WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF ELBOW HYPEREXTENSION ON BALL SPEED IN CRICKET FAST BOWLING?

Abstract

This paper investigates how elbow hyperextension characteristics affect ball speed in fast bowling. A two segment planar simulation model, customised to an elite fast bowler, was used to produce simulations which closely matched three performances. The model was evaluated by simulating one further performance. It was shown that the fast bowler’s ball speed was increased by 4% due to elbow hyperextension using a one segment planar simulation model to determine ball speed with a straight arm. Finally, it was concluded that the limiting characteristics of elbow hyperextension in order to maximise ball speed were found to be the magnitude of peak elbow hyperextension and the amount the elbow “recoils” back towards straight after reaching peak elbow hyperextension.