I am throwing out this question to all the fast bowling experts out there (If any).
When bowling with a longish runup, how important is it for a fast bowler to slowly raise his back as he is running in towards the crease (like Akhtar), and by the time he is delivering the ball, is it important for the bowler to bend his back all the way to the back (like Rana) to insert extra pace on the ball.
Has anyone ever tried it?
If so, what were the results?
It is a very difficult to maneauver, especially if someone is steaming in really fast through the runup.
It will definitely give you extra pace and bounce, but there is a greater risk of injury. If it is pace that you are looking for, work on perfecting the time you jump when approaching the crease. I was once advised by a former westindian coach to do hammer/military presses, that really helped. Also, try to build momentum, not just speed as you approach the crease.
The mechanics of fast bowling are a specialist area. We cannot comment on the benefits, except as lay people. I am a club level medium pace seam bowler, and I can say that raising yourself at the point, or just before, the point of delivery does provide the ability to put a little extra into it.
Actually I have tried it with a short run up, and the pace goes up dramatically, but I wanted to know if your momentum is loss when you perform such a maneauver.
It all depends on how the bowler is generating the pace. Most fast bowler generate pace through the momentum of their run up and then the follow through. There are a few who rely soley on shoulder energy. Wasim Akram was a prime example who generated his pace not from his run up but his shoulders.
As far as people with long run ups is concerned you have to be supremley fit to bowl with the really long run up without compromising on speed. Within a couple of overs the long run would take a toll on your stamina and your pace will come down. Shoaib is not a very good example in this case casue so long as he is fit he gives it his all and then breaks down so if you want to bowl for longer periods the long run up will eventually end up tiring you more then increasing your speed.
Bending your back will give you maybe a yard or so so more but again by putting a lot of effort in without a whole lot of benefit. Plus you will risk back injury and will definatley get tiring if it's done ball after ball.
A couple of extra yards here or there doesnt really make a whole lot of difference. Longer run up or bending your back wont make anyone bowl as fast as Lee or Akhtar. Adding a couple of extra yards to your pace is really not worth the extra effort.