YOUTH PREMIER LEAGUE
PACE BOWLER WELFARE
PACE BOWLERS TO BE LIMITED TO
• U13
Four overs maximum each spell* & Eight overs maximum per match. Target 100-120 balls per week (match & training)
• U15
Allow 4-6 weeks gradual bowling preparation prior to the season. Five overs maximum each spell* & twelve overs maximum per match. Target 100-120 balls per week (match & training)
Over the past year our understanding of how workload may contribute to bone stress injury in young fast bowlers has advanced significantly. As a result the existing youth fast bowling guidelines have been refined. Consultation with State/Territory medical and fitness staff, as well as pace bowling coaches, has provided a clear Australian Cricket position. Below is a summary of the rationale to change and the changes themselves.
• U17
Allow 6-8 weeks gradual bowling preparation prior to the season. Six overs maximum each spell* & 16 overs maximum per match. Target 120-150 balls per week (match & training)
• U19
Allow 8-10 weeks gradual bowling preparation prior to the season. Seven overs maximum each spell* & 20 overs maximum per match. Target 150-180 balls per week (match & training) *rest between spells should be the same number of overs from the same end as the completed spell
MANAGEMENT APPROACH • Lumbar (low back) stress fracture is the most debilitating fast bowler injury and results in the most time missed due to any injury in young fast bowlers • Adolescence provides a “window of opportunity” to improve bone strength with consistent bowling through this period when bone is thought to be responsive to well-planned loading. This has potential to develop a stronger thicker lumbar vertebrae that are better capable of withstanding the loads of fast bowling • Cricket Australia research shows that the frequency of bowling sessions (more sessions per week and less time between sessions) increases the risk of developing a lumbar stress fracture. This appears to be a more prominent risk factor than the number of balls bowled • Sustained bowling over a prolonged period of time (e.g 3 months) without a rest period was is also a risk factor in the development of lumbar stress fracture
1. AGE
2. WORKLOAD
• Growing bones
• Understand
are more susceptible to injury • Spinal bones don’t fully mature until the mid 20’s
previous loads • Plan & Monitor
3. TECHNIQUE 35º
for each individual • Avoid large load spikes
Counter-rotation Greater than 35º is a risk
• The existing guidelines are complex and can result in young bowlers not getting the consistent bowling through a week that they require for their physical and technical development
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UNDER 14 MALE YOUTH PREMIER LEAGUE 2018-19 | CRICKET VICTORIA