By Jarrod Lienert and Alex Pfeiffer
What biomechanical aspects of the pace bowling technique influences the speed, accuracy and swing of a delivery?
Introduction
Cricket is a sport that is universally loved and played all over the world in over 60 countries. It is a striking and fielding game that is contested usually between two teams of 11. Sides are made up of batsmen, bowlers, a wicketkeeper and all-rounders who are capable of both batting and bowling. Test Cricket is the traditional form of cricket on the international scene that can last for a maximum of 5 days. In recent years limited overs cricket has revolutionized one of the oldest sports in the world. One Day cricket was a spectacle that drew massive crowds throughout the 1970s and is still popular today even with the introduction of the revolutionary Twenty20 cricket. Twenty20 cricket is the shortest form of the game with 20 overs each allocated per side, it is an explosive format that normally provides an extremely entertaining 3 hours of viewing for spectators. There are three main skills that make up cricket and thrill viewers. A great battle between a top class batsmen and an express pace bowler enthrals spectators and the art of a brilliant fielder is spectacular at times. There are many types of bowlers in cricket, but fast bowling is a skill that is both admired and feared.
Fast bowling is one of the most well-regarded skills in cricket as it is an ability that is exciting to watch and can instil fear in batsmen whilst having the potential to be match winning. Australian speed demon Shaun Tait (commonly known as the ‘Wild Thing’) is one of the fastest bowlers to ever play the game. With his slinging, side on action he once bowled a ball at 160.7km/h. South African superstar Dale Steyn has a much more conventional front on action and often reaches speeds well in to the 150s. Steyn’s greatest asset is his ability to swing the ball at pace, this has resulted in him taking over 600 wickets in international cricket over the past decade. Being a fast bowler does allow individuals to achieve some great things in their careers but as it is the most powerful and physically demanding aspect of cricket it can have some drawbacks such as injuries. The below image shows the contrasting body positions of the two world class bowlers.
Fast bowling is one of the most well-regarded skills in cricket as it is an ability that is exciting to watch and can instil fear in batsmen whilst having the potential to be match winning. Australian speed demon Shaun Tait (commonly known as the ‘Wild Thing’) is one of the fastest bowlers to ever play the game. With his slinging, side on action he once bowled a ball at 160.7km/h. South African superstar Dale Steyn has a much more conventional front on action and often reaches speeds well in to the 150s. Steyn’s greatest asset is his ability to swing the ball at pace, this has resulted in him taking over 600 wickets in international cricket over the past decade. Being a fast bowler does allow individuals to achieve some great things in their careers but as it is the most powerful and physically demanding aspect of cricket it can have some drawbacks such as injuries. The below image shows the contrasting body positions of the two world class bowlers.
This paper will breakdown the biomechanical principles of fast bowling particularly concentrating mainly on the bowling actions of Shaun Tait and Dale Steyn (pictured above) whilst also acknowledging other elite bowlers. It will look at the principles of the bowling sequence (the run up, load up, delivery stride, and follow through) and from analysing the two speedsters this paper will show what is biomechanically required to be a fast bowler at an elite level. Analysis of how to achieve pace, accuracy and swing on a delivery will also be examined.
Types of bowling actions/techniques | There are three main bowling actions of fast bowling and they are: • Side-on • Front-on • Mixed |
SIDE-ON
The side-on bowling technique is characterised by the bowler looking behind the front arm during the delivery stride to sight the target (Ferdinand’s, R, 2008). The side-on bowing action is also characterised with a shoulder alignment that points down the wicket such that the angle between the wickets and the line joining the shoulders is 180º with rear foot position being parallel to the popping crease as seen in the figure 1below (Bartlett et al, 1996). A low run-up speed is another key characteristic that is associated with the side-on bowling action (Bartlett et al, 1996). The side-on bowling action has often been described as the 'correct' and most effective way to bowl, this is largely due to the successes of Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee.
The side-on bowling technique is characterised by the bowler looking behind the front arm during the delivery stride to sight the target (Ferdinand’s, R, 2008). The side-on bowing action is also characterised with a shoulder alignment that points down the wicket such that the angle between the wickets and the line joining the shoulders is 180º with rear foot position being parallel to the popping crease as seen in the figure 1below (Bartlett et al, 1996). A low run-up speed is another key characteristic that is associated with the side-on bowling action (Bartlett et al, 1996). The side-on bowling action has often been described as the 'correct' and most effective way to bowl, this is largely due to the successes of Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee.
