New invention helps you to play spin better

The pioneering Ballisto Veckta is a lifeline for anyone wanting to improve against the moving ball

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

For decades, batters wanting to play spin better have struggled to find an adequate way to train against the turning ball.

Now, that problem has been solved by a new invention which enables better practice against all kinds of movement – from off and leg-breaks to drifting deliveries.

The Ballisto Veckta is the brainchild of Brian Carling, who wanted to help his son, a keen cricketer who wasn't getting any training in the Scottish state school he attends, to improve his play against spin.

"He doesn't get any cricket at school, so I was looking for ways to help him practice," says Brian.

"I made all sorts of different inventions to try and help with that, just trying to get balls that cut a little bit.

"I'm a cricket dad but I'm not very talented at throwing the ball, so this is a way to help me."

The Veckta, which took two years to develop and another two to perfect, features an offset ridge that cuts sideways when the ball pitches.

It can be set up to bowl off-spin or leg-spin depending on the direction the ball is set in a specialy-made launcher that comes with it, while it gets drift as well if aimed towards first slip.

Packs of balls can also be bought separately.

Admirers include training aid pioneer and former Scotland international Colin Smith.

"I've shown it to a lot of people and the reaction's been very positive," adds Brian.

"I've shown it to people who play for Scotland and my son's club, which is one of the big clubs in Edinburgh, and they really like it.

"I'm confident people will find it very easy to use and find it very useful."

So, what's next for Brian after coming up with such an excellent invention?

"I have a new ball with ridges on the side which will drift a bit more and I'm going to develop new balls as well that'll have a bit more mystery to them – a bit more drift or that bounce a bit higher," he says.

"I'm going to carry on evolving the ball as time goes on."

The Veckta can be bought by visiting ballistocricket.com

Follow Ballisto on Instagram by clicking here