In pursuit of precısion: assessing the impact of physical attributes on change of direction speed ın women's cricket

Cricket demands a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and precision, with physical fitness crucial in achieving sports excellence. While previous research has highlighted the importance of physical attributes such as speed, explosive power, and agility, the complex interactions between these factors about change of direction speed (CODS) still need to be better understood. This study investigated the relationship between CODS and key physical measures among female cricket players, providing insights into the factors influencing athletic performance in cricket. Thirty female cricketers (aged 16-26 years) participated in the study, undergoing assessments of CODS, speed, vertical jump, and broad jump. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to examine the relationships between these physical measures and CODS. Reliability was deemed to be poor (<0.3), moderate (0.4<0.6), and strong (0.7≤) based on prior research. Significant positive correlations were observed between agility and acceleration and maximal speed tests, underscoring the importance of speed in cricket performance. Furthermore, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between CODS and explosive lower body power tests, highlighting the significance of lower body explosiveness for rapid directional shifts in cricket. Regression analysis revealed that speed, broad jump, and vertical jump collectively contributed to a strong predictive model for agility. Enhancing speed, explosive power, and agility through targeted training interventions could improve cricket players' on-field performance and competitive edge. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between physical attributes and cricket performance, offering practical insights for player development and strategic improvement. Key Words: Change of Direction Speed; Physical Attributes; Explosive Power; Agility