Figure 1: Side on bowling action Source: England Cricket Board (ECB), 2000, “Cricket Coaches manual”, In Hurrion, P, & Harmer, J, 2004, “The Fast-Medium Bowler: Sports Biomechanics and Technical Analysis Model”, Coachesinfo.com: Information and education for coaches, retrieved from http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
FRONT-ON
The front-on technique is characterised by a high run-up speed and a rear foot position that points in the intended direction of ball travel during and after release (Ferdinands, R, 2008). The bowler when delivering using the front-on bowling technique will look down the inside of the bowling arm during delivery stride to sight the target, this causes the bowler’s hips and shoulders to open to an angle exceeding 180º resulting in the bowler facing the batsmen at ball release (Bartlett et al, 1996) A correct front-on bowling technique can be seen in figure 2 and the video below.
The front-on technique is characterised by a high run-up speed and a rear foot position that points in the intended direction of ball travel during and after release (Ferdinands, R, 2008). The bowler when delivering using the front-on bowling technique will look down the inside of the bowling arm during delivery stride to sight the target, this causes the bowler’s hips and shoulders to open to an angle exceeding 180º resulting in the bowler facing the batsmen at ball release (Bartlett et al, 1996) A correct front-on bowling technique can be seen in figure 2 and the video below.
Figure 2: Front-on action. Source: England Cricket Board (ECB), 2000, “Cricket Coaches manual”, In Hurrion, P, & Harmer, J, 2004, “The Fast-Medium Bowler: Sports Biomechanics and Technical Analysis Model”, Coachesinfo.com: Information and education for coaches, retrieved from http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
Along with Dale Steyn, Australian Brett Lee has a sound front-on bowling action that enables him to produce high speeds. The above video shows Lee bowling in the nets during his 2013 Indian Premier League campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
MIXED
The mixed action is a combination of the two above actions. It can be a bowler adopting a front-on foot and shoulder alignment at back foot contact but is followed by a realignment of the shoulders into a side on position during the delivery stride. This technique is more problematic and leads to high incidence of injuries in fast bowlers (Bartlett et al, 1996).
The mixed action is a combination of the two above actions. It can be a bowler adopting a front-on foot and shoulder alignment at back foot contact but is followed by a realignment of the shoulders into a side on position during the delivery stride. This technique is more problematic and leads to high incidence of injuries in fast bowlers (Bartlett et al, 1996).
Figure 3: Mixed action. Source: England Cricket Board (ECB), 2000, “Cricket Coaches manual”, In Hurrion, P, & Harmer, J, 2004, “The Fast-Medium Bowler: Sports Biomechanics and Technical Analysis Model”, Coachesinfo.com: Information and education for coaches, retrieved from http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
Fast Bowling Sequence
Fast bowling requires a basic sequence in order to achieve a technically and biomechanically correct bowling action. This sequence can be divided into five key areas: the run up, pre-delivery stride, delivery stride (back foot and front foot contact), ball release (inswing/outswing), and the follow through. Applying a correct bowling sequence to the action of a young bowler will allow them to be able to deliver the ball with speed, accuracy and swing to an appropriate spot on the pitch whilst still maintaining a straight bowling arm. The diagram below displays the bowling sequence in action.
https://mdsirajudeen.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/professional-cricket-batting-bowling-fielding-video-tips/
The Run Up
In order to achieve a successful run up, one must analyse Newton’s first two laws. Newton’s first law states that ‘An object will remain at rest or continue to move with constant velocity as long as the net force equals zero’ (Blazevich, 2012). This law can be applied at the beginning of the run up as the object, the ball, is not in motion so the bowler must begin to jog/run to change the state of the ball from rest, to motion. This theory can be achieved by the bowler providing a force that is larger than the inertia of the ball. Increasing running speed throughout the run up on approach to the wicket links into Newton’s second law. This law states that ‘The acceleration of an object is proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to the mass of the object’ (Blazevich, 2012). The run up speed needs to be at an appropriate level to produce high linear velocity whilst still allowing the bowler to perform the bowling action adequately. Additionally, it is important to keep linear momentum as this will help the summation of forces (Bartlett, Stockill, Elliott, & Burnett, 1996). Each bowler will need a different variation of the run up as different body shapes and psychological aspects are different (Ranson, Burnett, King, 2008). Therefore, making the run up a crucial part of the bowling sequence to produce acceleration.
