Performance accuracy and functional variability in elite and developing fast bowlers

Nonlinear Pedagogy: An Effective Approach to Cater for Individual Differences in Learning a Sports Skill

“…The presence of degeneracy is evident among these two highest scoring NP participants as different methods of achieving the same task goals were used by both participants and even within participant for the case of NP23. Research from an ecological dynamics perspective on skilled performance in sport has demonstrated the relationship between performance accuracy and functional variability, highlighting that degeneracy plays a functional role in helping performers to adapt to ever-changing task demands during practice and performance [21], [47], [48]. Further investigation showed that two participants from the NP group with the lowest accuracy scores (NP20 = 0.4; NP21 = 0.6) had trials spread among five of the seven clusters and were in transition from the coordination to control stage of learning.…”

The Reliability and Sensitivity of Performance Measures in a Novel Pace-Bowling Test

“…This variable is less reliable than the radial error measurement used in this investigation and others. 3 In terms of sensitivity, although the smallest worthwhile change data were similar between studies, McNamara et al 16 observed with mean delivery rating of perceived exertion could be attributed to the small inter-participant variability in this measure. 18 The ICC is a relative measure of reliability, and examines how well the rank order for a variable is maintained between tests.…”

“…17 In this investigation, three to four changes in task instruction were given within each over; Participants may have found it difficult to adapt to frequent changes in delivery instruction, an ability that national-standard counterparts appear to be faster at. 3 Notably, five participants exhibited a significant relationship between ball release speed and radial error (Table 3). For this reason the maximal-effort and slower-ball deliveries were excluded from reliability and sensitivity assessment, as the greater within-participant variation would have increased the radial error CV and smallest worthwhile change respectively.…”

“…Some of these performance variables have been assessed in a variety of pace bowling tests. [3][4][5] However, several inconsistencies appear between tests, ranging from: the test environment, pitch and cricket ball characteristics, implemented warm-ups, test familiarisation procedures, permitted run-up lengths, bowling spell lengths, delivery sequence, test instructions, and how bowling speed and accuracy data were collected and reported. To date, no pace bowling test has included a 'live' batsman in attempt to provide bowlers with specific cues for accuracy purposes.…”

“…To date, no pace bowling test has included a 'live' batsman in attempt to provide bowlers with specific cues for accuracy purposes. One test involved bowlers delivering to a superimposed image of a right-handed batsman on a vertical target sheet, 3 with no bowling to a left-handed batsman. Furthermore, a slower-ball delivery has not been included in a pace bowling performance test.…”