Strength and conditioning practices of franchise-level cricket trainers

Abstract


 
 
 
 Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the strength and conditioning practices implemented by cricket trainers and coaches at an elite level.
 Methods: An online survey, adapted from previous strength and conditioning questionnaires, was sent to trainers currently working with the franchise cricket teams in South Africa. The survey consisted of four main sections including a general strength and conditioning, cricket- specific and injury prevention category.
 Results: The results indicated that trainers (n = 5) implement planned sessions throughout the different phases of the season and that certain injury prevention practices are applied. Furthermore, player workload is monitored for all disciplines (batsmen, bowlers and fielders).
 Conclusion: These results can be used as a tool to educate coaches and trainers to ensure the correct strength and conditioning practices are implemented. Additionally the study showed that strength and conditioning practices at the elite level can be implemented without specialised equipment and facilities, which is important for teams that are constantly travelling. Lastly it showed the importance of looking at all aspects of health and skill related fitness.
 
 
 

Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional cricket

“…The response rate was similar to prior surveys in other professional sports (n = 20-43), [28][29][30][31][32][33] and higher than a survey conducted in professional cricket (n = 5). 23 Responses were received from seven countries where S&C coaches worked with professional international and club teams (see Figure 1). Professional cricket coaching certifications were held by 40% of S&C coaches, with the most reported being a Cricket South Africa (CSA) Level 2 (12%), English Cricket Board (ECB) Level 2 (9%), and CSA Level 3 (6%).…”

“…3,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However, given the lack of research addressing the practices of S&C coaches in professional cricket, it is uncertain whether theoretical and research-informed guidelines are being adopted in actual practice, therefore warranting further investigation. 23 It has been shown that S&C coaches across different countries, sports and expertise levels, recommended using fundamental principles and exercises to provide a strong foundation for S&C programs. 24 Whereas, at the professional level this can be more complex, with a need to tailor programs to each players profile (e.g., injury history, goals, and position).…”

“…24 Whereas, at the professional level this can be more complex, with a need to tailor programs to each players profile (e.g., injury history, goals, and position). 12,23,25 For example, fast bowlers can bowl at speeds above 140 kph more than 120 times per day during a match. 1 Where higher lower-body power (static jump), upper-body power (bench throw), upper-body strength (one-repetition maximum pull up), and speed (0-20 m sprint time) test scores, have been associated with faster bowling velocities.…”

“…3,14–22 However, given the lack of research addressing the practices of S&C coaches in professional cricket, it is uncertain whether theoretical and research-informed guidelines are being adopted in actual practice, therefore warranting further investigation. 23…”

Sprint acceleration mechanical profiling of international cricketers

“…The exact composition of the greater body mass is open to speculation but the likely explanation is greater muscle mass. Previous work has shown correlations between strength and bowling release speed 42 and consequently large parts of the physical preparations strategy are targeted at increasing strength 46,47 . Other sports such as rugby have reported continued increases in body mass, and in some cases stature until athletes reach their early 20's 48 .…”