Foot contact on the ground also plays a role in the run up. The video below shows the running technique of famous 100 meter sprinter, Usain Bolt. Newton’s third law states that ‘For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’ (Blazevich, 2012). Bolts sprinting technique generates speed by utilising the ground reaction forces. The same can be applied in the cricket run up; however, cricketers can use reaction forces to decelerate the lower body causing the inertia of the upper body to rapidly accelerate the shoulders, hips and the bowling arm. This results in an appropriate ball release speed being applied to the bowling technique.
In order to achieve a successful run up, one must analyse Newton’s first two laws. Newton’s first law states that ‘An object will remain at rest or continue to move with constant velocity as long as the net force equals zero’ (Blazevich, 2012). This law can be applied at the beginning of the run up as the object, the ball, is not in motion so the bowler must begin to jog/run to change the state of the ball from rest, to motion. This theory can be achieved by the bowler providing a force that is larger than the inertia of the ball. Increasing running speed throughout the run up on approach to the wicket links into Newton’s second law. This law states that ‘The acceleration of an object is proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to the mass of the object’ (Blazevich, 2012). The run up speed needs to be at an appropriate level to produce high linear velocity whilst still allowing the bowler to perform the bowling action adequately. Additionally, it is important to keep linear momentum as this will help the summation of forces (Bartlett, Stockill, Elliott, & Burnett, 1996). Each bowler will need a different variation of the run up as different body shapes and psychological aspects are different (Ranson, Burnett, King, 2008). Therefore, making the run up a crucial part of the bowling sequence to produce acceleration.
Foot contact on the ground also plays a role in the run up. The video below shows the running technique of famous 100 meter sprinter, Usain Bolt. Newton’s third law states that ‘For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’ (Blazevich, 2012). Bolts sprinting technique generates speed by utilising the ground reaction forces. The same can be applied in the cricket run up; however, cricketers can use reaction forces to decelerate the lower body causing the inertia of the upper body to rapidly accelerate the shoulders, hips and the bowling arm. This results in an appropriate ball release speed being applied to the bowling technique.
The purpose of the run up, within the bowling sequence, is to provide a force that is equal or greater to the mass of the object (Blazevich, 2012). Newton’s second law supports this as bowlers need to design the length, speed and rhythm of their run up so that they are able to control the deceleration of their body during pre-delivery stride. Therefore optimising the acceleration of the upper body during delivery stride (Ferdinands, 2008). This will result in appropriate ball release speed being applied; however, careful consideration needs to be taken into account as the length, speed and rhythm of run ups will vary with different bowlers.
Pre-Delivery Stride
The pre-delivery stride is crucial in the bowling sequence. The bowler leaps into the air to allow the body to organise itself in preparation for the delivery stride. For a right handed bowler the leap starts off the left foot and ends when the bowler lands on their right foot (back foot) (Bartlett et al, 1996). Bartlett claims that a ‘leap’ is needed in order to obtain maximum velocity of the bowl. However, to obtain momentum throughout the bowling technique a ‘leap’ is pointless. Notice world renowned fast bowler Morne Morkel from South Africa below.
The pre-delivery stride is crucial in the bowling sequence. The bowler leaps into the air to allow the body to organise itself in preparation for the delivery stride. For a right handed bowler the leap starts off the left foot and ends when the bowler lands on their right foot (back foot) (Bartlett et al, 1996). Bartlett claims that a ‘leap’ is needed in order to obtain maximum velocity of the bowl. However, to obtain momentum throughout the bowling technique a ‘leap’ is pointless. Notice world renowned fast bowler Morne Morkel from South Africa below.
Morkel’s body’s centre of mass is stable throughout the crease. By demonstrating a long jump, instead of a high one, will keep a steady head position. In Bartlett’s case; the initial jump in the air has the bowlers centre of mass is heading downward. However, in Morkels action, the run up is completed at a fair velocity and a longer flatter jump is attained. This allows him to create momentum through the crease as his centre of mass is heading forwards, instead of upwards. The end result is greater speed of delivery as the bowlers momentum is going forward not down (Magias, 2015).
