Below is some current information that has just come out of the Elite Fast Bowling Group (EFBG) research project at Loughborough with regard to bowling actions and back injuries:-
Original thoughts and coaching interventions were based on hip and shoulder alignment at back foot contact (BFC) where twice the bowler’s body weight went through the back leg but the back has no weight bearing responsibility at this stage. The EFBG research finds that at Front Foot Contact (FFC) up to eight times the bowler’s body weight goes through the front leg and lower back and so this is the critical point in the action.
What action should be coached? Side on, Mid way, Open? The answer is the natural one and the key is to encourage bowlers to be in a strong, upright, well aligned position, especially at FFC.
How?
• Encourage them to have big energy through the phases of BFC, FFC and Ball Release.
• Straighter approach. A straight line from the start of the run up to the stumps at the batter’s end.
• Tall at back foot contact.
• Drive strongly up and over the front leg to avoid side crunching and lateral flexion (arching the back) at front foot contact.
• Let the bowler interpret this in their own way to retain individuality.
Bowlers will often maintain or even increase pace if they are encouraged to stick to these principles due to improved biomechanics and momentum towards the target rather than trying to ‘muscle’ the ball down.
If injury does occur:-
• Never ask a junior bowler to bowl through low back pain
• Appropriate and detailed referral to a Sports Doctor or Physio
• Graduated return to bowling
• Recurrence is very common if they are left to return without guidance