Kinematic and kinetic energy analysis of segmental sequencing in cricket fast bowling

Abstract

Although there have been many studies to quantify the segmental sequencing in other sports, there has been little such research applied to cricket bowling. In this study, 34 fast bowlers (22.3 ± 3.7 years) of premier grade level and above were tested using 3D motion analysis, their balls speed ranging from 27.0 to 35.6 m s^− 1. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for within-participant differences in segmental sequencing based on the timings of maximum segmental angular velocities and kinetic energies, the data showing that bowlers exhibited a general order of proximal-to-distal sequencing. Bivariate Pearson's product-movement correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationships between kinematic variables and ball release speed, yielding a set of variables for entry into a stepwise multiple regression model. The multiple regression model with the sequential timing variables of thoracic linear kinetic energy (KE), upper-arm circumduction velocity and forearm rotation KE, as well as the pelvic–shoulder separation acceleration accounted for 55% of the variability in ball speed (R ² = 0.55, adjusted R ² = 0.49, F(4, 29) = 8.86, p < 0.001). This study showed that both the magnitude and the timing of segmental activation are important to generate ball speed in fast bowling.

Keywords:

• cricket
• bowling
• segmental sequencing
• segmental timing
• biomechanics
• kinematics

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Bob Beretta, the developer of the Mathematica Mechanical Systems Pack (Dynamic Modeling), for his expert advice on modelling in this dynamics software package. The authors also thank Dr Rob Heard, Dr Mark Halaki and Professor Nick O'Dwyer for their kind assistance in the selection of appropriate statistical analysis methodologies.