The finger spin or off spin is a type of bowling considered as a technique associated with creating a particular spin direction to the ball. The opposite of this technique is called the wrist spin, which allows the ball to spin in the opposite direction.
Finger spinner bowlers usually turn the ball less compared to bowlers who are considered wrist spinners. The technique is said to be easier to master, that is why most finger spinners are masters of accuracy.
The finger spin is done by placing the fingers on the outside of the ball while the arm is maintaining a full supinated position until the release. This position of the arm allows the fingers to cut down the side of the ball in a natural motion which will create a clockwise spin. The spin of the ball can be enhanced by actively moving the arm from a pronated position to a supinated one just before the ball is released. Another way to enhance the spinning is by extending or flexing the wrist right at the moment when the ball is released.
Finger Spin Types
There is a thin line when it comes to the differences of how a finger spin is delivered between a right-handed and left-handed bowler. It is better to categorize finger spins according to the manner it is being delivered or the styles of bowling. These categories or types include the traditional finger spin, middle-finger spin and the carrom spin.The traditional finger spin is done by gripping the ball using the index and middle fingers, with the top knuckles firmly gripping across the seam. The thumb rests lightly or is held clear from the seam.
The middle-finger spin on the other hand is done by gripping the ball using the middle finger, allowing it to run directly over the top of the ball and letting the knuckles of the ring and index fingers to grip the ball from beneath.
Last but not the least is the carrom spin. This type is done by holding the ball between the thumb and the middle finger and making sure that the middle finger is parallel to hand’s palm. Upon release, the ball is flicked and squeezed by the fingers just like how a carrom player flicks a disc on a carrom board.
In cricket, there are more types of finger spins being used and developed by bowlers, but the three that are mentioned are the most common ones.