How BOLA can make one-trick ponies a thing of the past at your club

The pioneering bowling machine manufacturer's products give realistic match practice to all abilities

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As a club captain, is there anything more frustrating than a talented batter who looks great against the bowling machine but is unable to adapt in game situations?

With BOLA’s ever-evolving technology, one-trick ponies can become a thing of the past in your team’s batting line-up thanks to the the pioneering manufacturer’s range of bowling machines becoming even more realistic.

For four decades, the BOLA Professional machine has been the bread and butter of club batting practice – giving every batter the deliveries they need to face and allowing hard-working bowlers the respite they need before getting the overs in at the weekend.

Their commitment to evolution means BOLA are always finding fresh ways to prepare players for Saturdays and Sundays too.

“With variation mode, you get that realistic match practice,” says BOLA’s Olly Ralph.

“You can change the speed and automatically adjust line and length so batters can really feel like they’re in a game situation, where they don’t know what’s coming next.

“Anyone can stand there and hit half-volleys at 60mph, but this mode means batters can’t premeditate their shots and they need to think on their feet.

“You can get the balls swinging wither way too, which is much better from a practice point of view.”

Adding to that sense of realism is the latest version of BOLA’s TrueMan series, the TrueMan 3, which features three wheels to aid accuracy of delivery.

Even better, though, is the video screen now showing real bowlers running in.

“We’re hoping to get to a point where anyone can get video of themselves bowling on it, which is sure to bring a bit of fascination, says Olly.

And, for junior coaches, there’s plenty of value to be had with BOLA’s Junior range of machines too, designed specifically for players aged five to 11.

It’s tough for young bowlers who are still growing and working out how to find good line and length in the nets, so the Junior machine is a real life-saver when it comes to giving young batters the deliveries they need to learn proper technique and muscle memory for playing all the shots in the book correctly.

“It’s great for youngsters” adds Olly, himself a county level youth coach.

“It allows them to get in and focus on the basics of technique because there’s a lower release point, so it’s more realistic to junior cricket.

“It’s easy, lightweight and portable – and it doesn’t rely on the mains – so you can carry it anywhere and it’ll only take you 30 seconds or so to put the legs in.

“That’s pretty important when you’re coaching a group of kids as it gives them less time to start messing around when you’re trying to set up.

“You can also use it to make fun games up and it’s great for fielding drills and exercises too.”

So, whether you’re a five-year-old taking your first steps into the game and facing softer cricket balls, or the seasoned club veteran wanting to keep your eye in, BOLA give you everything you need to achieve your goals in the world of club cricket.

To learn more about BOLA’s range of products, visit bola.co.uk