Delivery Stride (Back foot contact, Front foot contact)
As the bowler is coming into the delivery stride, the back foot contacts the ground first. In many bowling actions, the bowlers body weight is leaning backwards supported by the back foot. This is mostly seen in side on bowlers due to lateral flexion of the spine. Front on bowlers tend to not have such a lean (Bartlett, et al, 1996). However the back foot is not the foot under the most pressure. It is the front foot that needs to be examined more thoroughly. When the front foot contacts the ground, there are forces up to nine times the bowler’s body weight depending on the front leg to keep the body stable (Bartlett, et al, 1996). If the front foot is extended or straight, the bowler will be able to produce higher ball speeds in the delivery (Ranson, et al, 2008). The front knee provides an important pivot point which allows for the upper body to be catapulted towards the intended direction of ball release (Ferdinands, 2008). An extended front leg can also wield the forces produced in the run up and release them in the ball release. However, if the front leg is flexed or bent will result in the bowler’s momentum to cease causing the trunk to drive forward (Ranson, et al, 2013).
Angular velocity is also very important in the delivery stride. It can be defined as the rate of change of acceleration over 360 degrees (Blazevich, 2012). Having bent arms at the start of the delivery stride is the appropriate technique to conserve angular momentum, therefore making it a faster delivery. Additionally, extending of the arms is equally important towards the end of the delivery stride to take advantage of an increased moment of inertia. This relates back to Newtons third law as an equal and opposite reaction force applies when the leading and bowling arm switches from flexed to extended during the delivery stride. However, if the arms are extended too early, the bowler may lose angular momentum coming out of the run up. Extending the arms to late allows the bowler to lose the advantage of an increased moment of inertia. This may take a lot of practice but once mastered, it will result in increased velocity of the ball bowled (Magias, 2015).
Ball Release
If the ball release sequence is not performed properly, the rest of the sequences will be wasted. The position of the bowling arm when the front foot is grounded will predict how fast the ball will be. Many bowlers have varied actions but the extremely fast bowlers like Brett Lee delay the bowling arm as much as possible. Professional fast bowlers have made this technique a habit as bowling with the arm further back from the upper trunk creates an angle in the shoulder at ball release, therefore increasing ball speed (Bartlett, et al, 1996).
We have now covered the bowling arms position but what happens with the non-bowling arm (the leading arm)? Ferdinands (2005) believes that the bowling arm should start in position B and then be pulled in towards the trunk (position A) so that the anti-clockwise torques that are present lie within the non-bowling arm. This will allow the centre of gravity to be stable and leaning forward, allowing the hips to rotate the trunk during the delivery stride (refer to figure below). This will therefore result in a greater ball release speed of the bowling action due to utilising the momentum in the bowling action (Ferdinands, 2005).
Delivery Stride (Back foot contact, Front foot contact)
As the bowler is coming into the delivery stride, the back foot contacts the ground first. In many bowling actions, the bowlers body weight is leaning backwards supported by the back foot. This is mostly seen in side on bowlers due to lateral flexion of the spine. Front on bowlers tend to not have such a lean (Bartlett, et al, 1996). However the back foot is not the foot under the most pressure. It is the front foot that needs to be examined more thoroughly. When the front foot contacts the ground, there are forces up to nine times the bowler’s body weight depending on the front leg to keep the body stable (Bartlett, et al, 1996). If the front foot is extended or straight, the bowler will be able to produce higher ball speeds in the delivery (Ranson, et al, 2008). The front knee provides an important pivot point which allows for the upper body to be catapulted towards the intended direction of ball release (Ferdinands, 2008). An extended front leg can also wield the forces produced in the run up and release them in the ball release. However, if the front leg is flexed or bent will result in the bowler’s momentum to cease causing the trunk to drive forward (Ranson, et al, 2013).
Angular velocity is also very important in the delivery stride. It can be defined as the rate of change of acceleration over 360 degrees (Blazevich, 2012). Having bent arms at the start of the delivery stride is the appropriate technique to conserve angular momentum, therefore making it a faster delivery. Additionally, extending of the arms is equally important towards the end of the delivery stride to take advantage of an increased moment of inertia. This relates back to Newtons third law as an equal and opposite reaction force applies when the leading and bowling arm switches from flexed to extended during the delivery stride. However, if the arms are extended too early, the bowler may lose angular momentum coming out of the run up. Extending the arms to late allows the bowler to lose the advantage of an increased moment of inertia. This may take a lot of practice but once mastered, it will result in increased velocity of the ball bowled (Magias, 2015).
