Covering Run Ups

Bowlers need dry, firm, secure ground from which to push off and take off from in the final stages of their delivery. Furthermore, bowlers run-ups tend to become compacted because of rolling and repeated foot traffic and may therefore be slower draining than other parts of the outfield. 

If you find this area is poorly draining and delays the start of play or reduces traction or the safety of the landing, then you should consider ‘run-up’ covers. You should check whether this is a league playing conditions/regulations because your league/division may require covering of runups.

All higher standards of bowling should normally have covered run-ups. Since bowlers rarely confine their run-up to the width of the pitch, run-ups covers are usually rather wider than the pitch but should, as a minimum, cover beyond the bowler’s take-off stride as well as the landing.

Whether or not they are compulsory, make sure that you relieve the compaction and improve drainage in this area by solid tine aeration, because you are treating the cause, not the symptoms.  For advice on how to do this see here Click here