A biomechanical comparison of conventional classifications of bowling action-types in junior fast bowlers. Issue 10 (18th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schaefer, Andrew; Ferdinands, Rene E. D.; O'Dwyer, Nicholas; Edwards, Suzi
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 38:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 1085
• Page End: 1095
• Publication Date: 2020-05-18
• Subjects: Cricket -- fast bowling -- biomechanics -- kinematics -- action-types; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1741972
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

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.