Lumbar spine stress fracture is the most debilitating injury in fast bowlers in cricket. Plus, there is the additional burden of missing the practice sessions for long time due to the fracture.
Main reason behind these stress fractures is, more cricket practice sessions and less time given for recovery.
Young adolescent, the age between 13-19 years, is the age when all hormonal changes occur, there is puberty and maximum growth. Hence we need to be more careful, as this is the age of growth. If we take good care at this age when the body is growing, we can make the spine bones stronger, which are better capable of withstanding the loads of fast bowling.
Following recommendations are to reduce injury in both training and game:-
1) Cricket Australia Bowling Workload Guidelines:
- Under 11 years : 2 over limit each spell and 4 over limit per match
- Under 13 years: 4 over limit each spell and 8 over limit per match. 100-120 balls per week.
- Under 15 years: 5 over limit each spell and 12 over limit per match. 100-120 balls per week.
- Under 17 years: 6 over limit each spell and 16 over limit per match. 120-150 balls per week.
- Under 19 years: 7 over limit each spell and 20 over limit per match. 150-180 balls per week.
2) Guidelines for recovery:
- Avoid bowling for more than 2 days in a row
- Avoid bowling for more than 4 days in a week
- Allow one easy week (50% of target load) every 4-5 weeks
- Schedule a week off bowling after every 10-12 weeks of bowling to allow body to recover.
3) Follow a Periodized schedule for fitness, training and matches for the year with appropriate workload increments and recovery sessions.
4) Adequate nutrition, vitamin and mineral recommendations by an expert is a must.
5) Regular injury risk physiotherapy screenings and exercises to reduce muscle imbalances is required.
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Failing to plan is planning to fail