Brian Wardle
New Member
First of all I would just like to say I'm fascinated with strength training. Not only for the physical attributes it brings to my game but also for the mental aspect too. There's a certain sense of pride and confidence that strength training brings. Knowing that I have prepared better than my opponent and knowing that I have gone through hours of lifting, constantly refining and defining my goals and level of fitness.
I know there are other factors in becoming a great cricketer for example technique, body structures (for bowling), correct coaching and individual opportunities etcetera but how powerful can strength training be as a determine factor for success?! How much strength is enough? or is there even a limit to how much strength you need, want or require?
In my opinion strength training is crucial, not only for the sake of injury resistance or body function but it builds CONFIDENCE. People who lift heavy will know exactly what I mean. It takes courage and determination to step under a heavy bar and squat.
There is a reason why people don't strength train to their LIMITS and that is because they are scared!....scared they may get injured, scared they may not lift the weight, scared they may get too big and bulky.
Ok, there maybe other reasons like lack of knowledge, but in this day and age with the internet there really are no excuses to not know how to strength train correctly.
I look at baseball as an example. Although they are different sports, they have many similarities, throwing catching, running and hitting. There are college guys! who are deadlifting 500lbs for reps and squatting the same. so why therefore are cricketers so far behind. could it be due to scheduling of games. Do cricketers play too often to get in any real S&C work? or am I just making excuses.
I'm not looking for definitive answers on this, but I'm all for strength training and what it can do for sport and more importantly for cricket.
I'm also interested to know what other peoples opinions are on the matter and where you currently rate strength training on your priority list.
I know there are other factors in becoming a great cricketer for example technique, body structures (for bowling), correct coaching and individual opportunities etcetera but how powerful can strength training be as a determine factor for success?! How much strength is enough? or is there even a limit to how much strength you need, want or require?
In my opinion strength training is crucial, not only for the sake of injury resistance or body function but it builds CONFIDENCE. People who lift heavy will know exactly what I mean. It takes courage and determination to step under a heavy bar and squat.
There is a reason why people don't strength train to their LIMITS and that is because they are scared!....scared they may get injured, scared they may not lift the weight, scared they may get too big and bulky.
Ok, there maybe other reasons like lack of knowledge, but in this day and age with the internet there really are no excuses to not know how to strength train correctly.
I look at baseball as an example. Although they are different sports, they have many similarities, throwing catching, running and hitting. There are college guys! who are deadlifting 500lbs for reps and squatting the same. so why therefore are cricketers so far behind. could it be due to scheduling of games. Do cricketers play too often to get in any real S&C work? or am I just making excuses.
I'm not looking for definitive answers on this, but I'm all for strength training and what it can do for sport and more importantly for cricket.
I'm also interested to know what other peoples opinions are on the matter and where you currently rate strength training on your priority list.