consistency and adaptability. The tool is designed for all skill levels, providing immediate feedback to improve accuracy and shot selection. Its structured training approach aims to build confidence and enhance overall batting performance. More details can be found here.

BETWEEN THE EARS

Job Board

JOB OF THE WEEK 🏏

National Cricket Blast Lead, Cricket Australia

The National Cricket Blast Lead plays a vital role in driving the success of Woolworths Cricket Blast, Australia’s premier entry-level cricket program.

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HOUSE OF COACHES

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