A novel intervention program (CricFit) for the strength and conditioning of adolescent cricket players

Abstract

Purpose. the purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of a 4-week field-based intervention program (cricFit) on general fitness, with the program designed to reflect the demands of the game in an adolescent population. Methods. the total of 28 schoolboy cricketers (aged 15-19 years) were assigned to either a control (n = 14) or experimental (n = 14) group. both groups performed traditional net and field-based training over a 4-week period (one net-and one field-based session), with the experimental group executing 2 additional 35-45-minute conditioning sessions per week. Prior to and post the 4-week period, measures were recorded with a test battery that was specific to the movement demands associated with intermittent sports. Results. both groups showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in most responses, but the changes for the experimental group were greater than those shown in the control group, likely owing to the additional conditioning sessions. Furthermore, significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed between the two groups for the percentage body fat, flexibility, plank time, 20-m sprint time, push ups, and 25-m shuttle distance. Conclusions. It was concluded that the cricFit intervention program can be used by coaches and conditioning specialists to improve cricket-specific fitness throughout the pre-season period.

Workloads placed on adolescent cricket players: A pilot study

“…Cricket is a popular sport worldwide, and over the past 20 years, the way the game is played has evolved due to the introduction of different formats of the game, more specifically Twenty/20 cricket. [1][2][3] As a result, the physical demands placed on players are higher than previously thought due to longer, tougher seasons resulting in an increased risk of injury. 2,4,5 Furthermore, with the rise in injury incidence, the injury severity is increasing 6,7 with fast bowlers (lower back), followed by batsmen (lower limbs) and fielders (impact injuries) the most prone to injuries.…”

Strength and conditioning practices of franchise-level cricket trainers

“…Common injuries include stress fractures of the lumbar spine (fast bowlers), muscle strains of the lower limbs (batsmen) and impact injuries to the upper limbs (fielders/wicketkeepers). [3] However, how strength and conditioning trainers use this information is not clear as there is limited literature on the strength and conditioning practices implemented by trainers to manage demands and reduce the risk of injury. [3] Most of the research that has been done in the strength and conditioning field has looked at sports which have different demands to cricket.…”

“…[3] However, how strength and conditioning trainers use this information is not clear as there is limited literature on the strength and conditioning practices implemented by trainers to manage demands and reduce the risk of injury. [3] Most of the research that has been done in the strength and conditioning field has looked at sports which have different demands to cricket. [5] Only one study has examined the training practices of cricket trainers and this was limited to university and high school level trainers.…”

“…[ 2 ] With these developments, the physical demands placed on the players are often substantial especially as individuals are often required to participate in multiple competitions, increasing the length of their seasons. [ 3 ] Despite this, the research on how this has impacted the demands placed on players is still limited. [ 3 ] It is important to understand these demands so that the appropriate strength and conditioning training and injury prevention practices can be implemented.…”

“…[ 3 ] Despite this, the research on how this has impacted the demands placed on players is still limited. [ 3 ] It is important to understand these demands so that the appropriate strength and conditioning training and injury prevention practices can be implemented. Lately, there has been more interest in the physical demands of cricket with research focusing mainly on injuries.…”