ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7737-1529
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2020
Abstract: Purpose : To investigate the relationship between prescribed (preDI), perceived (perDI), and actual delivery intensity (actDI) in cricket pace bowling. Methods : Fourteen male club-standard pace bowlers (mean [SD]: age 24.2 [3.2] y) completed 1 bowling session comprising 45 deliveries. The first 15 deliveries composed the warm-up, where participants bowled 3 deliveries each at a preDI of 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 95%. Bowlers reported the perDI after each delivery. The fastest delivery in the session was used as a reference to calculate relative ball-release speed for the warm-up deliveries, with this measure representing the actDI. Ball-release speed was captured by a radar gun. Results : For perDI, there was a very large relationship with preDI ( r s = .90, P .001). Similarly, for actDI, there was a large relationship with preDI ( r s = .52, P .001). Higher concordance was observed between perDI and preDI from 60% to 80% preDI. A plateau was observed for actDI from 70% to 95% preDI. Conclusions : The relationship between perDI and actDI was very large and large with respect to preDI, indicating that both variables can be used to monitor delivery intensity against the planned intensity and thus ensure healthy training adaptation. The optimal preDI that allowed pace bowlers to operate at submaximal perDI but still achieve close to maximal ball-release speeds was 70%. Bowling at the optimal preDI may significantly reduce the psychophysiological load per delivery in exchange for a trivial loss in ball-release speed.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2022
Abstract: Purpose: This study investigated the differences between selected physical attributes and ball release speed in slower and faster male and female elite pace bowlers. Methods: Twelve physical attributes and ball release speed were retrospectively analyzed from 63 male and 31 female elite pace bowlers over the course of 5 seasons. Pace bowlers were categorized as either fast ( .9 km/h, males and .8 km/h, females) or slow ( .9 km/h, males and .8 km/h, females) for each sex. Differences in physical attributes between slower and faster bowling groups were compared using Cohen d effect sizes. Results: Faster pace bowlers displayed differences in isometric midthigh-pull peak force ( d = 0.25, males and d = 0.68, females) and relative peak force ( d = 0.62, males and d = 0.77, females). Faster male pace bowlers displayed differences in relative ( d = 0.61) and absolute ( d = 0.39) countermovement jump heights. Faster female pace bowlers displayed differences in 1-repetition-maximum bench-pull strength ( d = 0.45) and run-of-3 performance (relative average, d = 1.22 relative best, d = 1.12 average, d = 0.49 and best, d = 0.40). Conclusions: Anaerobic dominant physical attributes appear to be important in both male and female pace bowlers. The contribution of these physical attributes to ball release speed appears to differ slightly between males and females. Lower-body strength (males and females), lower-body power (males), relative anaerobic capacities (females), and upper-body strength (females) appear to distinguish between slower and faster elite pace bowlers.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2018
Abstract: To evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of performance measures in a novel pace-bowling test. Thirteen male amateur-club fast bowlers completed a novel pace-bowling test on 2 separate occasions, 4-7 d apart. Participants delivered 48 balls (8 overs) at 5 targets on a suspended sheet situated behind a live batter, who stood in a right-handed and left-handed stance for an equal number of deliveries. Delivery instruction was frequently changed, with all deliveries executed in a preplanned sequence. Data on ball-release speed were captured by radar gun. A high-speed camera captured the moment of ball impact on the target sheet for assessment of radial error and bivariate variable error. Delivery rating of perceived exertion (0-100%) was collected as a measure of intensity. Intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation revealed excellent reliability for peak and mean ball-release speed, acceptable reliability for delivery rating of perceived exertion, and poor reliability for mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and variability of ball-release speed. The smallest worthwhile change indicated high sensitivity with peak and mean ball-release speed and lower sensitivity with mean radial error and bivariate variable error. The novel pace-bowling test incorporates improvements in ecological validity compared with its predecessors and can be used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of pace-bowling performance. Data on the smallest worthwhile change can improve interpretation of pace-bowling research findings and may therefore influence recommendations for applied practice.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-05-2023
DOI: 10.1177/17479541231154073
Abstract: Coach behaviour has received extensive attention in our literature base. This is particularly the case in recent times where systematic observations have highlighted common behaviours exhibited by coaches across various contexts. The current literature, however, lacks significant focus on the behaviours and practices of player-coaches. This is surprising given that these in iduals may represent a significant proportion of the non-professional sporting industry. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the differences in behaviours used by a player-coach and head coach within the sport of cricket and provide a position statement as to how and why further research in this area could be conducted. One head coach (age = 26 y Level 1 Cricket Australia coaching accreditation) and one player-coach (age = 30 y Level 2 Cricket Australia coaching accreditation) were filmed during their typical practice sessions at various points of the cricket season. The behaviours of each coach were coded using a modified, cricket-specific version of the Coach Analysis and Intervention System. 