The 2008 BOLA Cricket Bowling Machine

The World's No.1 Bowling Machine - constantly evolving, constantly improving!

The BOLA Bowling Machine has been at the forefront of technology since its launch by club cricketer Michael Stuart in 1985. The original conceptual brief to provide accurate and consistent batting practice for cricketers of all standards and abilities is still very much alive but constant evolutionary development has continued for two decades to make the latest BOLA better than ever. The BOLA is already widely used by hundreds of schools, clubs, private individuals and organisations who have recognised a very tangible and enjoyable way of improving batting performance. A first class cricket practice facility available to all cricketers at an affordable price. The BOLA Bowling Machine is the best fun you'll have on your own in a cricket net!

The latest BOLA continues to break new ground with the introduction of the very latest speed control technology. Since the successful launch of the original BOLA in 1985 which was purchased by Surrey County Cricket Club and the England Test Side shortly afterward, BOLA manufacturers Stuart & Williams have vigorously pursued a policy of continuous improvement and development of the original design. The key concepts of the original BOLA design remain very much in evidence in the latest machine complemented by modern technology and innovation. The BOLA 'Professional' now benefits from an electronic random delivery mode as well as a sophisticated new speed control package which is extremely energy efficient and offers much greater battery operation time so your sessions in the middle or net with no mains power will tire all but the most persistent of net practisers. After nearly two decades in production the BOLA can be found in use in a huge variety of cricketing environments. All the English first class counties now use the BOLA as well as the MCC Indoor School at Lord's which has used BOLA machines exclusively since 1986. The BOLA is also to be found in all sorts of venues across the world from the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia to the Lima Cricket Ground in Peru and the Mumbai Cricket Club in India. Wherever there is cricket practice the BOLA is not far away. CLICK HERE FOR COACHING ADVICE

Improvements for all Standards and Abilities

Whilst the advantages of using a BOLA are plain to see for the professional players who use them as part of their regular practice and training schedules, they are not necessarily the players who can benefit the most. It is where the standards of net bowling are less consistent and plentiful at School, Club and Junior level that the BOLA comes into it's own. For any frustrated batsman trying to improve a facet of his or her game, there is no better facility. The BOLA machine will do what no other net bowler can or wants to do. It will bowl whatever delivery the batsman wants to practise against and keep bowling that ball until you can play that cover drive or square cut or hook or pull or reverse sweep or……

All Styles of Delivery

The BOLA is multi talented and very capable of recreating all the best aspects of any bowling attack. From the 95 mph bouncers and yorkers of the speed merchants to the subtle spin of the finest slow bowlers, the BOLA can give you as many overs as you want to perfect all the shots in your game. If you just want the satisfaction of hitting off stump half volleys for six, the BOLA is specifically designed for this. The new BOLA microprocessor allows you to select exactly the speed you want but will also give you variation of speed and swing when more challenge is required. Confidence or competition, the BOLA can give you both by the bucketful.

Swing Bowling

The BOLA can swing the ball both ways and has push button controls to vary the amount of swing. Push the left hand button to move the ball to the left - away swing to a right hander or push the right hand button to move the ball to the right for inswing to a right hander. It is simple to use and quick to adjust. Whether you want to bowl a ball like a banana to emphasise a point or just move the ball gently in or away, the BOLA will do it and keep doing it.

Spin Bowling

The BOLA is also capable of high-class spin bowling. By simply angling the delivery head of the machine and using the extreme settings on the left or right bias control buttons, you can bowl a ball which will turn prodigiously to simulate off-spin and leg-spin. Excellent for practising foot movement and batting technique against the turning ball. CLICK HERE FOR COACHING ADVICE

Effective Coaching for Better Batting

The BOLA is the ideal coaching tool. It provides any cricket coach with the capability to improve almost any batsman. Just having the facility to be able to watch a batsman playing the same ball time after time gives the coach the opportunity to visually analyse and fine tune technique and work effectively to eliminate flaws and weaknesses against a 'reference' ball. All players from the most tentative colt to the free hitting tail ender will have the opportunity to improve their batting without the frustrations of infinitely variable net bowling.

Accuracy and Reliability

The accuracy and reliability of the BOLA machines was greatly enhanced in 2005 by the use of a brand new custom programmed microprocessor system which controls the speed and spin/swing functions of the machine. A microprocessor controller was first introduced for the BOLA 'Professional' machine in 1994. This was complimented in 1999 with a membrane switch panel for improved reliability and robustness in use. The switch panel gives you all the visual information you need to make fast and positive adjustments. In 2000, the circuit design was amended again to include an electronic 'Random Delivery Mode'. For the latest BOLA the package retains the panel design which has become familiar to thousands of enthusiastic BOLA users but with a completely new circuit design. The new circuitry was originally commissioned to improve battery operation times by reducing the current consumption of the control package. One of the benefits of this has been to reduce the electrical loading on all parts of the machine which automatically enhances component life and reliability.

Enhanced Control Panel

The BOLA control panel gives the user easy to interpret visual information confirming speed, swing or spin settings. The LCD display gives accurate ball speed in miles per hour. There is also one extra digit to indicate (1 to 9) how much swing or spin is being imparted to the ball. Two Tricolor LEDs one for each side, change colour as the bias is adjusted to further confirm the selected settings. The Random Delivery Mode is activated by simultaneously pressing the left and right bias push-buttons.

