Sidearm Throwdowns (Ball Thrower)
Also known as: sidearm, sidearm thrower, dog stick, ball thrower, throwdowns, sidearm throwdowns, how to use a sidearm
A sidearm, or dog stick, is a long-handled thrower that lets a coach deliver a hard ball at real pace without a bowler. It is ideal for grooving one length or shot. The ECB says only experienced adults should use one, and always from the full length of the pitch with a hard ball.
A ball thrower has a cup at the end of a long, flexible arm. The operator flings the ball with a sidearm or overarm motion. It lets a coach feed dozens of balls at one length, such as short balls for the pull or full balls for the drive. It also spares the bowlers. Plain throwdowns by hand, from a shorter distance, work the same way at lower pace.
Throwers can deliver the ball very fast, and mistakes happen. The ECB warns that a mistimed throw can arrive without bouncing as a beamer. It is then quicker than the batter expects. Its guidance is clear. The operator should be an experienced adult, and no one under 18 should use a thrower. Throw from the full length of the pitch with a hard ball. Throw some practice balls with no batter there to check pace and direction. Under-18 batters must wear a helmet with a grille, and male juniors a box. Adults are strongly advised to wear a helmet and neck guard.
Throwdowns are not the same as facing a bowler. There is no run-up or bowling action to read, and the release point differs from a real bowler's. Many coaches use them to groove a movement, then test it against live bowling. Batters should already be confident against similar balls from a bowler before stepping up to a thrower.
Tips by skill level
Start throwdowns at a pace you can play with control. Ask the thrower to show you the ball before each delivery so you can time your trigger.
Ask the thrower to vary length within the set once a shot is grooved. Deciding forward or back on each ball is closer to batting in a match.
Example
A coach stands at the far end with a dog stick and feeds 30 short balls at chest height. The batter in a helmet and neck guard practises swaying out of the way and pulling. Next session he tests it against the club's quick bowlers.
Why it matters
Throwdowns give a batter lots of balls at one length and at pace. Used safely, they speed up learning a shot.
Common mistakes
- Letting an inexperienced or under-18 operator use the thrower
- Throwing from a shortened distance with a hard ball
- Facing a thrower without a helmet and neck guard
- Only ever practising against throwdowns and never against real bowlers
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a sidearm thrower?
An experienced adult throws from the full length of the pitch, with a few practice balls first and no batter there. Feed one length at a time to groove a shot, at a pace the batter can control.
What is a dog stick in cricket?
A long-handled ball thrower, also called a sidearm, that lets a coach deliver a hard ball at pace without a bowler. It is used for throwdowns in batting practice.
Is it safe to use a ball thrower for batting practice?
It can be, if you follow guidance. The ECB says only experienced adults should operate one, from the full pitch length with a hard ball. Batters should wear a helmet with a grille and a neck guard.
Sources
Related terms
- Making Net Practice CountGo into every net with one or two clear goals, such as leaving well outside off stump or rotating the strike against spin. Bat in match scenarios with a target and count your dismissals honestly. A short, focused net with some pressure helps more on match day than a long, aimless hit.
- Bowling Machine PracticeA bowling machine is good for repeating one length, line or pace until a shot is grooved. Its big weakness is timing. There is no bowler's action to pick up, so batters can learn to time the feeder's hand instead. Use it alongside live bowling, at a pace you control, with full protection.
- Pull ShotThe pull shot is a back-foot, cross-bat stroke played to a short-pitched ball. It swings the ball around to the leg side, usually between mid-wicket and square leg.
- Cricket Helmet and Neck GuardA cricket helmet with a faceguard or grille protects the head and face from the ball. A neck guard, or stem guard, attaches to the back of the helmet to protect the upper neck. Rules vary by country and level. In England and Wales, under-18s must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball.
- Playing Fast BowlingTo play fast bowling, finish any trigger movement before the ball is released so you are still and balanced. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play the ball late under your eyes. Leave balls outside off stump and have a clear plan for the short ball.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.