Bowling, Off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin bowling. Bowling is the act of propelling the ball toward the wicket defended by a batsman, with the purpose of dismissing the batsman. In the game of cricket, this act is termed bowling. Bowling is the primary method of dismissing batsmen in cricket. A bowler reaches his delivery stride by means of a "run-up" – a series of steps before the ball is released. The run-up is an important aspect in the execution of bowling. The bowler will impose an approach, a plan devised and perfected by practice, upon his action within the framework of a given situation. Bowlers will also have a repertoire of deliveries that they can call upon when necessary.