Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , OʼBrien, Brendan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 34, no. 9 (2020), p. 2596-2607
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- Description: Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596-2607, 2020-This study investigated the efficacy of combined "general," "special," and "specific" resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group (n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls; performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted); and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group (n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a "clear moderate" enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s, d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a "clear large" increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a "clear large" rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited "unclear" changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed "unclear" changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of "specific" resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
Relationship between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 33, no. 10 (Oct 2019), p. 2812-2825
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- Description: Although strength and conditioning of cricket pace bowlers has become more specialized in recent times, little is understood about the interplay between physical capacities, pace bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill measures. This study sought to determine these interrelationships. Thirty-one male club-standard pace bowlers completed 3 test sessions on separate occasions 4-7 days apart. The first testing session comprised an 8-over pace bowling assessment, where bowling skill and selected bowling kinematics were measured. A physical test battery was completed over the remaining 2 sessions. Peak and mean ball release (BR) speed were related with 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength (r(s) = 0.56, p = 0.005) and correlated with 20-m sprint time (r(s) = -0.42, p = 0.022; r(s) = -0.37, p = 0.044, respectively). Mean radial error was associated with 10-m and 20-m sprint times (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.030; r(s) = 0.38, p = 0.037, respectively), and correlated with height and peak power from 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) (r(s) = -0.39, p = 0.036; r(s) = -0.41, p = 0.031, respectively), and mean peak power from 20 CMJs (r(s) = -0.45, p = 0.020). Bivariate variable error was correlated with front-leg extension angle at BR (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.036), and also with approach speed (r(s) = -0.36, p = 0.050). These relationships may assist strength and conditioning coaches in designing more effective training programs to enhance bowling speed and accuracy. Training interventions are warranted, however, to validate these associations.
Quantifying cricket fast-bowling skill
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 13, no. 7 (2018), p. 830-838
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the quantification of cricket fast-bowling skill. Methods: Studies that assessed fast-bowling skill (bowling speed and accuracy) were identified from searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) in June 2017. The reference lists of identified papers were also examined for relevant investigations. Results: A total of 16 papers matched the inclusion criteria, and discrepancies in assessment procedures were evident. Differences in test environment, pitch, and cricket ball characteristics; the warm-up prior to test; test familiarization procedures; permitted run-up lengths; bowling spell length; delivery sequence; test instructions; collection of bowling speed data; and collection and reportage of bowling accuracy data were apparent throughout the literature. The reliability and sensitivity of fast-bowling skill measures have rarely been reported across the literature. Only 1 study has attempted to assess the construct validity of its skill measures. Conclusions: There are several discrepancies in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed and subsequently quantified in the literature to date. This is a problem, because comparisons between studies are often difficult. Therefore, a strong rationale exists for the creation of match-specific standardized fast-bowling assessments that offer greater ecological validity while maintaining acceptable reliability and sensitivity of the skill measures. If prospective research can act on the proposed recommendations from this review, then coaches will be able to make more informed decisions surrounding player selection, talent identification, return to skill following injury, and the efficacy of short- and long-term training interventions for fast bowlers.
The reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 13, no. 2 (2018), p. 151-155
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test. Methods: Thirteen male amateur-club fast bowlers completed a novel pace-bowling test on 2 separate occasions, 4–7 d apart. Participants delivered 48 balls (8 overs) at 5 targets on a suspended sheet situated behind a live batter, who stood in a right-handed and left-handed stance for an equal number of deliveries. Delivery instruction was frequently changed, with all deliveries executed in a preplanned sequence. Data on ball-release speed were captured by radar gun. A high-speed camera captured the moment of ball impact on the target sheet for assessment of radial error and bivariate variable error. Delivery rating of perceived exertion (0–100%) was collected as a measure of intensity. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation revealed excellent reliability for peak and mean ball-release speed, acceptable reliability for delivery rating of perceived exertion, and poor reliability for mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and variability of ball-release speed. The smallest worthwhile change indicated high sensitivity with peak and mean ball-release speed and lower sensitivity with mean radial error and bivariate variable error. Conclusions: The novel pace-bowling test incorporates improvements in ecological validity compared with its predecessors and can be used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of pace-bowling performance. Data on the smallest worthwhile change can improve interpretation of pace-bowling research findings and may therefore influence recommendations for applied practice. © 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Lower body exercise selection across the force-velocity continuum to enhance sprinting performance
- Authors: Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott , Feros, Simon , O'Grady, Mathew , Radford, Christopher
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 23, no. (2015), p. 39-42
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- Description: BLUF Training for the speed component of sprinting with resistance training requires the use of high velocity horizontally-directed exercises such as speed-bounding and sled sprinting. ABSTRACT The purpose of this article was to evaluate selected resistance training exercises in relation to the force-velocity continuum, with the application to sprinting performance in team sport athletes. The analysis of exercises was done by focussing on the peak velocities reached and comparing this to velocities in sprinting. Many popular resistance training exercises such as jump squats and modifications of the Olympic lifts are used to enhance the explosive muscle qualities required for sprinting. A common characteristic of these exercises is that force application and corresponding body/bar movement is directed vertically upward against gravity. This means that despite using light loads or no extra load, the resulting movements are relatively slow (less than 5 s-1). For example, adding any load to jump squats generally decreases power output compared to jumps with only bodyweight. Therefore, vertically-directed exercises should be considered as being strength-dominated. However, sprinting involves relatively short muscular contractions and considerably faster movement, even over short distances of less than 20 m. To prescribe exercises that are closer to the speed end of the force-velocity continuum, horizontally directed exercises are preferable. Examples include sled sprints and plyometric exercises such as speed-bounding. In a periodised program designed to enhance sprinting performance, vertical exercises such as jump squats and power cleans should be considered as strength-dominated, whereas horizontal exercises should be prescribed when speed qualities need to be emphasised such as in a pre-competition phase.
