The effect of delivery method on cricket batting upper-body kinematics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of delivery method on upper-body kinematics in cricketers playing a front foot drive and a back foot pull shot. Fourteen male cricketers were played both shots against a bowler, bowling machine, and Sidearm TM ball thrower. The availability of pre-release visual cues appears to affect upper-body kinematics during the pull shot but not the drive other than at the back shoulder. The Sidearm TM may represent a compromise between bowler and bowling machine when training the pull shot but coaches should consider differences in upper-body proximal-distal joint dominance.

Stuart McErlain-Naylor

Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics