Case Study: Cricket
In two of the above examples (MP & MV) the weight distribution is predominately on the back foot (right foot), the left foot is floating… MR is the opposite having the majority of weight on the front foot, only Andrew Flower has an even distribution at the point of release. In both MP & MV the next frame on the video has the left foot airborne. From looking at the above example, MP’s weight distribution would appear to be in the heels at POR, a reaction to the toe of the bat going away from the body? Chicken or egg, what causes this to happen?
If a player has a pre delivery trigger movement there is an opportunity to move into a more dynamic and balanced position as the bowler releases the ball. This increase in momentum can be later utilised during the stroke. You are more likely to get into a balanced position if you start in a balanced position. However, the movement must enable the batsmen to arrive at a balanced position at POR in order to benefit from the trigger movements. Too many players are in a poor position at POR as a result of poor timing with the trigger movements, inconsistent trigger movements (they do differ during the stages of an innings), different movements to different bowlers… there is a lot of room for inconsistency. Have a pre-delivery movement by all means, but ensure it is consistent and your timing is spot on!
A stable base or a position of dynamic balance at POR would ensure: * Increased resistance to work the body levers against other body parts – summation of force – heavy parts move first, transferring momentum to the lighter, faster moving body parts… * Body energy transferred efficiently to the bat * Full force generation
Finally food for thought, if you increase your stability during the position of readiness, what effect would this have on perception, accuracy and consistency?
In summary, some aspects of elite player’s technique can not be supported biomechanically. The primary objective of this article is for all coaches to ask themselves ‘How do you optimise the art and science of batting whilst keeping the act of striking a cricket ball as simple as possible for the player?’
Biomechanical analysis is the ‘why’ something happens, it is down to the skill of the coach and relationship with the player to decipher correctly the ‘cause and effect’ of the any movement they observe...