A biomechanical comparison of conventional classifications of bowling action-types in junior fast bowlers

ABSTRACT

Fast bowling is categorised into four action types: side-on, front-on, semi-open and mixed; however, little biomechanical comparison exists between action types in junior fast bowlers. This study investigated whether there are significant differences between action-type mechanics in junior fast bowlers. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analyses were completed on 60 junior male fast bowlers bowling a five-over spell. Mixed-design factorial analyses of variance were used to test for differences between action-type groups across the phases of the bowling action. One kinetic difference was observed between groups, with a higher vertical ground reaction force loading rate during the front-foot contact phase in mixed and front-on compared to semi-open bowlers; no other significant group differences in joint loading occurred. Significant kinematic differences were observed between the front-on, semi-open and mixed action types during the front-foot contact phase for the elbow and trunk. Significant kinematic differences were also present for the ankle, T12-L1, elbow, trunk and pelvis during the back-foot phase. Overall, most differences in action types for junior fast bowlers occurred during the back-foot contact phase, particularly trunk rotation and T12-L1 joint angles/ranges of motion, where after similar movement patterns were utilized across groups during the front-foot contact phase.

KEYWORDS:

• Cricket
• fast bowling
• biomechanics
• kinematics
• action-types

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Professor Robert Robergs for his assistance with the LabView software to analyse ground reaction force data. The authors also acknowledge Cricket NSW for assistance with recruiting participants.

Disclosure statement

Funding for the testing of one of the participant cohorts was provided by an iCare sports research and injury prevention grant. Other than this, there are no conflicts of interest to disclose for the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the testing of one of the participant cohorts was provided by an iCare Sports Research and Injury Prevention grant.