Does stride length play a role in cricket fast bowling performance outcomes? An observational, cross-sectional study. Issue 5 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spratford, Wayne; Kenneally-Dabrowski, Claire; Byrne, Sean; Hicks, Amy; Portus, Marc
• Is Part Of: International journal of sports science & coaching. Volume 11:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 661
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Kinanthropometry -- motion analysis -- sport biomechanics; Coaching (Athletics) -- Periodicals; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Coaching (Athletics); Sports sciences; Periodicals; 796.077
• DOI: 10.1177/1747954116667103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-9541

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of delivery stride length on the performance outcomes of ball release speed, accuracy and ball release height within a large cohort of elite male cricket fast bowlers. Data for this observational, cross-sectional study were collected from national under 19, senior state and international level players over a four-year period. No statistically significant differences were found between the three stride length groups (short, medium and long). However, a functional difference in accuracy was evident between short and long stride length groups, with the long stride length group being less accurate (effect size (ES) = 0.8; ES confidence interval (CI) = 0.2–1.4). Therefore, it can be concluded, given the results of the current study and previous injury-related research, that in no way is it advantageous for bowlers to have a stride length that exceeds the recommended 75–85% of standing height.