Bat Swing Path: V vs Loop

The arc the bat travels from backlift to impact — either a tight V (straight down through the ball) or a looped, around-the-body path.

Swing bowling grew with the introduction of the seamed leather ball in the 19th century; the saliva ban (ICC, 2020, permanent 2022) forced a shift to sweat-only shine and wobble-seam variations.

A looped swing generates more bat speed but requires perfect timing; mistimes go to gully or cover.

V-swing is the textbook orthodox path (Tendulkar, Babar Azam) — minimal lateral movement, sweet-spot contact under the eyes.

V for swing/seam conditions; looped for spin and flat decks where bat speed matters more than line.

Loop creeps in under fatigue — film side-on and check backlift direction.