Ball Release
If the ball release sequence is not performed properly, the rest of the sequences will be wasted. The position of the bowling arm when the front foot is grounded will predict how fast the ball will be. Many bowlers have varied actions but the extremely fast bowlers like Brett Lee delay the bowling arm as much as possible. Professional fast bowlers have made this technique a habit as bowling with the arm further back from the upper trunk creates an angle in the shoulder at ball release, therefore increasing ball speed (Bartlett, et al, 1996).
We have now covered the bowling arms position but what happens with the non-bowling arm (the leading arm)? Ferdinands (2005) believes that the bowling arm should start in position B and then be pulled in towards the trunk (position A) so that the anti-clockwise torques that are present lie within the non-bowling arm. This will allow the centre of gravity to be stable and leaning forward, allowing the hips to rotate the trunk during the delivery stride (refer to figure below). This will therefore result in a greater ball release speed of the bowling action due to utilising the momentum in the bowling action (Ferdinands, 2005).
http://coachesinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=280:introduction&catid=84:cricket-bowling&Itemid=159
Another factor that contributes to speed at the release of the ball in the bowling action, is the wrist position of the bowler. Flexing of the wrist before the ball release and extending the wrist whilst releasing the ball can add velocity to the ball. This is because the fingers and the wrist are the most distal joints that are part of the bowling action and by flexing and then extending them before the ball is bowled, will allow for faster ball speed (Bartlett, et al, 1996). A perfect example of flexion and extension of the wrist is seen in the video below of Australian fast bowler, Ryan Harris.
Swing bowling relies heavily on the ball release as the finger and wrist position on the ball determine whether the ball will swing correctly. Swing occurs when the fielding team shine one side of the ball and leave the other side rough. This is so the ball is able to have one rough side and one shiny side. The side that has the shine provides little resistance to the wind while the rough side resists the flow of the wind (Magias, 2015). Whilst the ball is traveling through the air, the fast moving wind on the shiny side caresses the seam of the ball and pushes it in the opposite direction, making the ball swing. This is called the Magnus effect. If a bowler understands how the Magnus force works and what side of the ball is the laminar (Smooth) and Turbulent (Rough) side, the bowler is able to understand how to generate out-swing or in-swing (see diagram below).
http://www.theaftermatter.com/2012/04/physics-of-cricket-what-is-swing.html
Inswing and outswing are the two variations of swing bowling. Outswing travels away from the batsmen and inswing ducks into the batsmen (Mehta, 2005). To be able to swing the ball in the desired direction, relies on the angle of the ball when placed in the fingers (refer to the diagrams below). Alternatively, the ball can be placed in the hand with the fingers and seam lining up, however the wrist needs to angled in order to obtain swing (more difficult). Additionally, refer to the video of one of the great all time swing bowlers, Wasim Akram, describing the way swing bowling is used.
Inswing and outswing are the two variations of swing bowling. Outswing travels away from the batsmen and inswing ducks into the batsmen (Mehta, 2005). To be able to swing the ball in the desired direction, relies on the angle of the ball when placed in the fingers (refer to the diagrams below). Alternatively, the ball can be placed in the hand with the fingers and seam lining up, however the wrist needs to angled in order to obtain swing (more difficult). Additionally, refer to the video of one of the great all time swing bowlers, Wasim Akram, describing the way swing bowling is used.
http://farehamandcroftoncricket.hitscricket.co.uk/pages/page_18729/Cricket-Skills-Bowling.aspx
Reverse swing bowling, however, is a completely opposite scenario. It occurs when the action of an outswinger can produce an in-swinging delivery. It is almost always seen with an old ball as the balls seam is raised on one side, making the shiny side heavier than the rough side. As the ball becomes older, the rough side begins to loose fragments of leather on the pitch and the bat. Therefore making the rough side lighter than the side that is shiny. Reverse swing is the most difficult form of swing to face as it is unexpected and swings later then the conventional types of swing (Magias, 2015). A perfect example can be seen in the video below.