1 Across 12 practice sessions (head coach n = 4, number of minutes recorded = 1004 player-coach n = 8, number of minutes recorded = 567), observation (on task) and questioning (convergent) were the two most frequent behaviours, irrespective of the coach's role. The player-coach tended to use more instruction when compared to the head-coach, in addition to asking fewer ( ergent) questions. Significantly more of the session was spent observing (on task) by the head coach than the player-coach. Specific to this study, the player-coach spent significantly more time involved in training as a player than the head coach. Based on the current findings, it appears that the role of the player-coach is likely to shape practice and behaviour. Indeed, we deploy social theory to provide tentative explanations for these key differences. Overall, this paper is among the first to explore the role and practices of the player-coach. Given that player-coaches likely make up a significant proportion of the non-professional sporting industry, much greater research and attention is needed on this area moving forward. In particular, we feel that multiple or mixed-method studies that engage with social theory would be well positioned to develop generative insights into a) intentions behind the deployment of player-coach behaviour, b) actual behaviours engaged, and c) athlete (and others’) perceptions of such practice. Doing so would provide significant opportunities to develop bespoke education for this highly specialised – yet under examined – role.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2021
Abstract: Purpose : This study investigated the acute warm-up effects of modified-implement bowling on bowling speed, accuracy, perceived rhythm and perceived sensation with a regular ball. Methods : A total of 13 male amateur pace bowlers completed 3 sessions in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Each session comprised a warm-up of 21 progressive-effort deliveries with either a regular (156 g), 10% heavier (171.6 g), or 10% lighter (140.4 g) cricket ball followed by a 4-over pace-bowling assessment with a regular ball. Bowling speed was assessed with a radar gun, while accuracy was calculated via the radial error. Subjects rated their perceived exertion (0%–100%), rhythm (1–5 Likert scale), and sensation (1–5 Likert scale) after each delivery. Results : The linear mixed models revealed a significant effect for warm-up condition on perceived delivery sensation ( F 2,916.404 = 24.137, P .001), with a significant pairwise difference between the regular- and heavier-ball warm-up conditions of 0.20 ± 0.07 points (estimated marginal mean ± 95% confidence interval, P .001). There were no statistically significant effects for warm-up condition on bowling speed, accuracy, and perceived delivery rhythm. Conclusions : These findings indicate that although the regular ball felt lighter to bowl with after using the heavier ball, there were no overall potentiating or detrimental effects of using this particular modified-implement warm-up on bowling speed, accuracy, and perceived rhythm in amateur pace bowlers. Future research is encouraged to trial other protocols for eliciting potentiation to ultimately enhance bowling speed in training or in shorter match formats (eg, Twenty20).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-023-07199-Y
Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by athletes either prophylactically for the prevention of pain, or to accelerate recovery following an injury. However, these types of pain management strategies have been shown to inhibit signalling pathways (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2) that may hinder muscular adaptations such as hypertrophy and strength. Nutraceuticals such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) have analgesic properties that act via different mechanisms to NSAIDS/analgesics. Furthermore, PEA has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep and may contribute positively to muscle hypertrophy via PKB activation. Although PEA has not been widely studied in the athletic or recreationally active population, it may provide an alternative solution for pain management if it is found not to interfere with, or enhance training adaptations. Therefore, the study aim is to investigate the effects of daily PEA supplementation (Levagen + ®) with resistance training on lean body mass, strength, power and physical performance and outcomes of recovery (e.g., sleep) compared to placebo. This double-blind, randomised controlled study will take place over an 11-week period (including 8-weeks of progressive resistance training). Participants for this study will be 18–35 years old, healthy active adults that are not resistance trained. Participants will attend a familiarisation (week 0), pre-testing (week 1) and final-testing (week 11). At the pre-testing and final-testing weeks, total lean body mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry DXA), total mid-thigh cross sectional area (pQCT), maximal muscular strength (1 repetition maximum bench press, isometric mid-thigh pull) and power (countermovement jump and bench throw) will be assessed. Additionally, circulating inflammatory cytokines and anabolic hormones, sleep quality and quantity (ActiGraph), pain and subjective wellbeing (questionnaires) will also be examined. This study is designed to investigate the effects that PEA may have on pre-to post intervention changes in total body and regional lean muscle mass, strength, power, sleep, subjective wellbeing, and pain associated with resistance training and menstruation compared with the placebo condition. Unlike other NSAIDs and analgesics, which may inhibit muscle protein synthesis and training adaptations, PEA which provides analgesia via alternative mechanisms may provide an alternative pain management solution. It is therefore important to determine if this analgesic compound interferes with or enhances training adaptations so that athletes and active in iduals can make an informed decision on their pain management strategies. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR: ACTRN12621001726842p).
