About the ball

What is the SWINGA Technique Ball?

A training ball with a unique half-dimple, half-smooth design that swings through the air just like a brand-new leather cricket ball. Unlike leather, it never stops. There is no shine to lose, it won't go out of shape, and it keeps swinging in the wet and after heavy use.

Why was it created?

The hardest skill to coach in cricket is playing the moving ball. Before the SWINGA, the only way to practise against genuine swing was to buy a brand-new leather ball at $20–$70 — and the shine, and the swing, would be gone within a few overs in the nets. SWINGA creator Aaron Lilly built a ball that swings from the first delivery to the last.

Does it feel like a real cricket ball?

It is the same size and weight as a senior men's cricket ball, bounces off the pitch in a very similar fashion, and the feel off the bat is almost identical.

What is it made of?

Polyurethane, engineered so the swing never wears off. It won't go out of shape and it still works in wet conditions.

How long does it last?

There is no shine to come off and no lacquer to wear away, so the ball keeps swinging no matter how much it is used. That is the whole point of it.

Choosing yours

146g or 156g — which weight should I get?

146g is the all-rounder: perfect for bowling, throwdowns and all wangers. 156g is senior men's weight, designed specifically for high-speed deliveries with the RoboArm and the pink Sidearm.

What colours are available?

Red, white, yellow and pink, in both weights.

Is there a version for juniors and the backyard?

Yes — the SWINGA Backyard is a soft, lightweight 60g version. It swings like the real thing but is safe for juniors and for backyard cricket.

Do you sell packs for clubs, schools and academies?

Yes. The 6 pack works out at $18.95 a ball and the 12 pack at $17.95. If you're kitting out a squad, an academy or an indoor centre, get in touch and we'll sort you out.

Using it

How do I make it swing?

Aaron takes you through it in the How to SWINGA video — inswingers and outswingers, both by hand and with the flinger.

Why does it swing one way slowly and the other way fast?

Thrown or bowled slowly it swings away from the shiny side (conventional swing); bowled at higher pace it swings towards the shiny side (reverse swing). Dr Callum Shakespeare of the ANU Climate and Fluid Physics Research Group explains why: the dimpled side has more laminar viscous drag because it's rougher, but less turbulent wake drag because the flow detaches further back — the golf ball effect. The ball moves towards whichever side is being slowed more. Slow, and laminar drag dominates, so it moves to the rough side. Fast, and turbulent drag dominates, so it moves to the smooth side.

Can I bowl spin with it?

Yes. Because the ball behaves and reacts like a regular cricket ball, you can bowl spin with it just like normal.

Can I use it with a wanger, sidearm or bowling machine?

Yes to all three. It fits all known wangers, works by hand and sidearm, and can be run through a bowling machine. For high-speed RoboArm and pink Sidearm work, use the 156g.

Can I use it on grass, on astro and in the wet?

Yes. It keeps swinging in the wet and after heavy use, which is where a leather ball gives up.

Can I use it in a match?

It's a training ball, built for nets, throwdowns, drills and coaching sessions rather than match play.

Buying and delivery

How much is shipping?

We ship with Sendle. Within Australia: $8 under 1.9kg, $20 for 1.9–4kg, $30 above 4kg. Oceania and Europe: $20 under 2kg, $50 above. North and South America, Asia and Africa are charged at the rates Sendle provides. All prices in AUD.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — worldwide, at the Sendle rates above.

Can I buy one in a shop?

Yes. SWINGA is stocked at Greg Chappell Cricket Centres, Kingsgrove Sports and a range of other retailers around Australia and overseas — see the stockists page for the full list.

I'm a retailer or a club — can I order wholesale?

Get in touch and we'll talk through volume pricing.

Who is behind SWINGA?

Aaron Lilly, a Perth cricketer who played WACA First Grade for a decade at Subiaco-Floreat alongside Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Marcus Stoinis. He's also a qualified teacher and has been coaching junior cricketers for more than ten years. More about Aaron.

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