Follow Through
Following through using the correct technique can avoid doing damage to the body of the bowler and doing damage to the pitch. After the ball has been released from the hand, the bowler needs to make sure that the bowling arm follows through down the outside of the left thigh (for a right handed bowler). It is also important to ensure that the bowling arm is roughly a foot from the ground when it passes past the left thigh (Bartlett, et al, 1996). As the arms have followed through in the right direction, it is now crucial that the fast bowler does not come to an immediate stop. This will put severe pressure on the upper body and lower body. It is important that the bowler keeps the momentum going towards the target for the first step of the follow through, but then deviates off the pitch with the second, third and fourth stride (Tyson, 1976). This ensures that the bowler is following through in a linear path and reduces the chance of injury due to reduction of the upper and lower body (Ferdinands, 2008). The follow through should be as long as what is needed to suit the bowlers needs and to slow down the body without exertion. Failure to do so can result in injury and minimising the effectiveness of the action (Blazevich, et al, 2012). The diagram below is a good display of the bowling arm following through past the left thigh. It also shows in the last slide that the bowler is deviating to avoid causing damage to the pitch.
Following through using the correct technique can avoid doing damage to the body of the bowler and doing damage to the pitch. After the ball has been released from the hand, the bowler needs to make sure that the bowling arm follows through down the outside of the left thigh (for a right handed bowler). It is also important to ensure that the bowling arm is roughly a foot from the ground when it passes past the left thigh (Bartlett, et al, 1996). As the arms have followed through in the right direction, it is now crucial that the fast bowler does not come to an immediate stop. This will put severe pressure on the upper body and lower body. It is important that the bowler keeps the momentum going towards the target for the first step of the follow through, but then deviates off the pitch with the second, third and fourth stride (Tyson, 1976). This ensures that the bowler is following through in a linear path and reduces the chance of injury due to reduction of the upper and lower body (Ferdinands, 2008). The follow through should be as long as what is needed to suit the bowlers needs and to slow down the body without exertion. Failure to do so can result in injury and minimising the effectiveness of the action (Blazevich, et al, 2012). The diagram below is a good display of the bowling arm following through past the left thigh. It also shows in the last slide that the bowler is deviating to avoid causing damage to the pitch.
http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
Comparison of Bowling Actions: Tait & Steyn
The below link shows a video of Shaun Tait's unique bowling action in slow motion.
http://tune.pk/video/2615010/shaun-tait-bowling-action-slow-mo
Shaun Tait has a steady run up that doesn’t require much energy as stated by Ranson (2008) an optimal run up should be used to allow the bowler to perform the action. As he approaches the crease, he takes a large leap to allow his body to fluently rotate into position (load up). As he back leg lands, his foot is pointing back from the batsmen away from his centre of mass and out on a diagonal angle. It’s not parallel with the popping crease as a side-on action would and not pointing down the wicket like a front-on action. As he makes back foot contact his body weight is substantially leaning back over a large amount of lateral flexion in his spine. At this stage his body is like a coil ready to spring into action. Still at the position of back foot contact his front leg is raised high. This is because he is preparing to strike his front foot down powerfully to create high breaking forces. At front foot contact Tait has a long stride and his back foot collapses but his lower half is in a side-on position. His front leg first braces extended and then flexes. His bowling arm at the point of front foot contact is of an angle of greater than 180º. So as he creates high breaking forces in his front leg his upper body is forced forwards allowing trunk flexion. This is helped by his non-bowling arm pulling down powerfully. His follow through is as described above as his bowling arm finishes near his left thigh but his first stride does not follow behind the line of the ball. His follow through is brief as a lot of his momentum is stopped by that front leg at front foot contact. Shaun Tait has a lot of twisting in his bowling action because his lower body is in a side on position whilst his upper body are in a front on position. This does allow Tait to produce high speeds through his whipping, slinging action but is putting huge amounts of stress on his lower back.
The below video shows Dale Steyns Bowling technique in action for South Africa.