28 Ball Automatic Feeder

An automatic feeder fitted to your BOLA is the ideal way to make the coach's job easier. It is now possible to observe batting technique from any position and make much more educated assessments of technical flaws and how to correct them. The automatic feeder helps to further optimise the time spent coaching and practising and ensures that a minimum of deliveries go to waste. The key-fob remote on/off switch allows the batsman or coach to interrupt the bowling sequence whenever required for that essential coaching tip or just for a well earned rest. The mechanism and circuitry was redesigned in 2005. The basic specification is the same as the feeder that was introduced in 1999. It holds 28 balls and will feed at 2 selectable time intervals of 7 or 11 seconds. In order that the batsman can time his or her shot correctly both audio and visual cues are now used. The actuator mechanism has been improved to give an over-arm feed. When the sequence is started there is an audible warning bleeper and ultrabright LED indicator. A further LED and bleep gives advance warning of the ball being released. To start the sequence, press the key-fob remote control button once. Stop the sequence the same way. Easy to set up and very effective in use.

PLUS updated Random Delivery Mode

Introduced in 2000 and further updated for 2007, the BOLA 'Professional' has a completely unique 'Electronic Random Delivery Mode' to allow batsmen to play against a variety of deliveries. The microprocessor programme incorporates a random setting which when activated by either the automatic feeder, will alter the speed and swing to achieve changes of line and length. These parameters are factory set to ensure that given a neutral setting on the stumps all deliveries should be playable but different. This is particularly useful for solo practice using the automatic feeder but players wishing to access the random mode whilst hand feeding can purchase a plug-in module which will trigger the random mode in place of the feeder.

Players of all standards across the world have become used to the accuracy and consistency of the BOLA machines. This latest development combines those tried and tested attributes with a new dimension of competitive practice.
Glamorgan CCC were one of the first customers for the BOLA with the random delivery function for use in the Cricket School in Cardiff. "The random facility improves shot selection. Sometimes you just want to go out and bat and not work on a specific shot or technique" explained the Glamorgan grounds manager Peter Ingram. "If you're playing a cover drive, the random facility makes sure that the first movement is not pre-emptive. The delivery will be shorter or fuller or swing more than the last one and must be played on it's merits". Once again the BOLA has provided the bowling machine user with that little bit extra!

The new BOLA Machine Stand on wheels

The new BOLA Stand accepts any BOLA Machine with no modification required. It enables the machine to be easily wheeled around without dismantling and so maximises the time in use. It also addresses the Health and Safety issues which arise from operating a Bowling Machine. It offers the operator almost complete protection from the ball hit back by the batsman and a stable standing platform for safe operation. If there is space to 'park' the machine and stand together there is a drastic saving in set-up time and less potential for the machine to be damaged by mishandling.

Fine Control for Total Accuracy

All BOLA machines are fitted with a large ball joint for major alterations to line and length settings. The BOLA 'Professional' is unique in complimenting this with 'vernier adjusters' for positive fine adjustment. These enable the operator to alter the line and length with a simple turn of a screw. Combining this with adjustment of speed one mph at a time allows you to bowl a quicker or slower ball on the same spot. This saves valuable time in setting up and maximises the batting time in those all too short indoor net sessions. Simple to use and extremely effective.

Battery Operation for Total Portability

BOLA machines are designed to be used anywhere and are very portable. The machine can be carried by one person and set up in a few minutes. The BOLA can run from the mains with the optional BOLA Power Pack or alternatively, from a 12 volt battery. Battery operation allows convenient and safe operation at all outdoor locations where mains electricity is not readily available. The new BOLA control circuitry has drastically improved battery operation times ensuring that your practice sessions never go flat!

Retention of Accuracy

The ball throwing wheels fitted to the BOLA Cricket Machines have evolved considerably over the past 20 years. The first BOLAs were fitted with pneumatic wheels which were replaced by a concave solid moulded rubber section wheel (still fitted to the BOLA Hockey Ball Machine). These were in turn superseded on the cricket and baseball machines by a concave section urethane tyre bonded to a cast aluminium wheel. The profile of the wheel is a vital part of the machines accuracy and the hard wearing urethane has shown no appreciable signs of wear in extensive testing and should retain its accuracy for over five years regardless of how hard the machine is used.

Dimpled Practice Balls

The BOLA is happy to deliver almost any ball of about the right size including real cricket balls which will not damage the wheels in any way. Best accuracy is obtained using the BOLA dimpled practice balls. The dimples stabilise the ball in flight like a golf ball and keep the flight of the ball consistent.

Long Term Reliability

Two decades of use in a wide variety of environments has proved the BOLA's ability to stand the test of time. Whilst the BOLA has improved immeasurably since its launch, many of the machines built in the first few years of production are still in regular use. The new BOLAs are designed and built in such a way that in the unlikely event of on site repairs being necessary, the machines can be quickly dismantled without specialist tools for the fitting of replacement parts which can be easily obtained from the factory. Today's BOLA user can expect excellent long term reliability and great value for money wherever they are in the world. The latest generation of innovations and improvements have further enhanced the life expectancy of the BOLA machine and ensure that it remains the best machine of it's type in the world.