- Description: BLUF Training for the speed component of sprinting with resistance training requires the use of high velocity horizontally-directed exercises such as speed-bounding and sled sprinting. ABSTRACT The purpose of this article was to evaluate selected resistance training exercises in relation to the force-velocity continuum, with the application to sprinting performance in team sport athletes. The analysis of exercises was done by focussing on the peak velocities reached and comparing this to velocities in sprinting. Many popular resistance training exercises such as jump squats and modifications of the Olympic lifts are used to enhance the explosive muscle qualities required for sprinting. A common characteristic of these exercises is that force application and corresponding body/bar movement is directed vertically upward against gravity. This means that despite using light loads or no extra load, the resulting movements are relatively slow (less than 5 m
The relationships between selected physical qualities and bowling performance, with 'match-intensity' and 'maximal-effort' deliveries in cricket pace-bowlers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , O'Brien, Brendan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 22, no. 5 (2014), p. 120-123
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The acute effects of heavy-ball bowling on fast bowling performance in cricket
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 21, no. S2 (2013), p. 41-44
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- Description: Poster presented at conferrence
The effect of including a series of isometric conditioning contractions to the rowing warm-up on 1,000-m rowing ergometer time trial performance
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , Rice, Anthony , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 26, no. 12 (2012), p. 3326-3334
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- Description: The effect of including a series of isometric conditioning contractions to the rowing warm-up on 1,000-m rowing ergometer time trial performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3326-3334, 2012- Rowing requires strength, power, and strength-endurance for optimal performance. A rowing-based warm-up could be enhanced by exploiting the postactivation potentiation (PAP) phenomenon, acutely enhancing power output at the beginning of a race where it is needed most. Minimal research has investigated the effects of PAP on events of longer duration (i.e. 1,000-m rowing). The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of PAP on 1,000-m rowing ergometer performance through the use of 2 different warm-up procedures: (a) a rowing warm-up combined with a series of isometric conditioning contractions, known as the potentiated warm-up (PW), and (b) a rowing warm-up only (NW). The isometric conditioning contractions in the PW were performed by "pulling" an immovable handle on the rowing ergometer, consisting of 5 sets of 5 seconds (2 seconds at submaximal intensity, and 3 seconds at maximal intensity), with a 15-second recovery between sets. The 1,000-m rowing ergometer time trial was performed after each warm-up condition, whereby mean power output, mean stroke rate, and split time were assessed every 100 m. Ten Australian national level rowers served as the subjects and performed both conditions in a counterbalanced order on separate days. The PW reduced 1,000-m time by 0.8% (p > 0.05). The PW improved mean power output by 6.6% (p < 0.01) and mean stroke rate by 5.2% (p < 0.01) over the first 500 m; resulting in a reduction of 500-m time by 1.9% (p < 0.01), compared with the NW. It appears that the inclusion of isometric conditioning contractions to the rowing warm-up enhance short-term rowing ergometer performance (especially at the start of a race) to a greater extent than a rowing warm-up alone. © 2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Description: 2003010579
Agility training for tennis
- Authors: Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan , Feros, Simon
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2011 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning p. 102-107
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- Description: Tennis is a multi-factorial sport that relies upon the amalgamation of numerous performance qualities (23). For example, during competition, a player is required to repeat short, moderate to high intensity efforts while executing controlled and powerful strokes in a strategically planned series of patterns. In return, players must possess outstanding physical capacity, technical skill, tactical knowledge, and mental control to excel on-court (23). A player's agility skill is considered to be one of the major physical capacities that determine successful performance (31 ). For example, throughout a match, players are required to intercept numerous strokes, each hit with a different velocity, direction, and type and rate of spin. To reach each ball, players must continually coordinate changes in direction and/or velocity and locomotion technique in reaction to the opponent's stroke. A slow reaction and/or poor movement speed may lead to a rushed stroke and greater chance of error (52, 36). Under certain situations, these errors may have a significant impact on the outcome of a match (14). To develop agility skill, the strength and conditioning coach needs a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to agility skill in tennis (37). Furthermore, the coach requires knowledge of the most effective training methodology to optimise training efficacy (47). Therefore, this paper will present a detailed dissection of agility skill and discuss the major contributing factors that relate specifically to tennis performance. To conclude, this paper will then present a brief discussion of associated training considerations and recommendations.
Examining approaches to combining strength and power in a training program
- Authors: Talpey, Scott , Feros, Simon , Saunders, Natalie , Young, Warren
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2011 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning p. 108-112
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Physically preparing the fast bowler in cricket: A review of the literature
- Authors: O'Brien, Brendan , Young, Warren , Feros, Simon , Bradshaw, Ryan
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2011 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning p. 117-122
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The effects of an isometric potentiation protocol in the warm-up of elite rowers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Conference paper , Poster
- Relation: 2010 ASCA National Conference
- Full Text: false
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