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 16-05-2033
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003725
Abstract: Dudley, CE, Drinkwater, EJ, and Feros, SA. Different cluster-loading protocols have no effect on intraset and interset power expression. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1763–1769, 2022—This study investigated the effect of cluster-loading protocols on changes in hang power clean (HPC) power characteristics. Ten trained weightlifters (7 male, 3 female, HPC 1.28 [M] 1.03 [F] × body mass) completed 4 experimental protocols in a randomized repeated-measures design. Protocols were traditional, a basic cluster, and 2 undulating clusters. Each protocol comprised 3 sets of 5 HPC repetitions at an average of 70% 1 repetition maximum (RM). The load for undulating cluster protocols ranged between 60 and 80% 1RM. Countermovement jumps (CMJs) were performed before and after each protocol to gauge effect on neuromuscular status. Statistical analysis comprised a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Peak power was significantly greater in the fifth repetition of the basic cluster set protocol compared with the traditional set protocol (mean ± SD : 6.6 ± 2.8%, p = 0.043, g = 0.25). Neither undulating load protocol significantly altered set power characteristics compared with basic cluster sets however, when analyzing repetition data, peak power increased as load increased (and vice versa), indicating the prescribed loads were suboptimal for power expression in this s le. There was no change in CMJ height between protocols. Coaches should prescribe inter-repetition rest to maintain peak power across multiple repetitions and sets. Basic cluster protocols seem to be the most practical choice over undulating cluster protocols because there is no need to adjust load between repetitions.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 12-2022
Abstract: Purpose : To determine whether the most important physical qualities in elite Australian male and female cricket pace bowlers change with age and phase of the cricket season. Methods : An existing longitudinal database (7 cricket seasons) of selected and routinely collected physical testing data from 103 male and 58 female elite Australian pace bowlers age 18–30 years was retrospectively analyzed. Male and female physical testing data from the isometric midthigh pull, 1-repetition-maximum bench pull, run-of-3, and countermovement jump (male only) were analyzed separately by performing linear mixed models on each of the physical qualities. Type III analysis-of-variance tests were conducted to determine if a significant effect existed within the fixed effects of age, season phase, and the age × season phase interaction. Appropriate pairwise comparisons were conducted. Results : Absolute and relative measures of force in the isometric midthigh pull and strength in the 1-repetition-maximum bench pull tests were significantly greater in older male and female pace bowlers. Older male pace bowlers demonstrated significantly faster absolute and relative best run-of-3 times. Conclusions : Most physical qualities across both male and female pace bowlers demonstrated an improvement with age. This is likely due to a training effect and would be anticipated to lead to a gradual enhancement of ball release speed, in accordance with previous research. Future research should look to investigate the relationship between the development of physical qualities and ball release speed among elite male and female pace bowlers.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002587
Abstract: Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Relationship between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2812–2825, 2019—Although strength and conditioning of cricket pace bowlers has become more specialized in recent times, little is understood about the interplay between physical capacities, pace bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill measures. This study sought to determine these interrelationships. Thirty-one male club-standard pace bowlers completed 3 test sessions on separate occasions 4–7 days apart. The first testing session comprised an 8-over pace bowling assessment, where bowling skill and selected bowling kinematics were measured. A physical test battery was completed over the remaining 2 sessions. Peak and mean ball release (BR) speed were related with 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength ( r s = 0.56, p = 0.005) and correlated with 20-m sprint time ( r s = −0.42, p = 0.022 r s = −0.37, p = 0.044, respectively). Mean radial error was associated with 10-m and 20-m sprint times ( r s = 0.41, p = 0.030 r s = 0.38, p = 0.037, respectively), and correlated with height and peak power from 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) ( r s = −0.39, p = 0.036 r s = −0.41, p = 0.031, respectively), and mean peak power from 20 CMJs ( r s = −0.45, p = 0.020). Bivariate variable error was correlated with front-leg extension angle at BR ( r s = 0.41, p = 0.036), and also with approach speed ( r s = −0.36, p = 0.050). These relationships may assist strength and conditioning coaches in designing more effective training programs to enhance bowling speed and accuracy. Training interventions are warranted, however, to validate these associations.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002940
