Page "Topspinner" Paragraph 2

In cricketing terms, this means that the ball drops shorter, falls faster and bounces higher than might otherwise be anticipated by the batsman.

These properties are summed up in cricketing terms as a " looping " or " loopy " delivery.

Also, the ball travels approximately straight on, as compared to a wrist spin or finger spin stock delivery that breaks to the left or right on impact.

A batsman may easily be deceived by the ball, particularly given that the action is quite similar to the stock delivery.

Compared to the stock delivery, the ball will dip in flight, and land shorter than expected.

The majority of the time, this increased angle of descent will lead to an increased bounce, making it a particularly difficult ball to attack.

Tactically, a bowler will bowl topspinners to draw a batsman forward before using the dip and extra bounce to deceive them.

In particular, batsmen looking to sweep or drive are vulnerable as the bounce can defeat them and lead to an catch.

However, on an underprepared soft wicket, the spin on the ball may actually cause it to grip and shoot through low.

Again, this will make it a particularly difficult delivery for the batsman to deal with.