What are the muscles used in cricket?

Answer 1

Muscles associated with bowling (cricket).

Contrary to popular belief (and what has previously been mentioned on this site), Bowling a cricket ball involves only a few primary muscles - but numerous of supporting and auxiliary muscles.

The main muscles required to generate the majority of force when bowling a cricket ball (with a relatively standard action) are:

-The Pectorals (A.K.A: Pecs/Chest): These muscles provide the primary frontal pull of your arm as it rotates over your shoulder. (Stand facing a wall and swing your arm over your head slowly, as if you were bowling, and press against the wall without bending your arm - you will feel your pecs flex).

-The Latissimus Dorsi (A.K.A: Lats): Provided the forward and downward pull of your arm.

-The Deltoids: Provide the upwards lift of your arm and the anterior head provides some forward pull as well.

-The Trapezius (A.K.A: Traps): Provide upward and inward lift/pull of arm.

-The Abdominals and Obliques (A.K.A: Abs): Provide the downward pull of your body that is essential for the thrust created by bending your torso (doubling over) as the ball is released.

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However, whilst bowling a multitude of auxiliary muscles contribute to your actions. Although these muscles are far too numerous to be named entirely, some of the more major auxiliary muscles include: The biceps, wrist flexors, Teres major/minor (very important - could be considered primary) and the other numerous muscles classed as "rotator cuff".

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Now, many of you are probably thinking: "Why hasn't he mentioned any "leg" muscles?" This is simply because you do not "bowl" with your legs. Yes you have to run in on your legs and yes they contribute majorly to bowling, but bowling is - in its purest form - an upper torso/shoulder action. Thus, "Leg" muscles are considered as 'supporting' muscles.

These supporting muscles include:

-Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus, Hamstring, Calf (Gastrocnemius and Soleus): These muscles are included in one, as these are the main muscle groups that attribute to running/jumping speed and power.

-Errector Spinae: Supports your back (extends), thus provides ability effectively use your core muscles during bowling and the ability to bend-back before bowling.

-Core Muscles (asides from those aforementioned): Provide stability to entire body throughout action.

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-Training these muscles:

In order to bowl effectively, it is essential that all of these muscles are strong and fit. To achieve this is ALL muscles through the use of a gym is impractical - thus, the best way to improve the condition of these muscles is to simply bowl.

However, it is vital that some muscles are strengthened through use of weight training to significantly improve power and ultimately bowling speed. Therefore, I would recommend using weights to increase the strength of the "main" muscles I listed in the first section (I would also recommend strengthening some of the "supporting" muscles to a lesser degree in order to resist injury and further enhance your "main" muscles.

By using the internet you can easily discover numerous exercises designed to strengthen the muscles listed I have recommended. If you conduct regular exercise, engaging these muscles over a period of 6-8+ weeks - obvious improvements will be felt and many of the "auxiliary" muscles will be strengthened as well.

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-NOTE:

You may be wondering why I have not focused heavily on arm muscles, notably, the biceps and triceps. This is because when bowling you are not allow to bend your arm! The biceps bend your arm and the triceps straighten your arm. Thus, the biceps are used minimally and only really after the ball has been bowled and a small bend occurs in the arm to provide whip (auxiliary). The triceps keep the arm straight throughout the action, so they could be listed as "supporting" but they contribute so minimally that I excluded them.

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Thankyou for reading this in depth analysis into the muscles associated with bowling (cricket). This guide is aimed to help fast bowlers recognise what muscles they are using and ways they can strengthen them - although this guide may also help bowlers of other disciplines as well.

Enjoy your cricket, and remember - Modern technology makes perfect!

(Copyright Jason Wright 2009).