What we do
About Us
The National Fast Bowling Academy is the premier training centre for fast bowlers across the United Kingdom.
The UK's Leading Fast Bowling Academy
Who We Are
Founded with a simple mission, we believe every aspiring fast bowler deserves expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and the knowledge to reach their full potential. Whether you’re 9 years old taking your first steps in cricket or 27 and looking to break into professional cricket, we’re here to help you on your journey.
Our academy is led by Ian Pont and Catherine Dalton, two of the most respected fast bowling coaches in the country. They personally run our trials and work closely with every player who joins our programme. Our coaching team includes former professionals, current players, and specialists who understand exactly what it takes to succeed in modern cricket.
We don’t just teach you to bowl fast – we teach you to bowl smart. Our coaches help you develop safe bowling actions that protect you from injury whilst maximising your speed and accuracy. Every player receives personalised attention because we know that no two bowlers are exactly the same.
Three Core Elements of Fast Bowling Excellence
What We Do
Technical Development
We focus heavily on perfecting your bowling action through expert coaching and video analysis. Our coaches help you develop a safe, efficient technique that maximises both speed and accuracy whilst protecting you from injury.
Tactical Training
Learn the art of outsmarting batters with variations like slower balls, yorkers, and bouncers. We teach you how to set fields, plan your bowling spells, and use different tactics to take wickets in match situations.
Mental Conditioning
Fast bowling requires mental strength and resilience. Our sports psychology programme helps you handle pressure, bounce back from disappointment, and develop the confident mindset needed to succeed at higher levels.
Five Years of Outstanding Success
Our Achievements
Since opening our doors, we’ve helped transform the careers of fast bowlers across the country:
- 5 players have represented their countries internationally
- 4 players have turned professional
- 4 players have debuted in first-class cricket
- 16 bowlers have trialled with first-class county sides
- Female players breaking into county, regional elite and national set-ups
- Players gaining sporting scholarships to elite schools
- Bowlers breaking into County Age Groups and ECB Premier League squads
- Every attendee improving their bowling speed and developing safer actions
- Players recommended to counties for trials at all levels
Why nfBA
Why Choose us?
We provide the most comprehensive training and development programmes for fast bowlers of all ages and skill levels.
Proven Results
Our track record speaks for itself – 5 international players, 4 professionals, and 16 county trialists in just five years. When you train with us, you’re joining a programme that consistently produces elite cricketers.
Year-Round Support
Unlike other academies, we don’t disappear after your sessions end. You get 12 months of ongoing coaching support, access to our expert staff, and become part of the NFBA family that celebrates your successes throughout your cricket journey.
World-class
Coaching Staff
Building Future Champions
The NFBA Experience
Our programme runs from October to April, giving you intensive training during the cricket off-season when you can focus entirely on developing your skills. You’ll attend 8 action-packed sessions at our base in Hertfordshire, each lasting 5-6 hours with expert coaching, fitness training, and technical development.
But NFBA is about much more than just the weekend sessions. You become part of a fast bowling family that supports you throughout the entire year. Our sports psychology programme helps you develop the mental strength needed for cricket’s pressure moments. You’ll learn tactical skills like bowling different variations, setting fields, and outsmarting batters.
