What is the Difference b/w Leg Spin vs Off Spin in Cricket Bowling

There are generally two kinds of spin bowling: Leg spin, and Off-Spin and in this post, I'm going to examine the main distinctions between the two.

Leg Spin vs Off Spin Bowling

The main difference between off-spin and leg-spin bowling lies in the direction of delivery. 

A right-arm leg spin bowler will rotate the ball from the side of the leg toward the off side while delivering it to the right-handed batsman. 

While the off-spin bowler can turn the ball from offside towards the side of the leg.

For left-arm bowlers or for batters who are left-handed The directions are reversed. For instance, a right-off spinner that is left-handed to a left-handed batter will change the direction over the leg and then off.

Differences Between Leg Spin and Off-Spin

The main difference between leg-spin and off-spin is the angles. The most common way to use off-spin is to change from off to leg, while an off-spinner can turn it from off to leg.

When an off-spinner is bowling, they use their wrists to create a spin on the ball. This is the reason they are commonly called 'wrist spinners. Off spinners use only their fingers and are known as 'finger spinners' because of this.

A differentiating factor is related to the spin level. When a spinner with a leg has their actions right and the conditions for pitch favor them they are able to spin the ball more than an off-spinner.

The grips used for both styles of bowling are distinct as we're going to learn:

1. Grip

Leg Spin

As a leg spinner holds their ball in the palm of their hands, they hold it in their palms as their base fingers grip the seams to either side.

Off-Spin

In an off-spin grip, the ball is held in the hand's palm. It's like that of the spinner's leg however it's different in that the ring along with the index finger is divided on either side. The seam runs horizontally beneath these fingers.

2. Run Up

Leg Spin

If you have a look at spin bowlers on TV, you'll notice that their spin-ups differ somewhat. It will depend on the player and the type of bowl they are comfortable with. 

But it is important to note that all leg spins start from a couple of steps. The bowler should walk at a pace or make a slower run to the crease.

Off-Spin

Again, the climb will be down to the individual but do not worry about speed into the crevice. You'll need to take a quick walk or a slow jog for just a few steps. 

This will help get some energy into the ball, which will assist with spin.

3. Release

Leg Spin

When Leg spin bowlers are in the coiling stage in their bowling, their hand should be pulled back toward the face. 

This helps the wrist perform its task.

The player releases the ball the bowler spins his wrist, and the ball is placed on a finger that is ring-shaped. The spin that is imparted is clockwise, which can aid in the leg-spin.

Off-Spin

When the coil phase has approached the off spinner's arm should be turned towards the batsman and the ball beneath the chin.

The spin is applied exactly when the ball has left the palm. The wrist first moves towards the front, then the fingers turn across the surface of the ball. 

This is like turning an open door.

4. Control and Accuracy

Leg Spin

When the ball is released the leg spinner is able to control the ball using the wrist. 

The arm is then lowered and the ball falls out into the palm of the hand.

Off-Spin

As the off-spinner lets go of it, the fingers manage the ball that goes to the palm's front. 

They are able to hold a better grip on the ball, and there the accuracy is more attainable than leg-spin.

5. Number of Turns

Television commentators often speak about the number of turns that the ball has. It's even displayed during larger test matches. 

This is the number of times the ball spins and the more turns mean more spin.

Also, read How To Perfect Your Backlift in Cricket

Leg Spin

Leg spinners are leg spinners. the rpm is usually slightly slower, but bowlers will be looking to achieve about 1800 RPM (RPM).

Off-Spin

Off spinners provide the ball with more rip when they release it, so their RPM levels are higher. 

A top-quality bowler like Graeme Swann has consistently surpassed 2000 RPM.

Spin Bowling FAQ

• Why is Leg-Spin So Difficult?

It is harder to learn leg-spin due to the fact that it is more difficult to control compared to off-spin.

• When you release the ball the wrist does most of the work, and the ball is literally slipping away from the palm.

When bowling off-spin, the spinner is able to control the ball using fingers, which are the ones with greater control. 

• In the beginning, it is extremely difficult for a new leg spinner to make accurate decisions. 

However, the leg-spin could accelerate and become difficult for batsmen to deal with, and that's the reason why leg spinners are entering the sport.

How Fast Do Spin Bowlers Bowl?

The most powerful leg spinners send the ball at an average speed of 100 kph. This converts into speeds of 62 miles per hour. 

If you're using an off-spinner, these figures are about identical, though they could be a bit more speedy.

In both instances off and leg spinners bowl at speeds of 75 to 95 kph.

Notable Spin Bowlers

Two spin bowlers are currently leading the pack in terms of the most wickets in a test match. The off-spinner of Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan is at the top of the list with an astounding 847 victims as well as 1347 international wickets total. 

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