Print

[Howzat]

Loads of research in baseball suggests it works... but does it work in cricket? Could it make you bowl faster?

[123*]

Steffan Jones uses it extensively in his bowling programs.

http://www.sjenhancingperformance.com/academy.php

[RossViper]

Most decent research shows that not only does it not work, but that it has a negative effect, not sure what papers looking at? I once wrote a paper up on why it was so bad - sure I've lost that now. 

Having said that a lot of "sport science" people love it - or they did when i was playing.

There is no good reason why it should work, also possible to increase injuries, I would give it a miss.

[Howzat]

Would like to read the paper if you have it?

[Manormanic]

I got the impression when I did one of Ian Pont's workshops that there was some merit in the science providing it was implemented very carefully - the problem being that the weights the develop the fast twitch muscle fibre required for pace bowling often also develop the show muscles either side, which negates the effect.

[Howzat]

Loads of research shows that it has worked in baseball. Stefan Jones recomends the OU method (over and under weight) of bowling with a light ball and then a heavy ball then a cricket ball. Claims he put on 6-8mph of pace using this in a year.

[Nickauger]

I think the approach that SJ takes is pretty impressive. He has got proven results after all, but it looks like (and should be) very cricket specific, and is only working the muscles that are required. I'm no SSC expert, and am happy to be proven wrong by any-one who can explain it to me, but it looks good to me!

[timshort15]

I might fancy giving this a go, are weighted cricket balls easy to get hold of?

[Vitas Cricket]

I might fancy giving this a go, are weighted cricket balls easy to get hold of?

Could try drilling a hole and filling it with a heavier material, or wrapping some lead tape around the ball.

[edynamo]

I have been using this method of training as a coach for a long time. Like many other methods some folks think it works - others disagree. Personally I think when used correctly with technical intervention work its excellent!

[timshort15]

Both good ideas. Im gonna read a bit more into the technique, see if it works

[RossViper]

Would like to read the paper if you have it?

Certain I don't have it any more - but will have a look.

[Red Ink Cricket]

I might fancy giving this a go, are weighted cricket balls easy to get hold of?

you could always use a junior or ladies ball for the lighter version and then like Jake suggests add a little extra weight to a normal ball for the heavier one.