Effect Of Front Leg Brace On Bowling Speed of Cricket Fast Bowlers

Abstract

Cricket fast bowling is a dynamic, high-intensity activity in which bowlers repeatedly deliver the ball at maximum velocity. The front leg brace (FLB) in which the braced front leg functions as a biomechanical brake to channel run-up momentum into ball release speed has been theoretically linked to faster deliveries, yet empirical evidence among mixed-gender populations remains limited. This study investigated the effect of FLB on bowling speed among fast bowlers, and examined gender-based differences in FLB utilization and resultant ball release speed. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design was employed with a purposive sample of 50 fast bowlers (25 male, 25 female) recruited from cricket clubs in Lahore, Pakistan. Self-reported, 7-item Likert-scale questionnaires measuring FLB use and perceived bowling speed were administered (Cronbach's α = .811 and .817, respectively). Pearson correlation, linear regression, and independent-samples t-tests were performed using SPSS (v. 26.0). Results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between FLB use and bowling speed (r = .728, p < .01). Linear regression confirmed FLB as a significant positive predictor of bowling speed (β = .728, R² = .530, F = 54.035, p < .05). Male fast bowlers demonstrated significantly higher FLB utilization (M = 24.80 vs. 15.52, t = 12.782, df = 48, p < .001) and significantly higher bowling speed scores (M = 24.80 vs. 16.08, t = 10.736, df = 48, p < .001) compared to female fast bowlers. The study concludes that the FLB technique positively and significantly affects bowling speed, and that notable gender differences exist in its application. These findings carry practical implications for coaching, talent identification, and strength-and-conditioning programs for fast bowlers.