Consistent batting practice is much easier when a coach, parent or teammate can deliver repeatable balls at useful speeds.
That's where a cricket ball thrower can be one of the most practical pieces of training equipment in your kit.
Unlike a full bowling machine, manual ball throwers are lightweight, portable and easy to carry to club nets, school training or backyard practice.
But which type should you choose?
Here’s a simple comparison of Sidearm, RoboArm and RapidArm cricket ball throwers for Australian players.
Browse cricket training equipment at Wiz Sports to compare the current range.
What Is a Cricket Ball Thrower?
A cricket ball thrower is a handheld training tool designed to help deliver cricket balls with greater pace and consistency than a normal throw-down.
The extended arm creates additional leverage, which can help coaches and training partners generate:
-
Higher delivery speeds
-
More consistent line and length
-
Repeated batting practice
-
Swing and seam practice
-
Short-ball drills
-
Fielding and catching exercises
They can be particularly useful when you want realistic batting practice without setting up a full bowling machine.
Why Use a Cricket Ball Thrower?
A ball thrower can make training more efficient for both the batter and the person providing the deliveries.
More Consistent Practice
Repeated deliveries in similar areas allow batters to work specifically on one shot or weakness.
For example, you can practise:
-
Front-foot drives
-
Back-foot shots
-
Pull shots
-
Short-ball technique
-
Leaving outside off stump
-
Reaction time
Generate More Pace
One of the biggest reasons players use cricket ball throwers is the ability to generate faster deliveries with less effort than repeated conventional throw-downs.
Useful for Coaches
Coaches may deliver hundreds of balls during a training session.
A ball thrower can help create consistent repetitions while reducing the need to produce every delivery through a normal throwing action.
Easy to Transport
Manual throwers are much easier to transport than bowling machines.
That makes them practical for:
-
Club nets
-
Cricket academies
-
School cricket
-
Backyard training
-
One-to-one coaching
Sidearm Club Ball Thrower
The Sidearm Club Ball Thrower is a good starting point for junior players, developing cricketers and coaches looking for controlled practice.
Wiz Sports currently lists the Club model as particularly suitable for junior cricketers and social players.
It can be used with lighter practice balls as well as full-weight cricket balls.
Best for:
-
Junior cricketers
-
Parents conducting backyard practice
-
Beginner coaches
-
Controlled batting drills
-
Players learning to face faster deliveries
If you're introducing a younger player to Sidearm training, starting with a more controlled option can make more sense than immediately attempting maximum pace.
View the Sidearm Club Ball Thrower at Wiz Sports.
Sidearm Elite Cricket Ball Thrower
Players who want significantly faster and more challenging practice can consider the Sidearm Elite.
The Elite is designed for higher-speed training and can be useful for experienced club cricketers and coaches wanting to recreate faster match-style deliveries.
It can also be used to practise different trajectories rather than simply firing straight balls at the batter.
Best for:
-
Senior club cricketers
-
Experienced batters
-
Coaches
-
Pace training
-
Advanced net sessions
This type of thrower makes more sense once the batter is already comfortable facing quicker deliveries.
Explore the Sidearm Elite Cricket Ball Thrower.
RoboArm Mini Ball Thrower
The RoboArm Mini takes a slightly different approach.
It provides multiple throwing-length options, allowing the person using it to adjust the delivery according to the player and drill.
This versatility can make it useful for batting practice as well as certain fielding exercises.
Best for:
-
Batting practice
-
Junior and senior players
-
Coaches working with different ability levels
-
Catching drills
-
Players wanting adjustable practice options
If the same training tool will be used with players of different ages or abilities, adjustability can be especially useful.
View the RoboArm Mini Ball Thrower.
RapidArm+ Cricket Ball Thrower
The RapidArm+ is another adjustable option designed to work across junior and senior training.
Its adjustable arm length allows the person throwing to change how the tool behaves according to the type of session.
That makes it worth considering for families, clubs or academies where the same thrower may be used with multiple players.
Best for:
-
Juniors and seniors
-
Cricket academies
-
Club training
-
High-pace practice
-
Coaches wanting adjustable delivery options
See the RapidArm+ Cricket Ball Thrower.
Sidearm vs RoboArm vs RapidArm: Which Should You Choose?
