Arm Ball in Cricket: The Spin Bowler's Straight Delivery
The arm ball is a variation delivery used by spin bowlers that goes straight on with minimal turn, designed to beat a batsman who is playing for the expected turn.
What Is the Arm Ball in Cricket?
The arm ball (also called the floater or the straight one) is a spin bowler's variation delivery that goes straight on rather than turning off the pitch. Spin bowlers use it to deceive batsmen who are playing for the expected turn — if the batsman allows for turn that doesn't come, they can be bowled or caught LBW.
How the Arm Ball Is Bowled
- Off-spinner: arm ball goes straight on (no off-break turn), can trap LBW if batsman plays across
- Leg-spinner: 'the straight one' goes straight on rather than turning away, can bowl batsmen through the gate
- The wrist/finger position is adjusted to release the ball without spin rotation
- Slightly faster than the stock delivery — less 'flight'
Why the Arm Ball Is Effective
The arm ball is most effective against batsmen who have a clear plan to play for the spin. If a right-handed batsman is defending on the off side against an off-spinner's turn, an arm ball that goes straight on can hit the pads or go through the gate between bat and pad for an LBW or bowled dismissal.
Famous Users of the Arm Ball
Ravi Ashwin is a notable user of the arm ball — he often sets up batsmen with a series of turning deliveries before unleashing a floater. Derek Underwood, the famous left-arm spinner, was also known for the arm ball. It is now considered a standard part of any top-level spinner's delivery repertoire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the arm ball in cricket?
The arm ball is a spin bowler's variation that goes straight on without turning, designed to deceive batsmen playing for the expected turn.
How does an off-spinner bowl the arm ball?
The off-spinner releases the ball without imparting finger rotation, so it goes straight on with the arm rather than turning from off to leg.
Why is the arm ball hard to play?
If a batsman has mentally committed to playing for turn, the arm ball going straight can beat both the bat and the defense for LBW or bowled.