EFFECT OF ELASTIC BAND RESISTANCE TRAINING ON BOWLING SPEED OF CRICKET FAST BOWLERS

Abstract

Background: Fast bowling is a physically demanding skill in cricket, with bowling speed identified as a critical determinant of performance. Traditional resistance training has been shown to improve explosive power; however, the specific application of elastic band resistance training (EBRT) to enhance bowling speed remains insufficiently studied in the cricket context. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week elastic band resistance training program on the bowling speed of male club-level fast bowlers. Methods: A pre-test post-test experimental design with a matched control group was employed. Thirty male fast bowlers (age: 20.6 ± 2.1 years) were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 15), who undertook EBRT three sessions per week alongside conventional cricket training, or a control group (n = 15), who performed conventional training only. Bowling speed was measured using a calibrated radar gun at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean bowling speed from 119.8 ± 6.4 km/h to 128.6 ± 5.9 km/h (p < 0.001), representing a 7.3% improvement. The control group showed no significant change (120.1 ± 5.8 km/h to 121.3 ± 6.1 km/h; p = 0.312). Between-group differences were significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Eight weeks of elastic band resistance training, integrated with conventional cricket training, produced meaningful and statistically significant gains in fast bowling speed. Coaches and conditioning specialists are encouraged to incorporate structured EBRT protocols into cricket-specific conditioning programs.

Keywords: elastic band training, cricket, fast bowling, bowling speed, resistance training, sports performance