There isn't one model that is automatically best for every player.
Choose Sidearm Club if:
You're coaching juniors, beginners or players who need controlled repetition.
Choose Sidearm Elite if:
You're working with experienced batters and want faster, more demanding practice.
Choose RoboArm Mini if:
You want a versatile cricket ball thrower that can also work across different training drills.
Choose RapidArm+ if:
You want adjustable settings that can accommodate different player levels.
The right choice depends on who is batting, who is using the thrower and what type of practice you want to create.
Cricket Ball Thrower vs Bowling Machine
Both can be useful, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Cricket Ball Thrower
Advantages include:
-
Lower cost
-
Easy portability
-
Quick setup
-
Useful for club nets
-
Human variation in deliveries
-
Easy to carry in training equipment
Bowling Machine
A bowling machine is better when you need:
-
Large numbers of repeatable deliveries
-
Precise pace settings
-
Consistent line and length
-
Solo or structured training
-
High-volume academy practice
Players looking for automated training can also compare cricket bowling machines at Wiz Sports.
For many players, the two training tools can actually complement each other rather than compete with each other.
Which Cricket Ball Thrower Is Best for Juniors?
For juniors, maximum speed should not be the first priority.
Look for a thrower that allows:
-
Controlled deliveries
-
Gradual increases in pace
-
Good accuracy
-
Comfortable repetition
-
Appropriate practice-ball options
The Sidearm Club is specifically positioned towards younger and developing players, making it a logical starting point.
As batting confidence improves, training intensity can gradually increase.
Which Ball Thrower Is Best for Club Cricketers?
Senior club players may benefit from a more demanding training tool such as the Sidearm Elite, RoboArm or RapidArm+.
The best option depends on whether your priority is:
Pace: choose a model capable of challenging faster training.
Versatility: choose an adjustable thrower.
Coaching multiple players: choose something that can accommodate different ability levels.
Portability: manual throwers are all relatively convenient compared with full bowling machines.
Can You Practise Swing and Seam With a Ball Thrower?
Depending on the thrower and the skill of the person using it, ball throwers can be used to create different delivery styles and trajectories.
This makes them useful for training against more than simple straight deliveries.
A batter can work on:
-
Playing late
-
Judging movement
-
Defending the top of off stump
-
Driving moving deliveries
-
Reacting to short balls
As with bowling, the quality of the delivery still depends partly on the person operating the thrower.
Safety When Using Cricket Ball Throwers
Higher-speed cricket practice should always be treated seriously.
Players facing fast throw-downs should use appropriate protective equipment.
This can include:
-
Cricket helmet
-
Batting pads
-
Batting gloves
-
Abdominal guard
-
Thigh protection
-
Other protection appropriate to the player and session
You can compare cricket helmets at Wiz Sports before beginning high-speed batting practice.
Junior players should always train under suitable supervision.
Cricket Ball Thrower FAQs
What is the best cricket ball thrower for beginners?
A more controlled model such as the Sidearm Club can be a good starting point for juniors and developing players.
Can cricket ball throwers use real cricket balls?
Compatibility depends on the specific model. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before using a full-weight cricket ball.
Is a Sidearm better than a bowling machine?
Neither is universally better. A Sidearm is portable and inexpensive, while a bowling machine provides greater automation and repeatability.
Are cricket ball throwers suitable for juniors?
Yes, provided an appropriate model, delivery speed, ball type and supervision are used.
Can coaches use cricket ball throwers?
Yes. They are particularly useful for coaches who want to provide repeated batting practice during net sessions.
Do I need a helmet when facing a cricket ball thrower?
Players should use appropriate protective equipment when facing higher-speed deliveries. Always follow the safety instructions supplied with the training product.
Shop Cricket Ball Throwers in Australia
A good cricket ball thrower can turn a basic net session into much more focused batting practice.
Whether you're a parent helping a junior player, a coach running club training or a senior batter preparing for faster bowling, choose a model that matches the player's level and your training goals.
Browse cricket training equipment at Wiz Sports to compare Sidearm, RoboArm, RapidArm and other training options.
The best training tool isn't necessarily the one that produces the highest speed — it's the one that helps you practise the right skills consistently.