The main aim of swing bowling is to deceive the batsman, both in the air (by making the ball curve) and off the wicket (by making the ball cut or deviate off its original direction). This is largely achieved by making the ball: • have the axis of rotation horizontal • spin backwards as it travels in the air • have a uniform direction of spin along the seam of the ball • point the seam approximately 20° to either side of its direction of travel By aligning the seam of the ball to point slightly to the left or right, a fast bowler can make the ball curve in flight. This is called swing. Swing is assisted by the asymmetrical wear and polishing of the ball. Generally, if the seam is upright, the ball will tend to swing towards the rougher side. If the ball swings away from a right-handed batsman (i.e. to the left from the bowler's viewpoint) it is an outswinger. If the ball swings towards a right-handed batsman (i.e. to the right from the bowler's viewpoint) it is an inswinger. How The Aggot™ works: When bowling the The Aggot™, if released from the hand correctly, due to its physical shape, it will retain its shape throughout its path in the air. Additionally, it will be clearly visible what the disc’s angle of trajectory, rotation, direction of spin and axis of rotation is. The Grip: The grip used on The Aggot™ should be exactly the same used for a normal ball. Hold the ball well out of the palm with the seam running vertically:   Outswinger Grip the ball with the first two fingers close together on the seam, with the seam in a vertical position. The thumb should be on the seam underneath. Point the seam of the ball towards the slips with the shiny side of the ball nearest the batsman.   Inswinger Grip the ball with the first two fingers close together on the seam, with the seam in a vertical position. The thumb should be on the seam underneath. Angle the seam towards leg slip or fine leg, and keep it vertical. The shiny side of the ball should be furthest from the batsman.   To download this coaching guide as a PDF file click the icon above.       *all diagrams based on a right hand bowler to a right hand batsman.