Steyn has a fast run up which is very important to his ability of bowling speeds that are close 160km/h. Similar to Tait he has a large leap into the crease in his load up phase. This leap is important in transferring Steyn’s energy from the run up into the delivery stride. During the jump and gather, Steyn keeps his levers close to his midpoint, this increases his moment of inertia and therefore enables him to generate greater force. At this point Steyn is still quite upright. At back foot contact Dale Steyn’s foot lands in a side on position parallel with the crease, but this is the only side on feature as his torso and hips are in a front on position. Like Tait, his body weight is leaning back on the back leg. His front leg is extended in the air as he prepares for front foot contact. At front foot contact Steyn’s leg is fully extended which powerfully sends his upper body and bowling arm forward. His bowling arm at front foot contact is similar to Tait’s as it is around the 180º mark. His non-bowling arm pulls down powerfully assisting the bowling arm to come over quickly. Dale Steyn’s follow through is as described in bio-mechanic texts books as his bowling arm follows through to his left thigh and his first stride is behind the line of the ball.
The Answer
The Newton’s Laws are prominent features of the biomechanical elements that enable accurate, swing bowling at pace. The biomechanical principles that are required for a pace bowler to swing the ball is evident in Newton’s First Law by the way it allows the bowler to start his run up, maintain a constant velocity throughout it and then allows for the bowling action to come to rest. Newton’s Second Law allows for the bowler to understand how to achieve maximum efficiency within his run-up through understanding the force required to generate the optimum amount of acceleration (113km). Within the bowling sequence, the Newton’s Third Law and the Impulse-Momentum relationship exists by allowing the bowler to understand how the manipulation of a braking and propulsive force can be used to generate ball release speed with the least amount of effort. This enables the bowler to bowl longer spells for his team as there is minimal strain on the body. It is evident within the bowling sequence that the bowler can manipulate the base of support to increase or decrease his stability within the bowling action to prevent injury and vary the release speed of the delivery.
Linear motion provides the bowler with the opportunity to understand the importance of maintaining a linear path throughout the bowling sequence. This increases the summation of forces and effects the release speed of the delivery, it also prevents bowler injuries from occurring because of the unnecessary rotation of the body during the bowling sequence. The kinetic chain allows for the sequential acceleration of the trunk, torso and limbs during the bowling sequence which results in a fluent and effective action. The acceleration produced allows the bowler to generate greater height, as well as the speed of the release and swing of the delivery. The kinetic chain also assists the bowler in generating the optimal angular momentum and angle of release. This is particularly evident during the ball release stage where braking and propulsive forces are applied to the proximal areas allowing for the distal areas such as the wrist and fingers to achieve greater height and acceleration. These factors results in the generation more swing, speed and height for the bowler which can prove difficult for batsmen.
Establishment and understanding of the Magnus Force will enable the bowler to swing the ball with great control and success. Magnus force is a key biomechanical principle that makes the ball swing and can lead to the batsmen playing the incorrect stroke. It is evident that the understanding and mastery of the biomechanical principles that have been outlined in this blog will lead to an efficient and effective bowling delivery.
The coach plays a massive role on the use of these biomechanical principles and how they can be used to maximise the output of the bowler. This leads onto the final question of how else can this information be used?
Linear motion provides the bowler with the opportunity to understand the importance of maintaining a linear path throughout the bowling sequence. This increases the summation of forces and effects the release speed of the delivery, it also prevents bowler injuries from occurring because of the unnecessary rotation of the body during the bowling sequence. The kinetic chain allows for the sequential acceleration of the trunk, torso and limbs during the bowling sequence which results in a fluent and effective action. The acceleration produced allows the bowler to generate greater height, as well as the speed of the release and swing of the delivery. The kinetic chain also assists the bowler in generating the optimal angular momentum and angle of release. This is particularly evident during the ball release stage where braking and propulsive forces are applied to the proximal areas allowing for the distal areas such as the wrist and fingers to achieve greater height and acceleration. These factors results in the generation more swing, speed and height for the bowler which can prove difficult for batsmen.
Establishment and understanding of the Magnus Force will enable the bowler to swing the ball with great control and success. Magnus force is a key biomechanical principle that makes the ball swing and can lead to the batsmen playing the incorrect stroke. It is evident that the understanding and mastery of the biomechanical principles that have been outlined in this blog will lead to an efficient and effective bowling delivery.
The coach plays a massive role on the use of these biomechanical principles and how they can be used to maximise the output of the bowler. This leads onto the final question of how else can this information be used?
How else Can We Use this Information?