Abstract: Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596–2607, 2020—This study investigated the efficacy of combined “general,” “special,” and “specific” resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group ( n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted) and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group ( n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a “clear moderate” enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s −1 , d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a “clear large” increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a “clear large” rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited “unclear” changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed “unclear” changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of “specific” resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2018
Abstract: Objectives : To evaluate the current evidence regarding the quantification of cricket fast-bowling skill. Methods : Studies that assessed fast-bowling skill (bowling speed and accuracy) were identified from searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) in June 2017. The reference lists of identified papers were also examined for relevant investigations. Results : A total of 16 papers matched the inclusion criteria, and discrepancies in assessment procedures were evident. Differences in test environment, pitch, and cricket ball characteristics the warm-up prior to test test familiarization procedures permitted run-up lengths bowling spell length delivery sequence test instructions collection of bowling speed data and collection and reportage of bowling accuracy data were apparent throughout the literature. The reliability and sensitivity of fast-bowling skill measures have rarely been reported across the literature. Only 1 study has attempted to assess the construct validity of its skill measures. Conclusions : There are several discrepancies in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed and subsequently quantified in the literature to date. This is a problem, because comparisons between studies are often difficult. Therefore, a strong rationale exists for the creation of match-specific standardized fast-bowling assessments that offer greater ecological validity while maintaining acceptable reliability and sensitivity of the skill measures. If prospective research can act on the proposed recommendations from this review, then coaches will be able to make more informed decisions surrounding player selection, talent identification, return to skill following injury, and the efficacy of short- and long-term training interventions for fast bowlers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 31-08-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003780
Abstract: Allsopp, GL, Hoffmann, SM, Feros, SA, Pasco, JA, Russell, AP, and Wright, CR. The effect of normobaric hypoxia on resistance training adaptations in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2306–2312, 2022—The effect of normobaric hypoxia on strength, body composition, and cardiovascular fitness was investigated after a resistance training intervention in older adults. A single-blinded, randomized control trial recruited 20 healthy adults aged 60–75 years for an 8-week resistance training intervention in normoxia ( n = 10) or normobaric hypoxia (14.4% O 2 n = 10). Subjects performed 2 sessions per week of upper-body and lower-body exercises at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Pretraining and post-training, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 max), muscular endurance (30 maximal knee flexions/extensions), and 5RM were assessed, with 5RM used to calculate 1RM. Subjects underwent whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at pretraining and post-training for fat and lean mass quantification. Significance was set at p 0.05. Subjects in both groups substantially improved their calculated 1RM strength for leg extension, pectoral fly, row, and squat (normoxia 30, 38, 27, and 29%, hypoxia 43, 50, 28, and 64%, respectively) however, hypoxia did not augment this response. Hypoxia did not enhance V̇O 2 max or muscular endurance responses after the training intervention, with no improvements seen in either group. Fat mass and lean mass remained unchanged in both groups after the intervention. In summary, 8 weeks of resistance training in hypoxia was well tolerated in healthy older adults and increased upper-body and lower-body strength. However, the magnitude of strength and lean muscle improvements in hypoxia was no greater than normoxia therefore, there is currently no evidence to support the use of hypoxic resistance training in older adults.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-04-2021
No related grants have been discovered for Simon Feros.