title: The kinematic differences between off-spin and leg-spin bowling in cricket.
abstract: Spin bowling is generally coached using a standard technical framework, but this practice has not been based upon a comparative biomechanical analysis of leg-spin and off-spin bowling. This study analysed the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of 23 off-spin and 20 leg-spin bowlers using a Cortex motion analysis system to identify how aspects of the respective techniques differed. A multivariate ANOVA found that certain data tended to validate some of the stated differences in the coaching literature. Off-spin bowlers had a significantly shorter stride length (p = 0.006) and spin rate (p = 0.001), but a greater release height than leg-spinners (p = 0.007). In addition, a number of other kinematic differences were identified that were not previously documented in coaching literature. These included a larger rear knee flexion (p = 0.007), faster approach speed (p < 0.001), and flexing elbow action during the arm acceleration compared with an extension action used by most of the off-spin bowlers. Off-spin and leg-spin bowlers also deviated from the standard coaching model for the shoulder alignment, front knee angle at release, and forearm mechanics. This study suggests that off-spin and leg-spin are distinct bowling techniques, supporting the development of two different coaching models in spin bowling.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: Aaron J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Beach
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: René E D
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Ferdinands
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004550:Elbow / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Flight; coaching; magnus Force; motion-analysis; swerve