This information can be extremely valuable to teachers and coaches who are teaching young athletes. Traditionally, or in an untaught environment, athletes are left to develop their bowling actions with minimal teacher or coach assistance. Sometimes, coaches and teachers are simply unaware of the biomechanical principles needed to develop a sporting technique. The cricket bowling action is a hard technique to master. If it is not performed properly, the young athlete could do serious damage to his or her body. However, if a coach or teacher were able to teach the young athlete the different stages of the bowling technique (run up, pre-delivery stride, delivery stride, ball release, and follow through) throughout their childhood, the athlete will have all the tools needed to be able to bowl biomechanically correct whilst having accuracy, speed and swing. Additionally, young athletes could not just apply these technical biomechanics skills in cricket, but other sports as well. The run up sequence can transfer into any form of running as the ground contact forces apply throughout running sports. The delivery stride is somewhat similar to the javelin throw and this sequence can transfer to this skill. The Magnus effect is another example of transferring a skill. The way the ball swings in the air is similar to the baseball pitch and an athlete could transfer the knowledge learnt in the ball delivery sequence and apply it to baseball. Finally, it is the coaches and teachers role to educate the athlete into how to understand biomechanical principles. Understanding of these principles has the ability to lead to successful execution of a skill which therefore leads to athletes who possess greater skill.
References
Bartlett, R., Stockill, N., Elliott, B., & Burnett, A. (1996). The biomechanics of fast bowling in men's cricket: A review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 14(5), Pp 403-424.
Blazevich, A, (2012), “Sports biomechanics, the basics: Optimising human performance”, A&C Black, Pp 44-202.
England Cricket Board (ECB), 2000, “Cricket Coaches manual”, In Hurrion, P, & Harmer, J, 2004, “The Fast-Medium Bowler: Sports Biomechanics and Technical Analysis Model”, Coachesinfo.com: Information and education for coaches, retrieved from http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
Ferdinands, R.E.D, 2008, “Biomechanics and the art of bowling”, Coachesinfo.com: information and education for coaches, http://coachesinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=280:introduction&catid=84:cricket-bowling&Itemid=159
Magias, T. (2015). Week 11 Workshop: Impulse-momentum relationship. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Magias, T. (2015). Week 10 Workshop: Projectile Motion and the Coefficient of Restitution. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Magias, T. (2015). Week 12 Workshop: Torque, Centre of Mass and Angular Velocity. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Mehta, R. D. (2005). An overview of cricket ball swing. Sports Engineering, 8(4), Pp 181-192.
Ranson CA, Burnett AF, King M, (2008). The relationship between bowling action classification and three-dimensional lower trunk motion in fast bowlers in cricket. J Sports Sci.;26:267–76
Tyson, F, (1976), “Complete Cricket Coaching” In ““The biomechanics of fast bowling in men's cricket: A review”, Pp 415.
Blazevich, A, (2012), “Sports biomechanics, the basics: Optimising human performance”, A&C Black, Pp 44-202.
England Cricket Board (ECB), 2000, “Cricket Coaches manual”, In Hurrion, P, & Harmer, J, 2004, “The Fast-Medium Bowler: Sports Biomechanics and Technical Analysis Model”, Coachesinfo.com: Information and education for coaches, retrieved from http://www.quintic.com/education/case_studies/Cricket%203.htm
Ferdinands, R.E.D, 2008, “Biomechanics and the art of bowling”, Coachesinfo.com: information and education for coaches, http://coachesinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=280:introduction&catid=84:cricket-bowling&Itemid=159
Magias, T. (2015). Week 11 Workshop: Impulse-momentum relationship. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Magias, T. (2015). Week 10 Workshop: Projectile Motion and the Coefficient of Restitution. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Magias, T. (2015). Week 12 Workshop: Torque, Centre of Mass and Angular Velocity. HLPE3531: Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators. Flinders University.
Mehta, R. D. (2005). An overview of cricket ball swing. Sports Engineering, 8(4), Pp 181-192.
Ranson CA, Burnett AF, King M, (2008). The relationship between bowling action classification and three-dimensional lower trunk motion in fast bowlers in cricket. J Sports Sci.;26:267–76
Tyson, F, (1976), “Complete Cricket Coaching” In ““The biomechanics of fast bowling in men's cricket: A review”, Pp 415.