Not as simple as it seems: Front foot contact kinetics, muscle function and ball release speed in cricket pace bowlers

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the relationship between front foot contact (FFC) ground reaction forces (GRF) during the delivery stride, lower-limb strength, eccentric dexterity and power, and ball release speed (BRS) among pace bowlers. Thirteen high-level male pace bowlers performed double and single leg drop landings; isometric mid-thigh pull; countermovement jump; and pace bowling (two-over bowling spell measuring BRS and FFC GRF). The relationship between assessed variables and BRS was determined via frequentist and Bayesian multiple linear regression. The model including peak braking force was the most probable given the data (Bayes Factor=1.713) but provided only weak evidence in comparison to the null model. The results of frequentist and Bayesian modelling were comparable with peak braking force explaining 23.3% of the variance in BRS (F_{(1, 11)}=4.64, P=0.054). Results indicate pace bowlers with greater peak braking GRF during FFC generally elicit higher BRS. However, the weak relationship between peak braking force and BRS, and the lack of a linear relationship between BRS and other variables, highlights the complexities and inter-individual variability inherent to pace bowling at a high-level. A more individual-focused analysis revealed varied strategies within pace bowlers to deliver the outcome (e.g., BRS) and should be considered in future study designs.

KEYWORDS:

• Eccentric capacity
• neuromuscular control
• ground reaction forces
• isometric strength
• drop landing

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge our participants for their contribution, time and effort to this study. Many thanks also to the Western Australian Cricket Association, with whom this research could not have been possible.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Financial support

This study was funded by the Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship as well as the Edith Cowan University Merit Award Scholarship; Edith Cowan University Merit Award Scholarship; Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship;

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Edith Cowan University Merit Award Scholarship; Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship.