Kinematic parameters contributing to the production of spin in elite finger spin bowling

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to identify the key kinematic parameters which contribute to higher spin rates in elite finger spin bowling. Kinematic data were collected for twenty-three elite male finger spin bowlers with thirty kinematic parameters calculated for each delivery. Stepwise linear regression and Pearson product moment correlations were used to identify kinematic parameters linked to spin rate. Pelvis orientation at front foot contact (r = 0.674, p < 0.001) and ball release (r = 0.676, p < 0.001) were found to be the biggest predictors of spin rate, with both individually predicting 43% of the observed variance in spin rate. Other kinematic parameters correlated with spin rate included: shoulder orientation at ball release (r = 0.462, p = 0.027), and pelvis-shoulder separation angle at front foot contact (r = 0.521, p = 0.011). The bowlers with the highest spin rates adopted a mid-way pelvis orientation angle, a larger pelvis-shoulder separation angle and a shoulder orientation short of side-on at front foot contact. The segments then rotated sequentially, starting with the pelvis and finishing with the pronation of the forearm. This knowledge can be translated to coaches to provide a better understanding of finger spin bowling technique.