- Joined
- Nov 25, 2023
- Runs
- 21,836
In an exclusive interview, Ian Pont, renowned as a pioneer of fast bowling coaching and the founder of the ABSAT system, shares his insights on the science of generating pace. The "grandfather of speed" reflects on his 30-year journey challenging the myth that "you're born a fast bowler," explains his foundational 4 Tent Pegs drill system, reveals how he worked with legends like Shoaib Akhtar and Dale Steyn — and much more.
Key revelations include:
* The secret to more pace: "My speed had gone up about 18 miles an hour in two years" - This remarkable acceleration was the direct result of calculated, precise technical changes that Pont help bowlers to implement in his bowling action, illustrating the power of biomechanical adjustment over pure effort.
* On coaching greats: "Shoaib Akhtar asked me if he could bowl faster" - Pont mentioned that even the world's fastest bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, demonstrated a fundamental curiosity and desire for continuous improvement, proving that an analytical approach to pace is valuable even for the elite.
* The core philosophy: "You can teach structure and you can teach technique" - This statement serves as a powerful debunking of the 'natural talent' myth in fast bowling, asserting that the foundational mechanics necessary for pace can be systematically learned and coached, opening the door for any dedicated athlete.
* The universal principle: "Gravity is gravity" - A simple yet profound declaration of the biomechanical truth for every bowler. Ian Pont underscores the idea that certain physical forces and principles are constant, and a successful bowling action must be engineered to work with these natural laws, not against them.
* A champion's mindset: "Don't let success get in the way of improvement" - This is his alternative to the common adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." It champions a proactive, perpetual growth mindset, urging athletes to continue refining their skills even when performing at a high level.
* The effortless key: "There's a relaxation to fast bowling" - Pont's seemingly counterintuitive insight explains why trying too hard actually slows you down. True speed is generated through an efficient, synchronized action where unnecessary tension is removed, allowing the body's kinetic chain to fire optimally.
Watch the latest interview with Saj below:
Key revelations include:
* The secret to more pace: "My speed had gone up about 18 miles an hour in two years" - This remarkable acceleration was the direct result of calculated, precise technical changes that Pont help bowlers to implement in his bowling action, illustrating the power of biomechanical adjustment over pure effort.
* On coaching greats: "Shoaib Akhtar asked me if he could bowl faster" - Pont mentioned that even the world's fastest bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, demonstrated a fundamental curiosity and desire for continuous improvement, proving that an analytical approach to pace is valuable even for the elite.
* The core philosophy: "You can teach structure and you can teach technique" - This statement serves as a powerful debunking of the 'natural talent' myth in fast bowling, asserting that the foundational mechanics necessary for pace can be systematically learned and coached, opening the door for any dedicated athlete.
* The universal principle: "Gravity is gravity" - A simple yet profound declaration of the biomechanical truth for every bowler. Ian Pont underscores the idea that certain physical forces and principles are constant, and a successful bowling action must be engineered to work with these natural laws, not against them.
* A champion's mindset: "Don't let success get in the way of improvement" - This is his alternative to the common adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." It champions a proactive, perpetual growth mindset, urging athletes to continue refining their skills even when performing at a high level.
* The effortless key: "There's a relaxation to fast bowling" - Pont's seemingly counterintuitive insight explains why trying too hard actually slows you down. True speed is generated through an efficient, synchronized action where unnecessary tension is removed, allowing the body's kinetic chain to fire optimally.
Watch the latest interview with Saj below:
